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Question Regarding Gunstock Wax/Oil Finish

W

waylay00

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Apr 26, 2008
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Hello guys,

I'm new to these forums, but I've always been a fan of Ernie Ball guitars and basses! I hope to get one of my own soon (probably a Silhouette Special). Part of the reason I love them so much is the feel of the necks. I have decided that I want the necks of my other guitars (Strat and a few Ibanez RGs) to feel like them too!

So after searching these forums a bit, I discovered that I needed Birchwood Casey Gunstock Oil and Gunstock Wax. Well, I have the stuff now, but I'm unsure about the application process.

1) Considering that my necks are currently finished in something, how much do I need to sand off of them before I can apply the wax and oil?

2) And then, how does one actually apply the wax and oil? I've searched but I cannot seem to come up with a definitive answer.

Sorry if these questions are asked a lot!

Regards,
Wade
 
phatduckk

phatduckk

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hmm... since you're other guitars' necks are finished its just not gonna work unless you get rid of the clear coat and/or paint on the necks. its quite a job but a few people here have done that procedure to their MM Bongos' necks.

So, think long and hard and decide whether you wanna take a sander to the necks. i wouldnt... but if you do check out http://www.ernieball.com/faq_content.php?subjectcode=mm_guitars for the oil n wax procedure. also try a search on this forum cuz this have come up quite a bit

good luck
 
W

waylay00

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Germantown (Memphis), TN
Thanks for the answer.

My main question is the application process. Do I rub the oil in with my fingers or a rag or what?

Also, how do I apply the wax and how long do I let it sit there?

These are the questions I cannot find answers to.
 
Spudmurphy

Spudmurphy

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waylay00 said:
Thanks for the answer.

My main question is the application process. Do I rub the oil in with my fingers or a rag or what?

Also, how do I apply the wax and how long do I let it sit there?

These are the questions I cannot find answers to.
Click to expand...

In the factory - they use paper towels.

Don't let the oil stay there for too long - literally wipe on and then wipe off - otherwise it goes "gloopy" (I've been there:eek:)
 
candid_x

candid_x

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It's simple really. Once you have the neck down to bare wood and ready (however you choose to do that), apply Tru Oil with a cloth, leave on only a very short time, maybe 20-30 seconds (or it makes a mess when it starts to dry thick), then wipe it off with paper towels. Do not treat rosewood board with Tru Oil. If you choose to follow up with the wax, apply and wipe dry. Buff out with a cotton cloth. Done.
 
TonyEVH5150

TonyEVH5150

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Spudmurphy said:
In the factory - they use paper towels.

Don't let the oil stay there for too long - literally wipe on and then wipe off - otherwise it goes "gloopy" (I've been there:eek:)
Click to expand...

I can attest to that. One of the first times I tried the gunstock oil and wax treatment, I left the oil on for too long. I had to leave it on for 24 hours, then hit it with steel wool.

Definitely check out the FAQ on the EB website, and follow the tips these guys have laid out.
 
TonyEVH5150

TonyEVH5150

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Oil it once. You can wax once, or as many times as you want until the desired finish is achieved.

I treat my necks to the oil/wax about every six months. I would think no more than twice a year.
 
Butch Snyder

Butch Snyder

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lumberjack

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Lou

Lou

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You can also get a satin feel to a neck by using a 3M Scotchbrite pad (green). Tape of the parts of the neck/guitar you don't wanna rough up. Wet the pad, ring out excess and lightly rub the neck in small sections back and forth lengthwise. When you are done your neck will feel smoother and less sticky, but it will still be sealed. Eventually your hand will buff up the neck to a shine again, and you can retreat the neck as above.
 
W

waylay00

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OK, last night I went ahead and "washed" the neck down with the 3:1 solution of Murphy Oil Soap. I also sanded down any remaining finish on the neck. Tonight, I will apply the Tru Oil and Wax to the neck and fretboard.

The Murphy Soap has already made a huge difference on this neck (Ibanez RG550 neck)! It looks extremely clean now.
 
Last edited:
W

waylay00

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Germantown (Memphis), TN
Update...

I oiled the back of the neck pretty unevenly the first time (as in not every inch was covered), so I buffed it with steel wool and applied evenly the second time with an old t-shirt (I just poured some onto the shirt and wiped down the neck two times fron peghead to heel, going with the grain). After ten seconds, I wiped it off.

It feels so smooth that I really cannot tell if I put enough (or let it dry long enough). Am I doing it correctly?

Then, I proceeded to do the fretboard (which was bare). I put some on the t-shirt and wiped each fret, let it "dry" for 10-15 seconds, and wiped off with a clean t-shirt. So far so good.

Tomorrow, I might apply another coat to the board and the back of the neck, but I'm not sure.

I also have to apply the wax.
 
Last edited:
W

waylay00

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Apr 26, 2008
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Location
Germantown (Memphis), TN
OK, the neck is finished! I applied the Birchwood Casey Wax this morning. I put some on my finger and just rubbed up and down the neck until all spots were covered and it was dry. Then I did one wipe with a paper towel.

One word - WOW...

The wax just makes a great fell all that better. Now the neck is EXTREMELY fast. Probably the fastest I've ever felt.

I'll be putting the neck on the body tonight or tomorrow. Then I have to wire the pickups (Dimarzio PAF Pros) and set it up. Pics to follow.
 
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