How to apply a perfectly smooth poly finish by hand

[@HighlineGuitars]

If you have trouble finding wipe on poly, mix your own with equal parts of poly, mineral spirits, and boiled linseed oil.

[@sajadh4542]

I did that and the powerpuff girls were made

[@wizard-of-other-oz]

@A D next time mix those in a jar, not in your dog. But I find it really a good solution to have such a self-mixing jar as a dog.

[@BradAngove]

Highline Guitars - for my reference next time I’m doing a video with wipe on poly, if you happen to have a video on this mix please let me know and I would be happy to refer people to it.

[@HighlineGuitars]

@@BradAngove I don't think I have a video where I specifically detail the mix, but it's basically equal parts of oil-based polyurethane, boiled linseed oil, and mineral spirits. You can play with the ratios for different results for different woods, swap out the mineral spirits for naphtha, and add Japan drier to speed up the drying process.

[@Baagdad]

Would the same sandpaper/wipe on work for a guitar that has been stained? Once I get the desired color depth, I want to keep it. I Don't want the sanding to ruin the stain.

[@ismokecivics]

Just a heads up, but it is worth mentioning proper disposal of the poly cloth. Potential fire hazard if u just toss it in the trash wadded up. Need to spread the cloth flat, and let it dry outside somewhere, or hanging over the rim of a metal can.

[@Dickcheese2011]

Oh fuck that I throw it on the garage floor while Im smoking to soak up some oil spills

[@Cognitoman]

@@Dickcheese2011😂

[@Dickcheese2011]

@Acoustics1029 💣💥

[@johnjames77]

That was suspected to be the cause of the fire that burned down Jack London's mansion he was building in 1913

[@Klabausterbeere96]

I always put those rags into a plastic bag and seal it with a knot

[@MasterGuitarFrets]

I have used many of your tips to make my guitar projects a success and less stressfull. Thank you!

[@BradAngove]

I’m glad to hear you’ve found them helpful.

[@prestigeproductionsaustral1171]

Wipe on Poly? Who woulda thunk! You’re in great shape btw

[@BradAngove]

Thanks

[@WeyounSix]

I usually like to have more than one opinion on these types of things but honestly your videos are the only solid and consistent content in this field that I find trustworthy. Your channel fits a necessary niche and you deserve all the views you have.

[@BradAngove]

Thank you. I’m glad you’re finding the videos useful.

[@AC-hj9tv]

I definitely think of Brad like an authority in making guitars. Trying out this sandpaper and wipe on poly today

[@oldrrocr]

Thanks for validating the idea of using the wipe-on Poly. Worked spectacularly on the cedar tele body I'm making!

[@row1610]

During lockdown, I've been making a parts guitar just using hand tools in my flat. I've been stuck on how to finish it without access to a space to use spray cans but this looks a lot more achievable given the limiting circumstances!

[@simmonphoenix3206]

Rub on water based stains and rub on poly. Then hand buff 💪

[@mpmonzon]

Yes, a great solution to small spaces

[@davidcane7211]

@@simmonphoenix3206 Although that 1st stage of applying with sandpaper fills me with dread as it could remove stain.

[@CynicalBellow]

@@davidcane7211 You don't have to sand. Just leave the pores open. Looks fantastic too! Or fill them before staining!

[@simonpepper9721]

Next lockdown,go out and busk with it.

[@martybrooke7060]

Thanks Brad, I know this is an older video but it came in handy today for my Solo 5 String banjo project. I sanded to 400 grit and now realize I need to go finer !! I have had success with this wipe on poly stuff and much prefer it to the thought of 30 coats of clear coat!

[@BradAngove]

Glad to hear you found the video helpful.

[@gmjsimmons]

Brad, you are the best. You show enough of the work, so that we know what to do, and about how long it will take. You show what to use, and you show us the finished project. Your balance of these elements is almost perfect. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@BradAngove]

Thank you Gary. I am very glad that you find my tutorial style helpful.

[@heatherwade2373]

Thanks so much man, you’re friendlier than a lot of guitar guys on here.

[@presto111man]

As a money saver- you can dilute the regular Minwax poly with Denatured alcohol or mineral spirits and use it as a wipe-on poly finish. Great video, Brad!

