ENHANCE your WOOD GRAIN! (new EASY technique!!!)

I found a new easy technique for highlighting the wood grain of your guitar body! (or any wood project for that matter). The key to this technique is to 1) use open grained wood. For guitars, that means ash, mahogany, paulownia, etc (I'm sure there is more I missed). 2) sand your wood REALLY well, up to 400 grit if you can. 3) use a wax finish on top of your stain to fill the grain, and remove it from the wood surface with teak oil. Then spray/rub on your oil based clear coat and you're done!
watch the video that inspired me to try this here:
• Finishing Secrets - Co...
Here are the products I used in this video:
*Prices mentioned in this video are subject to change without notice. Please check the links below for current pricing.
For this particular project, black stain with metallic silver grain:
Minwax true black stain: amzn.to/2TpcVjM
Rub n buff metallic wax finish (silver leaf color): amzn.to/2CbeUgZ (it’s about half this price in your local craft shop)
teak oil (for removing the top layer of wax): amzn.to/2u5IYWV
To do a darker wood grain on a light stain use kiwi shoe polish as your wax finish:
amzn.to/2TrSrH4
Here is the scrap wood I used to practice different colors and finishes:
amzn.to/2TsT5DY
This is the guitar kit I’m building from guitar fetish, which is a great place to buy guitar bodies made of paulownia to use for this technique (Guitar Fetish is NOT an affiliate):
www.guitarfetish.com/Super-Li...
just the body here:
www.guitarfetish.com/Lightwei...
If you're looking for a cheap good first diy guitar kit, check this one out:
shrsl.com/1jivm
(please note that this kit is basswood so this grain filling technique will not work on it)
Full disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate, and the links in this description are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, it doesn't cost you any more money, but I will earn a commission.
Want a Guns and Guitars shirt? buy one here: teespring.com/stores/guns-and...
Facebook: / gunsandguitarsofficial
Instagram @gunsandguitarsofficial
Support me on Patreon: / danthompson

[@lelliottable]

I did an entire oak pool table with this method. It looks amazing and impressed my boss. I wouldn’t use rub and buff for a project that big again but it looks great. Thanks for the idea.

[@meadish]

How does it hold up over time? Does it get dirty easily - if so, how do you clean it - and is the dye properly sealed with just the run and buff and oil?

[@stringfellowhawke1610]

I've watched this video dozens of times and yesterday I began the ceruse finish on my guitar project with gold grain in black. It is looking so good! I've also done a wine red sunset burst on the front. My two favorite finishes on one guitar. Thanks Dan!

[@mesmerizer1]

can you post some pics???? I cant wait to see it!

[@jasonwiedman284]

Dan, I did this and it came out great. I am thrilled with the results. Thank you- great podcast, great information.

[@bluetiger7454]

That's really awesome, i've seen so many custom guitar companies do it, and now i finally know how it's done. Thanks!

[@matthewturner5773]

“ The best time to try out something new is when it is not yours,” Dan Thompson, quote of the year.

[@manny3549]

Speechless

[@lucassmith1319]

Yup, I just heard that lol

[@samwalker2344]

Btw Dan, I’m building a strat entirely from scratch, and I’m using a few techniques I’ve learned your channel!

[@triggerismynameo]

Dannnngggg! Ugh, I need some spare time to finish my tele....and learn to play it lol

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read Genesis Mathew and one you chose yourself. It’s an important milestone to hit. As well as the inner work of forgiveness as an adult. Start with your parents, they’ve loved you. To be forgiven we must forgive. It’s an important show of faith to God. Forgiveness shows love is in your heart. Faith isn’t belief alone, it’s actions based on belief. Genuinely putting Jesus Christ’s lessons into practice in your life. Please trust me. Break down before Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life’

[@rchrdlxndr]

That same wood dye video showed up in my feed about a month ago. I thought it would be a cool technique to use on a guitar. Then today's video showed me how cool it could be. Thanks Dan

[@Ar2rqa]

Super helpful! Started a refinishing project for my new headless 8 string and will be doing this soon. Thanks for the video!

