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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on September 29, 2021 at 11:07am

Hi, I would consider using a white enamel rattle can paint. I would add Shellac to the board and apply a wax.

i have done this but using a black paint. Depends on the degree of quality finish required on the neck, the grain will have to be filled before painting, if a smooth surface is required.

Taff

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Permalink Reply by Carl Floyd on September 29, 2021 at 11:36am

Speaking of filling the grain, does anyone use grain filler on Red Oak fretboards?  If so, what?  TIA.

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on September 29, 2021 at 2:27pm

Hi Carl, I have never needed a fingerboard finished to that degree. If I put any kind of finish on a fingerboard it would be Rock Maple, and that does not need grain filling. I've seen cheap guitars with a finish on them to make them look like ebony. 

Taff

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Permalink Reply by Carl Floyd on September 29, 2021 at 3:07pm

I much prefer bare rosewood.  Not sure how that will work with Red Oak.

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Jordan on September 30, 2021 at 7:56am

I would agree with Taffy. White enamel rattle can for the neck, and clear shellac for the fingerboard. Normally I use amber shellac on Oak, but clear would work just as well. I usually wipe it on with a foam disposable brush or pad, then wipe off the excess immediately, using the shellac as a sealer more than a finish.

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on September 30, 2021 at 9:34am

I agree with Taff, rattlecan enamel is the closest thing to the old cellulose paint used on vintage guitars? Even better with a base coat of a quality rattlecan primer/sealer? Cheers  :) keep us posted?

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