Official Luthiers Forum!

I recently installed frets on a fretboard that I made out of Ebony & then I finished it with Tung Oil. Bad idea!!! I really do not like the finish. This is my first attempt at this & I think in future I should finish the fretboard first & then install the frets because part of the ugly finish I have so superbly been able to accomplish are those extra special shiny spots along the edge of the frets, whereas the rest of the board is not as shiny.

Anybody have an idea how to get this stuff off? I would sincerely appreciate some advice.

there is no reason to put a finish on ebony.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Now I find out. As your signature says " You don't know what you don't know until you try it " !! I hate that when that happens

But.............Can I get this stuff off ??????

Try some 0000 steel wool with some Watco oil soaked into it. Should cut the tung oil & leave a soft oil finish. It takes some work to get the steel wool fibres back off, especially right next to the frets.

Scrape if off with a razor blade.

Ditto on the razor blade it will come right off. I use a special linseed oil fwiw.