[@lindamessinger4785]

Holy crap balls, that looks so cool! Another wonderful editing job. I was laughing so much that I had to rewind to see what you did. BTW, I got my Joyo Uzi in the mail today. I love it. Thanks!!!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Awesome! Glad you’re enjoying the uzi!

[@Max-vx8il]

man! I LOVE IT AF!!!! I am almost doing the same on one axe I need to finish myself, thinking about pink and purple with black hardware using this technique! btw thanks for sharing and also being that entertaining! you're legend!

[@mikeyj6997]

Another great video! I’m refinishing a guitar body right now and this was really inspiring. Can’t wait to see what comes next for this build!

[@fisticuffs238]

Absolutely beautiful! Can’t wait to try this when I get a kit. Thank you so much for sharing

[@petesangimino]

I can't wait to try out this finish. Gorgeous. When removing the silver from the top, you might try the "paste wax filler" method of using a stiff rubber squeegee across the grain, or on a slight diagonal, while the grain filler is still a little wet. It might save some time and paper towels and leave a bit more filler in the grain. Removing filler in the direction of the grain tends to pull the filler out of the grain. Your videos are fantastic, Dan. Thanks so much for doing them.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read Genesis Mathew and one you chose yourself. It’s an important milestone to hit. As well as the inner work of forgiveness as an adult. Start with your parents, they’ve loved you. To be forgiven we must forgive. It’s an important show of faith to God. Forgiveness shows love is in your heart. Faith isn’t belief alone, it’s actions based on belief. Genuinely putting Jesus Christ’s lessons into practice in your life. Please trust me. Break down before Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life’

[@chadzillaification]

That's something I'll probably never attempt, but holy moly that looks killer

[@kirkbolas4985]

Hey Dan...thanks for showing how to do this. I recall doing something similar in 7th grade wood shop, but the details have faded with the ensuing decades. All I could remember was that it was done with most all the materials being made from scratch, e.g., black boot polish, carnuba wax, ultra fine aluminum powder, boiled linseed and mineral oil, etc. Thanks again for the easier method guide.

[@NorCalGuy]

Looks great Dan.

[@stevemoore7564]

Wow that kind of reminds of the sandblasted finish Fender is using on some Strats I've been seeing adds for I like it I like it alot. Great Video!

[@sidneyhudson7728]

I remember at 2k subs you where always asking for suggestions to make your channel better. Personally I don’t like the Gifs/memes after everything, however it is your channel. Thanks for the great content as always, and keep on going.

[@ryanchapman2636]

I disagree, I think the clips are funny. To each their own though :)

[@martincorrea4031]

Hi dan yesterday i build the luthier tools from your video and follow all the steps and my guitar now plays like a DREAM thanks for all of your great content

[@malicesmom]

I am loving your diy videos! I leveled frets on a guitar for the first time the other day using your homemade straight edge idea and some files and sandpaper from Harbor Freight. Turned out great! Keep up the good work!

[@frankiechan9651]

That is just flat-out, drop-dead, gorgeous. Now I'm interested to see what other base-dyes would look like with different colours of rub-n-buff. If I end up building a guitar with an open grain wood like that - this is certainly a finish I'd like to try.

[@morris9225]

Give a thumb up just for your clean hands..... 😂😂😂😂😂 I ever watch your videos, you're so funny, so creative, and make me inspired to work wood! I'll become like Jesus Christ, it's your fault 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Hugs Dan, and thank you for you "Funs & Guitars" 😜

[@Ivory_Mist]

Whoo! I've been waiting for this. I loved this look from the last video.

[@ErnestLemmingway]

Man this really motivates to finish my bass bodies. I love learning about all the finishing methods and I can't decide!

[@leomorales1764]

You channel grow so fast I remember when you 5k subs

[@danterosales6985]

The grain is so amazing it almost distracted me from that control cavity. Almost.

[@stevesoldwedel]

They mostly come out at night. Mostly.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Steve Soldwedel NEWT!! 😂🤣

[@GreyMatterStew]

Get away from her you highlighted WOODGRAIN!!!!!!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

RIPLEY!!!

