MAKAIO Ukuleles are finished using an oil varnish product called Tru-oil, which is a special blend of linseed and other natural oils. Application of an oil finish such as this is a slow process of thin coats and long periods of drying. For this ukulele, the Tru-oil finish was applied without prior pore filling, as the timbers used in this ukulele are fine grained and only have small pores.
The Tru-oil finish is applied by starting with two very thin coats of oil, which serve to seal the timber surface without soaking into the timber significantly. This is particularly important for softwood soundboards such as Bunya Pine. Following these two base coats, a further six heavier oil coats are then applied with one day of drying time between each coat. The oil finish is then allowed to cure for several days before being level sanded using fine grit sandpaper. Following this a further 4 coats of oil were applied with about two days drying time between each coat. Finally, the uke is allowed to cure for almost a week before the finish is sanded and polished with micro mesh polishing paper.
This process produces a hard and light finish which is tonally excellent, aesthetically beautiful, and can also be easily repaired in the future.
Tasmanian "Tiger" Myrtle back and sides
2 comments:
Where do you buy your Tru-Oil from? I've tried using Danish Oil and have been dissatisfied with the finish.
BTW great Ukulele work!
Tru-Oil is available from most gun supplies stores (as it is manufactured for oiling rifle stocks). I use Magnum Sports:
http://www.magnumsports.com.au/
Thanks for looking.
Matt
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