Tru-Oil Substitute for Necks

[John LaTorre]

I've always used Tru-Oil for finishing the necks of my guitars and mandolins because they get so much more contact with skin and perspiration, etc.

Now that Tru-Oil is increasingly difficult to get here in California (LMII no longer carries it, and most of the gun stores can't get fresh stuff anymore), what would be the next best thing for guitar necks? My current stock is over three years old and I don't really trust it now.

[Barry Daniels]

Amazon carries it. However, if you existing stock hasn't dried out, it should work fine.

[John LaTorre]

Amazon carries it. However, if you existing stock hasn't dried out, it should work fine.

I'm not sure Amazon would ship it to a California address, but it's worth asking. The "sell by" date on my unopened bottle is 2021, so it will probably do.

[Mike Perez]

You'll need to find the right seller. Smaller sellers do ship. I got my Tru Oil about two months ago.

[John LaTorre]

Thanks, all.

I found an unopened bottle in the back of my supply cabinet. I've tested it and it seems to work well, so I think I'm set for the next three or four necks.

[John Tuttle]

Am I missing something here? The manufacturer of TruOil, Birchwood Casey is still producing it.
It can be purchsed directly through their website, I believe.

https://www.birchwoodcasey.com/gun-refinishing/wood/

[Barry Daniels]

If I need a replacement for Tru-Oil I use Minwax Wipe on Poly. Works very similarly, cures hard, and looks good when sanded to a satin sheen. They carry it at home depot.

Minwax Wipe on Poly

[Ellis Schweitzer]

When you use the Minwax wipe on poly, how many coats do you use? Do you use it straight or cut it? Do you also use it on the head stock?
Do you have any experience using the Wudtone products?

[Barry Daniels]

It doesn't take much before starting to build a coat. So you can do 3 or 4 for a minimal finish or many to try to build a sheen. But to be honest I don't use this finish very often. I usually spray lacquer up to a dozen coats for my finishes. Never heard of Wudtone. What kind of finish is it?

[Ellis Schweitzer]

Thanks Barry, re: Wudtone, I found it online,made in the UK. They claim to offer dye and finishing kits for solid body and necks. I have no experience with using their product's. They are available via Amizon, and BYO guitar in Amherst NH. I've used the poly for other projects, and was thinking of using it for a Mahogany solid body.

[Dan Smith]

I tried wipe on poly for a neck.
I did not like the feel, it kind of gripped my hand.
I sanded it with p800 paper and it was acceptable.

I use thinned poly on Maple fretboards.
I thin it with mineral spirits.
I found the minwax wipe on in a can was too thick to obtain a smooth finish.

[Barry Daniels]

Have you used Tru-Oil, Dan? It might give you a better feeling finish.

I like to leave a 800 grit sanded finish on some lacquered necks.

[Dan Smith]

I’ve used truoil on necks and bodies. Great stuff.