Can an oil finish dry out?

BassFinger · Post by **BassFinger** » Friday Sep 19, 2008

I have an oil finish/natural finish bass. Does the oil finish dry out that it needs reapplication? Or does it need occasional waxing?

Does anyone local refinish guitars?

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Friday Sep 19, 2008

I would say yes it would dry out, but if I'm not mistaken, it would have a thin coat of clear over it. I've never owned one myself, but I'm just making an educated guess on this. (or uneducated

)

Paul would be able to answer you better than me. Shoot him a PM about this. He also refinishes guitars, so he'd be able to hook you up on that one also.

His screen name on here is Paul. When you pm him ask for Paul.

Post by **Ron** » Friday Sep 19, 2008

Call Homer Formby, haha. Seriously, I'm not sure if there is any clear coat or not. Paul would definitely be the guy to ask. His email is paul@bigheadguitars.com.

TJ Kelly · Post by **TJ Kelly** » Sunday Sep 21, 2008

A true oil finish bass will indeed dry out and should be waxed every so often. Think most Warick basses!

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Sunday Sep 21, 2008

TJ Kelly wrote:A true oil finish bass will indeed dry out and should be waxed every so often. Think most Warick basses!

I was thinking so, but like I said, I've never owned one.
So then it's wax, and not a 'clear coat'. I knew there was something , but not sure what exactly. Thanks for the insight TJ.
I love a nice oil finish myself, especially if there's a nice grain pattern, or an exotic wood. I'm gettin' wood just thinkin about it

MOONDOGGY · Post by **MOONDOGGY** » Sunday Sep 21, 2008

There shouldn't be any clear coating on an oil finish. Tung oil should never dry out completely, but it may help to re-apply every year or so. Some companies may use a sealer under the oil to allow for even oil application, but it's not necessary. However, the more oil on the bass, the less dirt it will be able to soak up. Oil finishes, especially on necks tend to get dirty, unless it's on a darker wood like Walnut or Mahogany. But, too much oil might leave the bass a bit greasy, so I'm not sure exactly what to tell you.

The place to find out anything you can about oil finishes would be under the 'Luthier's Section' on Talkbass.com.

Hope this helps.

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Sunday Sep 21, 2008

That does make sense, cause how would the clear coat cover an oily surface? It wouldn't atleast not w/out getting fish eyes. I never thought of that actually.

paul · Post by **paul** » Monday Sep 22, 2008

I dont think I would use wax to go over a oil finish as it will just fill your grain a little bit but you will end up with a waxy build up after a while like old furniture. You want to apply more tung oil instead (oil will penetrate, wax will for the most part sit on top). Sand the body with 600 sandpaper and re apply tung oil, let soak in and dry and repeat after like 24 hours. You dont want to use to much at a time as it might seem a little sticky. Use nice thin coats the wood will take in the oil only so much so dont go balls or you will end up with a mess and to much oil. I would do it every so often (maybe a couple times a year) just as normal maintenance if needed. I have oiled a few bodies and they have turned out beautiful but it is definetly not like clearcoat it will require a little more TLC to keep it looking factory fresh over the years as clearcoat can just be hand rubbed out to bring back the original shine.
Paul