[@BradAngove]

Indeed. You can also use that option to turn it into a sprayable finish. Great tip! Thanks for watching.

[@shep00703]

Brad Angove what are your thoughts on using hardeners with over the counter minwax polyurethane or lacquers, etc...

[@BradAngove]

I’ve never tried it. It sounds like a decent idea.

[@shep00703]

Brad Angove Another thought, does this mean you can spray wipe on poly?

[@BradAngove]

You can. It needs to be thinned down a bit with a fast reducer, and isn’t the greatest option per se, but it’s doable.

[@djbird87]

Looks like that polish has been discontinued. Any suggestions on a replacement? Great work and video btw. Super helpful!

[@BradAngove]

There are many good ones. I really like the polishes that Oxford supply has now.

[@edcaffey4248]

Brad, thank you for sharing. I just finished applying Minwax Pecan Satin - PolyShades, Stain & Polyurethane in 1 Step, using your wipe on poly method. So far your method is giving the finish that I'm looking for. Excellent process. Thanks 1,000 times. Keep up the good work.

[@BradAngove]

I’m glad to hear that it’s going well for you.

[@cagedaf8806]

Polyshades is a horrible guitar finish. It never cures

[@edwhite7475]

MY FAVORITE method for re finishing a guitar...the exact same rub on poly....ive done two or three Gibsons like that...and they came out FANTASTIC !!!

[@BradAngove]

Awesome. Glad to hear it.

[@edwardtalavera6449]

It was such a relief when he noticed untouched part near the heel xD

[@BradAngove]

Glad I didn't miss that haha.

[@edwhite7475]

yeah that was driving ME crazy-lol

[@danielwhalley3849]

im a complete beginner to guitar finishing, and this is the method i will use on the telecaster kit im getting! looks brilliant and thanks for the tips!

[@riley4073]

Going to finish my DIY Jazzmaster like this too!

[@that90sshow58]

Riley And dit that turn out well? I want to do the same with a jazzmaster. Curious about yours!

[@sam127001]

wow - that turned out nice ! Really good tutorials here Brad !

[@BradAngove]

Thank you Sam. I appreciate it.

[@chrisc6504]

couldn't get wipe on poly in UK so thinned quick drying poly and wiped it on with micro cloth and was amazed at the gloss finish i got, looks like factory finish now its polished up

[@BradAngove]

Nice. The wipe on and brush on are pretty much the same product in different viscosities.

[@jeaninewilson2170]

Thank you for the upload this helped me out a lot with perfecting my wood finishes.

[@BradAngove]

I’m glad I was able to help. Thanks for watching.

[@doc221978]

I used it on a strat body with the same results you had, but I didn't apply it with sandpaper. I was worried that dye would bleed too much. I'm going to use poly on my first acoustic guitar build next week. No dyes or stains to bleed, just natural wood. I'll try it your way to see which works better for me.

[@d.h.8835]

The sandpaper trick is genius.

[@garrettguitar]

Great tip, and great content! I hadn't considered that method, but now I'm going to have to test it on one coming up.

[@ronmeans8183]

would you still use the sandpaper over a dyed surface?

[@belles1835]

Ron Means same question I have.

[@ccchicken8889]

Yeah I'm curious how this whole process would be different on something like a dyed or stained quilted or flame maple top.

[@BradAngove]

You can still do it like this on a dyed surface, but you need to be aware that it could pull some of the dye out. Even in you apply it by rag right from the beginning it can do that. It depends to some degree on what dye you're using.

[@BradAngove]

Yes; I've used this method over stained and dyed surfaces before and haven't run into any problems. As long as it's not that stupid 2 in 1 stain and topcoat stuff.

[@BradAngove]

You're welcome. Best of luck with your project.

[@doc221978]

Thank you for another great video. I almost always use teak or tru oil for finishes. I'm going to try this on my next build. For all the people asking if this can be done over stain or dye: this is the same concept to apply as oil. Raising the grain before sanding will prevent most of it, but some dye or stain will always come up. Always test on scrap wood first, to find out how it looks.

[@BradAngove]

You can apply this same technique to oils if you prefer them.

