Natural Oil Finishes

[Schnozzalee]

Hi Guys,

Just a quick one - Can you re-finish basses that are hand oiled, or does the oil make things trickier?

Many Thanks

[Grangur]

You can refinish an oiled bass with lacquer or paint. But you need to wash off the oil with loads of white spirit and rub it down well.

[Schnozzalee]

Cheers Grangur - Been wondering about that one for years! Much appreciated

[Andyjr1515]

...or you can re oil them which is very, very straightforward

[Schnozzalee]

Yeah - I wouldn't mind re oiling it red from natural and then put a glossy clear coat on top.

[Norris]

If you intend to paint it you would need to remove the oil afaik. Touching up an oil-finished bass is relatively easy, but if you want a change of colour that would make it a little more awkward

Edit: it sounds a bit to me like you're after a complete strip, dye and lacquer job - and that will need all traces of oil removing

Edited November 1, 2015 by Norris

[Grangur]

[quote name='Schnozzalee' timestamp='1446376750' post='2898831']
Yeah - I wouldn't mind re oiling it red from natural and then put a glossy clear coat on top.
[/quote]

I don't know where you'll get red oil. I'd be interested to hear about this.

What sort of "glossy top coat" are you thinking of?
If you're thinking of a spray lacquer then you'll need to strip all residue of the oil and get the wood free of oil for the lacquer to take.

Maybe we should start again on this conversation. What bass do you have?
Does this bass have an oil finish?
What finish do you want it to have?

General note: Oil is oil. Shiney paint or lacquer is paint or lacquer. The 2 won't mix well. Think oil and water - same idea really.