[@theheavenlyfire]

Nooooo

[@luiszv14]

That looks incredibly beautiful! Can't wait to see the finished guitar

[@michaelorourke7032]

It turned out great. Thanks for the video. I'll definitely try it out.

[@Denzil-CS]

Love GNG love this video love to talk about wood finishes and tung oil.

[@EmmettLing]

Loving the meme cuts! :'D

[@iamoraal]

Loved how that looked! One of these days I'm gonna make me one... I look forward to watching this build as I have many of your others.

[@GosselinCreative]

Great technique, Dan.

[@kevmac1230]

Will this work on poplar? Building my first at 63 yrs old thanks to you, love this channel!

[@2f5shooter]

That turned out great. Anytime I've ever seen this done before, it's always done with white as the grain filler. I bet the silver looks a lot better. I've got swamp ash Warmoth Telecaster body that's been languishing for about 2 years now. I've been considering doing this to it but white with black or gray grain filler. I've got some white Crimson Guitars dye, but I'm wondering if there might be something better to use for the main color?

[@Bottomdweller]

The late Russ Fairfield was a master of this technique. I've always wanted to use this on a guitar body. It looks wonderful, good work!

[@bassmandudge]

That was a proper wow moment...what a cool finish

[@chucku.farley]

I love your channel! You inspired me to customize an old cheap p bass I've had laying around for years. New electronics, a kmise neck and some other cosmetic parts and it's like a new guitar now for about $100. But..."yea baby!" In 2019? Is my dad editing your videos?? Just kidding, lol. Redeemed with Ed Bassmaster!

[@jenna2911]

christian yates Hey now, we are 90s kids.... you leave Austin Powers alone! 🤬

[@mrz80]

You had me hooked when the Ford Fairmont popped up :D

[@TRAVIESO_NA]

@guns and guitars you should use Mohawk brand piano lacquer for ur guitars thats what fender and gibson and yamaha all use. Its a very good product.

[@TRAVIESO_NA]

If i can get some from the Brands rep for my area ill send it to u. Its not voc compliant in my area of california

[@jeffpsolla6378]

That tele body looks amazing. Thank you Dan!

[@elilouis1489]

LOVED THE NEW VIDEO! Great new intro, the editing made the video much more humorous👍 one of my all time favorites

[@BeesWaxMinder]

Great Work👍 I want to make my Mahogany LP the opposite colour -White with Dark Grain & wanna ask if there is a final step after washing away the Oil? I mean doesn’t there need to be a coat over the it all to stop the filler &/or the stain from gettin’ on ya shirt?! ALSO is there any specific tips or recommendations if I’m going the White with dark grain route AND is there a way of really opening up the pores of wood without the hassle of Sandblasting it..? Thanks!

[@ThePrimarycactus]

I’m gonna use this on every single wood finish, not even just guitars

[@GunsandGuitars]

Make sure you use an open grained wood!

[@mynameisbriguy1515]

Guns and Guitars what would happen if you did this on a wood grain that isn’t open?

[@nininmartin2537]

Question : Does the removal of the waxxy finish work only with teak oil or other oils too ? If so, what kind of ? thank you ! :)

[@DavidHinesMusic]

Looking very cool!

[@AdamJohn]

I found your channel today and haven't stopped watching yet! I'm currently mid build on my first ever kit and watching your videos is giving me inspiration and tips like crazy! Could you please do a video on techniques you use for a complete finish, with various finishes if you use more than just Tung Oil

[@3GCMusic]

I just did this with a navy blue stain and it turned out great. The body is so waxy feeling still. How did you get rid of that?

[@JohnnyOskam]

This is awesome! I am trying to build a whitewashed guitar with the grain accented with black. Would the process be similar to this? White wash stain and then rub in some of that shoe polish, then wipe away the excess with teak oil?