[@cheekydollar]

@@BradAngove so - to clarify - i can still use the sandpaper technique if the wood has been dyed or stained without any problems? im thinking of doing this on a bass drum!

[@BradAngove]

No, the sandpaper technique can remove some of the color and create a “distressed” look.

[@dankatz5224]

"hopefully some of you guys are in better shape than me" I think it's unlikely!

[@BradAngove]

It would be more likely now haha.

[@BradAngove]

I’m eating Doritos while reading this.

[@tyrssen1]

Agreed! We should all look that good, the rotten blighter! ;)

[@Anjuroo]

perfect. just the vid i needed to do a nice simple refinish on an old gouged up Tele i found

[@ryanewalters]

Same here,sand the bajesus out of your tele and hit it with poly : }

[@jeffdowning4877]

I like that you don't put a thick layer on. I like just enough to protect it and give it a shine, but not build it up so it still feels like a wooden instrument.

[@D_DXGS]

How many coats?

[@grahamhall2662]

Very good. not seen that technique before.

[@severalpaperclips]

The magic word for describing the finish/dust mixture is "slurry".

[@mick2spic]

I've heard about that slurry, it's also called Santorum right?

[@djmammo9826]

"Can you slurry, can you picnic?"

[@stellar_cartographer]

Brad you're the man! What a wealth of knowledge.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Chris.

[@stellar_cartographer]

Brad Angove of course brother! So I’m working on my latest build, telecaster body with a book matched spalted maple cap. This will help so much! Quick question, do you think I should apply some sort of oil at first to accent the figure or will the wipe on poly make the grain pop

[@BradAngove]

It depends on what type of oil you have in mind. The wipe on poly will have a similar accenting effect to some oils, but if you were to use for example a tinted danish oil base you would probably notice a difference.

[@stellar_cartographer]

@@BradAngove Quick update, body arrived early, dry sanded back to 320 grit and it it with some mineral spirits to get an idea of the figure. A ton of natural brown and reddish hues (burled & spalted maple) so I decided against any sort of light dye, tint or oil altogether and will be going straight with this method. I recently discovered this supposed clear pore filler called Aqua Coat-I'm going to give it a shot after the preliminary poly-slurry coat (ensuring that it's sealed) to preserve the little insect holes and Knicks and keep it 3D, then follow up with additional poly. I'll keep you updated on how it goes, it might be a decent grain filler. Thanks again Brad! Big fan of your videos. Sharing information and educating is everything. Looking forward to future releases.

[@stonsetr]

Thanks for putting this video together.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks for watching.

[@stonsetr]

@@BradAngove I found out that Behlen buffers polish has been discontinued. Do you have any recommendations for a substitute? Thanks

[@normanmozley3659]

Brad, I use stains and spray cans, then 400, 1500, 2500 and 4,0 steel wool between each coat, 10 thin coats, then I get a finish like a factory guitar. Surface prep,sand Polish, take your time, I wait 3 weeks after the last clear coat before using buffing compound. Norman Mozley

[@bobsaturday4273]

very good , you 're brought us a long way in a few easy steps ( other than the elbow grease) great work and thanx for the education

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Bob.

[@ronburati257]

This video is extremely well done. Very helpful.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks. I’m glad you like it.

[@kenwood7395]

I tried your finish technique on a bandsaw box and it worked great. Thank you!

[@BradAngove]

I’m glad to hear it went well for you!

[@robbolton6004]

What do you do about the tuner holes when you're using this method on necks? Great videos. Thanks

[@BradAngove]

I put a ball of tape in them or an earplug to mask them.

[@liljuanito123]

Thanks for the video! Very helpful and your guitar came out beautiful.

[@rzsdad1]

Brad you have made my life easier with this video! Thank you! I put this finish on a pedal steel guitar body today.

[@BradAngove]

Awesome!

[@Wishbringer7]

An important note when doing this: use nitrile gloves. Polyurethane can permeate skin... and it blocks oxygen receptors in the body. If you get poly on your hands within a short time you can start feeling dizzy, have vision blurring and trouble thinking. It's not just the fumes; it's the poly infiltrating your skin. So... nitrile gloves: essential. Question: what's your favorite brand of sandpaper?

