Official Luthiers Forum!

I have read here and other places that Tru-Oil is easily repaired... So, what does that mean? It goes on very thin. I have just finished my 4th build with Tru-Oil (I'll post photos soon) and I have noticed that my finger nails have put little dents just below the strings. I play finger style and didn't realize that my finger nails hit the top somewhat. I have not put a pick guard on this one (yet). I have also noticed other small dents in the top. Can I go over the dents with Tru-Oil to "fix" these dents? I guess it would take many coats...

Hi Steve - I have the same problem with mine, little dents from my fingernails. I was advised by Al Carruth to lightly sand the dented area, and put a little water on it to try and swell the dented-in fibers. Haven't done it yet, but will this weekend. I'm hoping to blend the existing finished area into the disturbed area, if you know what I mean, to avoid having to sand down the entire top. Al said it will work, so it will! Then I will apply my clear pickguard material over the Tu-oil after letting it cure a few weeks and polishing it with Novus.

Don't think adding oil on top of dents will swell them out though.

Steve

I sealed my top with Z-poxy before applying the Tru-Oil, so I don't think that (in my case) sanding the area and applying moisture is going to bring up the fibers of the wood. I am also thinking that the very fine dents from my finger nails are in the finish, not the wood. After hearing how great Tru-Oil is for repair, I'd like to hear from someone that has done some repair w/ TO...

I'm bumping this thread to see if anyone has any thing to say about the repair capabilities of Tru-Oil. I apologize to those that are sick of hearing about Tru-Oil...

Steve,

I'm assuming that the Tru-oil finish you applied is a thin one and if as you say you haven't gone into the wood (or the Z-Poxy seal) then I would suggest that you do some careful fine sanding of the area with the dents until the dents are levelled out. Then apply thin coats of Tru-oil over the area blending into the surrounding area. Let the Tru-oil cure and then buff up as you did with the original top. If the Tru-oil has been on the top for a while then it will darken like any other finish and if this is the case I would be tempted to lightly sand the whole top and reapply Tru-oil over the whole top - it's a bit like FP in that you can apply reasonably easily with bridge/figerboard on the top.

For the sanding I would personally use 320 or 400 grit (UK grades) or perhaps the coarser micromesh grits.

_________________
Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010