Trying to find a recommendation from over a year ago for wipe-on neck finish?

[Dave Locher]

Okay, so here's what happened: my baby boy was born March 6, 2012. Which means I haven't touched my 2/3-done guitar project since, well, March 6, 2012.

Sometime before his birth there was a thread on this forum about a product sold for hardwood floors that made a great wipe-on finish for necks. I didn't write it down because at the time I was planning to lacquer my neck, but now I'm thinking that might be the way I'd prefer to go. Problem is, I can't find that thread.

Anyone know of what I speak? I seem to remember that it was not terribly expensive, was possibly water based, and online reviews raved about it. I think it might have even been available at Lowe's but can't find it on their site?

[David King]

I might have recommended the OSMO poly-x oil which is a low stink oil finish that doesn't build on the surface. It's a bit more than Tru-oil but I think you use less -even doing the recommended three coats. It seems a lot harder and it dries faster too with less smell.

[Dave Locher]

Well the stuff I am thinking of was made for floors and counter tops but there were at least a couple people on this forum who said it gave a great satin finish on necks that was easy to apply and easy to touch up?

[Waddy Thomson]

Do I recall Mario mentioning that he had used Waterlox on his floors with great results?

[Dave Locher]

Waterlox!! That is it. Thank you!!
It has been over a year, but I specifically recall at least two builders here on the MIMF saying it was nice for necks. I have plenty of scrap so I'll be experimenting soon.

[David King]

Waterlox isn't usually available in small quantities so you'll want to line up a few projects to use it up before it gels in the can. You can also store the can upside down with a squirt of bloxygen (inert argon gas) to keep a skin from forming.

I just checked the website and they now sell it directly in 2 oz bottles for $4.80. That would be enough for many necks I would think.

The OSMO I mentioned above is a fairly new oil finish from Germany that is a floor finish. It has become much more widely available in the last year.

Something I discovered the other day is that many varnishes aren't approved for use on floors because they yield a surface that is too slippery. Maybe a floor finish isn't the best thing for necks after all?

[Ron Belanger]

When I open the can of Waterlox, I decant it into smaller 4 oz containers. As I use it I crush the smaller cans to keep the level of finish near the top of the can and store it upside down.