[@BradAngove]

I like the 3M trizact, Norton, and Mirka Abralon.

[@fishbake7]

This is great1 I learned a lot. It reminds me of doing oil finishes using fine sand paper to fill the grain with the fine dust that is created.

[@BradAngove]

Indeed, that’s kind of the same concept. This finish just tends to cumulatively be a bit faster than oil. Although each certainly has its place haha.

[@ConstrutorMusical]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks for watching.

[@DIYGene]

Great video. I will definitely try that method.

[@charliemcgrain]

Excellent. Many thanks!

[@HandToolWoodGuy]

Thank you ,Brad. I am in the middle of two guitar builds at the moment, and have previously used lacquer. I love the look of it, but it is extremely toxic and remains fairly reactive to different materials like leather or the cheap rubber on cheap guitar stands. I want to switch to another finish that is not so noxious. I am going to give this a shot. Much appreciated. P.S. : I know this is an older video, and don't expect a response.

[@BradAngove]

I hope it goes well for you.

[@sunnys3325]

Im so DOING this. Brad is the master!

[@BradAngove]

Enjoy!

[@freeelectron8261]

Great tut Brad. I think I'll follow this method for my DIY Telecaster project.

[@BradAngove]

I hope it goes well for you. Thanks for watching.

[@stevelindsay3643]

Great job done well. There are dozens of ways to apply finishes, but for something the size of a guitar body that was likely the most cost effect way to get great results. There are wood graining tecniques that could be applied to a plain body guitar over color if someone wanted that kind of wood grain effect. Some of the step as very similar to what you did.. I've wanted to for sometime do a distressed wood grain guitar, very rustic, The Rat Rod Of Guitars so to speak. All kinds of bizarre effects with hardware, square head nails the whole bit, but a guitar that plays like a dream. The imagination is the only limit when customiziing anything to make a one off masterpiece. Nice Work.

[@J--5]

Thanks for this video. It took away the worry of the final step of my guitar build.

[@BradAngove]

I'm glad to hear it. Thanks for watching.

[@RecipeForMayhem]

Using your technique on my barnwood guitar build. First coat done and it looks and feels great!

[@BradAngove]

Excellent. Glad to hear it.

[@TommySG1]

Hey Brad, I’ve been following your feeds a while now. I’ve worked with all sorts of Polyurethanes my whole life and I’ve honestly never seen this method! This looks like a great time saver eliminating some steps sanding and re-applying, I’ve done woodwork but I’m not a guitar’builder’ although I’m going to give this a try soon for sure on a Strat body. Thank you! 🤙

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Thomas. I hope it goes well.

[@GuyCampo]

Very nice results! Can you stain/paint/add color prior to using the wipe-down poly?

[@BradAngove]

If you’re going to do that, I wouldn’t use sandpaper for the poly. It could damage the paint.

[@michaeloliver6745]

Thanks for the tips and tricks

[@BradAngove]

Thanks for watching.

[@jasonnourie9139]

Could you do this process with a guitar that has binding, Could you stain first, then use this process?Great video!

[@BradAngove]

You could but it would be advisable not to use the sandpaper in that case. It could mar your stain.

[@jasonnourie9139]

Thanks so much, have you created a video for painting a guitar from bare wood for complete beginners? Learning so much from your videos! Thanks!

[@BradAngove]

@jasonnourie9139 have a look at any of my guitar kit build series. They all start as bare wood and get paint jobs.

[@rccarsandmusic2641]

Yes very. Wish I saw before I built my first one. Sanding is so important. I like Bargin Musician kits, can you do one on aligning glue necks in case pocket isn't straight I have a 335 kit I'll be doing soon. Or one about bolting on a glue in neck for shimming.

[@BradAngove]

I’ll cover that if any of my upcoming kits aren’t aligned properly.

[@djmammo9826]

Tremendously helpful, as always.

[@BradAngove]

Glad you found it useful.

[@mikecarbone828]

Thank you for the informative video, I gleaned a lot of good and useful tips for finishing some guitar projects from this video and from reading many of the comments and your replies. Please have an excellent and awesome day! 🙂

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Mike.

