What kind of Laquer on JEM necks?

[Metallion]

What kind of Lacquer is used for the backside of the Maple JEM necks?
Is it sprayed on?

In some pictures it seems like no laquer at all or a super thin layer.

On a fretless maple fingerboard, do you need some Epoxy coating?

[Kelljem]

I'm about to finish a new maple JEM neck and was told that a thin sprayed on coat of Nitro-Cellulose Lacquer is the way to go. After it dries it can be sanded lightly.
Another option I'm looking into is the finish that Ernie Ball recommends for their necks - Gunstock oil followed by a light wax.

[Ayrton]

Ibanez necks are finished with poly.

I usually remove the poly, and refinish with Tru Oil and wax (ala Ernie Ball).

[Shrigg]

Originally Posted by Ayrton

Ibanez necks are finished with poly.

I usually remove the poly, and refinish with Tru Oil and wax (ala Ernie Ball).

I am about to do the Tru Oil thing also. Got any application tips? How thick or thin, how many coats, do light sanding/000 steel wooling after it dries, etc.? What kind of wax do you then use?

Thanks,
Shrigg

[Metallion]

Originally Posted by Ayrton

Ibanez necks are finished with poly.

Polyurethane?

[Kelljem]

If you do a search here about Tru Oil you'll find a great link that explains exactly how to apply the oil and wax. Sorry, I lost the link or I'd post it up..

[Ayrton]

Originally Posted by Shrigg

I am about to do the Tru Oil thing also. Got any application tips? How thick or thin, how many coats, do light sanding/000 steel wooling after it dries, etc.? What kind of wax do you then use?

Thanks,
Shrigg

You can't really screw Tru Oil up. I sand off the poly with 220 grit paper (just enough to remove the finish, no need to really dig into the wood). Then smooth it out with 320 and then apply 2-3 coats of oil with a cotton rag. Lightly buff between coats with 0000 steel wool (or brass wool if you can find it). Finish up with some wax and thats it.

Tru Oil and the matching wax are Birchwood Casey products and can be found at gun stores, bigger sporting goods stores, or online.

Originally Posted by Metallion

Polyurethane?

Yes.

[Metallion]

Are there any Picture examples around of the Tru Oil version necks?

[Ayrton]

I am sure you could find some, but it wont look any different than a poly neck. The difference is in how they feel.

[pumin]

pic of tru-oil neck found on internet

I wonder if it's more or less sticky than (Ibanez) poly.

[Ayrton]

Once Tru Oil cures completely, you can buff it super slick. Personally I prefer to knock off the gloss, but as you can see above, it can be shined up pretty well.

No sticky feeling either way.

[Ad_Astra]

Originally Posted by Metallion

What kind of Lacquer is used for the backside of the Maple JEM necks?

No idea, cause I sand it away. Looks like small dust to me

I've sanded two Jem necks now. Haven't put ANYthing on them after sanding. I prefer the feel of soft wood instead of slicky 'n icky ooze on it. I'd sand the neck of my Les Paul, too, but it's white and would look bad after that :-|

The question is, can this cause any harm to the necks?

[Ayrton]

Originally Posted by Ad_Astra

The question is, can this cause any harm to the necks?

Possibly, you normal sweat can cause warpage over time. If you plan to keep the raw wood necks, at least wax the neck to offer some protection against staining and moisture.

[indeedido]

I always just use tung oil and 0000 steel wool. I've never put wax on it. What does the wax do? I've never had any issues in the last decade.

[Ayrton]

Well the wax (gun stock wax) just increases the slick feel. If you are happy with the tung oil, just leave it.