[@MichaelAChang]

Very informative. Subscribed.

[@BradAngove]

Welcome aboard

[@WalkerMasuda]

Really appreciate the tutorial, Brad. Thank you!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks for watching.

[@FoxBonly]

Niiiiiice job man. Veeeery nice indeed.............

[@kroupagj]

Hey Brad, great series! What is the white material that you're working on top of to apply the poly? It looks slick and easy to clean up.

[@BradAngove]

It’s the backing paper from adhesive vinyl sheet. It’s exactly as you describe haha.

[@stevenroper8958]

Great video. Just a quick question can you use the same method if the body has a binding. Cheers fella.

[@BradAngove]

Yes, the binding shouldn’t create any issues.

[@carlnikolov]

Great video! Could you use a orbital polisher with a finishing sponge on it for the buffers polish? Or do you need all of that pressure to achieve the results required?

[@BradAngove]

Yes you can use an orbital.

[@ErGoyoTV]

This is an excellent demo Brad. That was oil based WipeOn Poly. Would it turn out the same if it was a Water based WipeOn? Which would you rather use?

[@BradAngove]

I’m not sure if there would be any substantial difference with the water based version except that it doesn’t have that same ambering quality, and generally doesn’t build as quickly.

[@ErGoyoTV]

@@BradAngove I see. Can't wait to find a suitable body to finish myself and see how it turns out. Thanks again for sharing all your experience.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks for watching.

[@Timaustex]

Great video as always. Can I ask what that routed cut-out is in between the pickup pockets? Strange place for a selector switch if that's what it is. Keep up the great vids!

[@BradAngove]

I believe that’s just to help with feeding the wires through.

[@geoffdewar8845]

Brad, your video has helped me a lot. I am about to finish a tele body. The body is basswood and the top veneer is burled ash. I understand the prepping process. The back and sides are smooth. How should I prep the top surface? I don't want to loose the burled look. Your suggestions?

[@BradAngove]

Burl is very porous. Are you looking for a mirror finish type thing?

[@geoffdewar8845]

@@BradAngove Thanks for the quick response. My idea is to use Danish Oil or something similar for the top of the guitar. A satin finish would finish off the top. As for the rest of the body, (basswood) I was thinking of leaving it as is. You did give me an idea about putting some artwork, like my family crest, on the back. The neck is maple with the engineered fretboard. This is a SOLO DIY guitar so I was pleased to hear to mention that company.

[@BradAngove]

You can danish oil it to begin with. A fair bit of that will soak in and then you will need to decide if you want to seal it to get a smoother look or go straight to applying finish and allow some of the grain porosity to show through.

[@santokukan]

Just a couple of questions. How does this finish hold outdoors? Will it last? If it does not works for outdoors, what can be done to make it outdoor resistant? Can you use an orbital sander with a pad for the buffing? I saw another video where the person was using one. The only thing is he has some different products but kind of the same idea.

[@BradAngove]

Use an outdoor urethane for outdoor projects. Yes, an orbital sanding with a pad can do the buffing work. It just takes a while.

[@dvkarloff]

Great video! Will this method work on a basswood body?

[@BradAngove]

Yes, it works fine on basswood.

[@charliedurham1954]

Great looking finish! Thanks for the info.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks for watching.

[@athan67]

Hi Brad great job on your videos really informative I used this technique but a couple of weeks ago I rubbed on some poly about five coats and it turned out really nice now I'm in the process of wet sanding and buffing can you give me some tips if it's possible thanks

[@BradAngove]

+athan pantelakos Have you had a chance To check out any of my videos on polishing? I've done several. Have a look at the end of my series on painting your guitar with behlen's guitar finishing kit.

[@athan67]

Brad Angove will do thanks!keep up the good work buddy!

[@BradAngove]

+athan pantelakos Thank you.

[@ThekiBoran]

Is there dust in top of the can of poly? If so you could be introducing dust into the finish when you put your rag on top of it.

[@FlyingSquirrelTony]

Great tips, thanks for sharing!

[@BradAngove]

+FlyingSquirrelTony Thanks for watching.

[@Hyperion9997]

Thank you Brad!!

[@jeremiahsisco4093]

Thank you for all of your videos here. How would you apply poly on each surface? Would it be best to do one side and let it dry and then the next? Or hang/ mount the body and do each surface at the same time? Is the sanding with poly ok to do with bare wood that has never had any sort of finish or treatment?

[@BradAngove]

For wipe on poly it’s probably easiest to hang it and finish. Yes, the sanding trick is best on raw wood actually.

[@user-gx9pd2uj5o]

will this work when you painted on your guitar with acrylic paint?

[@BradAngove]

If you apply using sandpaper it will probably remove some of the paint.

[@user-gx9pd2uj5o]

@@BradAngove What should i use? a cloth maybe?

[@BradAngove]

Yes. A soft cotton rag.

[@hammersandchords2897]

Nice video. Any pictures of the final guitar project?

[@BradAngove]

I have some pictures of what I eventually ended up doing to this one on my Instagram. This guitar got several paint jobs over the years for various tutorials.

[@xxakli]

the sand paper, more info on that would be appreciated, please

[@BradAngove]

It’s the 3M foam backed sanding pads.

[@xxakli]

@@BradAngove thank you much . . .

[@darvinreed2314]

If your doing something small like a neck you can wipe on regular poly I've done it a hundred times poly is like water allready by the way great job

[@davidmedwards]

This is great. Can you do the same technique with the 1500 grit sandpaper if you have done a burst finish? Are you at risk of it running or damaging the burst finish?

[@BradAngove]

Using the sand paper does put you at risk of damaging the finish underneath.

[@johngretzinger]

Can I use this sandpaper method with the water-based poly? Great video. Thanks.

[@BradAngove]

You can, yes.

[@johngretzinger]

@@BradAngove Thanks.

[@leigherme]

Very informative thank you! Quick question - as an alternative polish, can you use a carnuba wax product?

[@BradAngove]

Not really. I’ve done a video on that actually.

[@ecaff9515]

Thank you for sharing Great process...

[@BradAngove]

Thanks for watching.

[@cdsorvinyl]

Great job, this I never knew!!

[@brandonisaak]

Does this method work on guitars with a paint coat? I have a 90s Strat, and the previous owner sanded off the poly finish only on the front of the guitar. I want to restore the look of it being finished. It’s fine if the finish is a little hazy. It might match the old finish on the sides and back.

[@BradAngove]

Just use a cloth instead of the sandpaper. If it’s already painted you don’t need that grain filling trick.

[@blottoinchcago]

Amazing Brad . I hope you , fam . friends are all safe and healthy . Things are getting better in NYC where i live now ..but this thing won't go away. So i just purchased a Warmoth Strat unfinished maple body for a new build and I'm going to use this method because it makes all the sense in the world ...just have to do the entire body in the same process . Still not in better shape than you but I've had some downtime for serious kettle bell workouts at home lol. Any additional tips such as screwing in a blank into the neck pocket so everything is blending ? I only want to do this once ! lol Thanks man !

[@BradAngove]

Just make sure you are careful to manage any drips as you work and don’t rush it. Enjoy!

[@blottoinchcago]

@@BradAngove Thanks Brad . You'll be the first to know how this turns out . much appreciated!

[@michaelsimmons2503]

Thanks Brad! Love your channel !

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Michael.

[@marcoviarengo2656]

Great video thanks

[@BradAngove]

Thank you

[@A.J.K87]

Hey Brad. Informative video! I have a couple of questions: Would this technique work over the crimson guitars stunning stains? They are water based. Or would it just lift the stain or sand it off? How much time do you leave between the first two coats? And how much time between subsequent coats? Do you sand in between coats? How long does polyurethane have to dry before you can sand and buff it to a high gloss? Thank you

[@BradAngove]

+A.J. K It would work over the stains, but it would remove some. Generally when you apply crimson's guitar finishing oil over their stains it also removes a bit. Always try to test it on something else first. I waited about 30 minutes between my first two coats because a lot of the first one was absorbed. Had it sat on top more I would have waited a couple hours and then probably sanded lightly. To be safe you can leave the poly for a couple days before beginning the polishing process.

[@GamerSirus]

My god, I watched this at work and it took me forever to find it again. Excellent tutorial. I'm planning on putting a purple Stewmac stain on an SG kit. My plan is to do good sanding first, then sand in the first 2 layers of stain, then another few layers rubbed on. Then doing the rest of your tutorial from there. Again, sanding in the first 2 layers of poly, then rubbing the rest of the layers, followed by the polishing. My question is: should I just skip applying the poly with the sand paper since I'll already have filled in the pores with the stain/sawdust mix? And just rub on the poly from there?

[@BradAngove]

Don’t use the sandpaper for the poly if you’re staining first. It’s unnecessary and can potentially mess up the stain.

[@GamerSirus]

@@BradAngove that's kinda what I was thinking. Thank you for the response!

[@danialm8122]

nice one Brad..

[@BradAngove]

Thanks.

[@allenusucstroker1977]

How did you decide to use sandpaper to applying polyurethane to your guitars and basses? I'm really intrigued by this!

[@BradAngove]

I saw someone mixing polyurethane and sandpaper to do a bit of pore filling, so I decided to test it out this way. I have also seen it done with oil before, but I can’t recall if that was before or after I made this video.

[@shimmiharel7347]

Love your videos! very helpful ! Thanks

[@BradAngove]

Thanks for watching.

[@geneschulp8598]

Great video. Thank you. Just curious. What wood is that?

[@BradAngove]

I believe it’s alder.

[@MontegaB]

That's a great method, Brad. I'm going to have to try it on a couple of pieces. I'll probably us a DA polisher, though!

[@BradAngove]

I hope it goes well for you.

[@gijonny78]

Could you do this on a thin spalted maple veneer that has glue spots? Possibly over a few coats of rubbed in oil paint?

[@BradAngove]

I would be hesitant to do it over paint. It may damage or remove some of it.

[@gijonny78]

I'll try a test piece and let you know.

[@WW-1995]

Do you apply a coat to the other sides after applying your coat to the face or after the face is fully finished. Basically, do you do every sides for each coat or do you wait for one side to be finished

[@BradAngove]

I would do the sides at the same time.

[@WW-1995]

​@@BradAngove Thanks for the reply, have a nice day !

[@bengeist3227]

HI Brad - Great videos. 2 questions: 1) I'm using oil based poly. How long does it need to dry or cure before I can move to the polish stage? 2) Also what is the best way to lightly sand round edges such as on strat?

[@BradAngove]

+Ben Geist I'd give it a couple days to dry. Do you mean sand the edges of the poly, or sand the wood to create that rounded profile?

[@bengeist3227]

Regarding sanding: Sorry should have been clearer. Sanding the flat surfaces in between coats is straightforward but I find it harder to sand the sides of a Stratocaster which are rounded off. Using sandpaper by hand seems the only way but still really difficult to get an even sanding. What do you typically do? Techniques and tools you use? Many thanks, learning a lot from your videos!

[@BradAngove]

+Ben Geist oh, I see. I generally just do it by hand. Spindle sanders are helpful if you're doing some aggressive sanding. You can also get flexible sanding blocks that are generally used for automotive work. The small ones are helpful sometimes.

[@Mattwest1985]

Nice video! I’m wanting to do something with my first fender. This looks really good.

[@uniquepieces7365]

Great video Brad. if you use a stain can you use a mist coat of sanding sealer and then use the wipe on poly?

[@BradAngove]

You can, but use a proper coat of the sanding sealer rather than a mist coat. It will make the poly application a bit easier. And make sure you're using something compatible, or test it on scrap first.

[@uniquepieces7365]

Thanks Brad :-)

[@frankalbersmann6650]

Hey Brad, really cool and informative video! I have a swamp ash telecaster thinline body that is so far only treated with some coats of boiled linseed oil. Would the trick with the sandpaper and wipe on poly also work with this body (with the very open pores and also the already applicated oil)? thanks a lot!

[@BradAngove]

Yes, it would work. However I don’t want to mislead you into thinking this will fill the pores on ash. They are usually too open for this to be sufficient.

[@ultimatebombero]

Looks amazing. I’m about to do my first build and want this type of finish , only slightly darker. Any tips on what I should get?

[@BradAngove]

You can just add a bit of dye to the poly if you want.