[@hollandoates9911]

I'm sure you probably already made the guitar, but you could use a ceruse method to get that contrast. A shou sugi ban technique would look great with a whitewash stain. Or that sunbleached color stain that Varathane has. I'm thinking about doing that with my next Tele build.

[@sussertod9832]

awesome!!! another great job Dan!!!

[@tdrake59]

That finish looks amazing.

[@ezraconner875]

does the teak oil act as a protectant or finisher like a clear coat?

[@saturnista5510]

This is amazing! Can you get that Rub n Buff wax in red? I bet that would look insane on black grain!

[@OtherTheDave]

Intro Ducing Red & Blue wouldn’t be bad, either.

[@saturnista5510]

@@OtherTheDave Completely agree!!!!

[@MKoback]

Awesome! Thanks for the tip Dan! That is gonna be one good looking build when it's done!!

[@BeatsByDougieT]

What an awesome finish! Definitely going to be trying this on one of my future builds! Gives it an old rustic barn board type look...think it'll be the perfect method to use on a pallet board guitar!

[@GreyMatterStew]

That looks pretty gosh darn cool. Forgive my language. I got too excited. 😁 I wonder if you could do that with a red color, or other colors, even.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Sure! It works with just about any stain or dye

[@samglaize7627]

Great video. I'm looking forward to trying this out on a paulownia strat body. Maybe I missed it, but is there a clear coat of some type applied after you take the excess wax off with the teak oil? Paulownia is definitely a very soft wood. It makes a great guitar, but it can almost dent if you look at it too long. I want to put a fairly hard gloss clear coat like either poly or 2K. Do you know if the silver wax that's in the grain pores be negatively affected by either type of clear coat?

[@lordlorzius]

Hi, have you proceeded with your plans? I'm looking to use the ceruse finish on an ash body, but I too, want to clear coat it with 2k. Really not sure how to go about this.

[@thomascoucke9661]

Can somebody answer this please? Would be interested in this too

[@treyalexanderhaislip]

The author answered below with, "Oil finishes stick just fine. The teak oil ends up being the first coat. I then added coats of Tung Oil on top."

[@rafamichel5541]

Men i love how this guitar is looking!! Just insane good work dude.

[@reneboutet2800]

Thanks Dan for the technical details, i tried this on a Solo ash jazz bass dyed in blue and i had fantastic results, i applied two more coats of teak oil for a more shiny look!

[@ManicaroCustomGuitars]

For a deeper effect, you could have brushed the grain with a wire brush before sanding, it opens even more the grain

[@jonathangonzalez6442]

Would you brush along the grain or along the entire body?

[@ManicaroCustomGuitars]

@@jonathangonzalez6442always along the grain on the entire body hehe

[@mrpotat680]

@@ManicaroCustomGuitars what about sanding? Along the grain aswell?

[@ManicaroCustomGuitars]

@@mrpotat680 No not necessary, I use an orbital sander.

[@JasonBenfield]

So could you come back and clear coat it if you wanted to add a layer of depth and sheen to the effect, or will the waxy grain cause any issues? Love this!

[@intothevoid3962]

He generally uses tung oil which would probably be improved by the wax (in terms of protection). Silver dust can be suspended in any liquid. If you rubbed it in with polyurethane, you could replace tung oil with sandpaper or a relative solvent. Experiment on scrap wood. Seems like a fun project.

[@studios1818]

I used crystalac brite tone to try to clear it and when i brushed it on it wiped off the wax

[@CTSmerv]

this is exactly the kind of thing I'm wanting to do with my ESP F-100! Thank you for this!!

[@seanvdc8929]

Looks amazing

[@christyler5409]

This reminds me of a Jim Root guitar

[@josephshelton8106]

This is literally why I clicked on the video haha! Good stuff....

[@benjaminmccrum9206]

Would this work with tung oil? Love the idea, actually gonna use it to make a clock.

[@GunsandGuitars]

I put Tung Oil on top as my final finish. It seemed to stick to the teak oil just fine

[@andrewdempsey5312]

@@GunsandGuitars Any idea if I could put a lacquer on after the wipe off? Or would the teak oil prevent it from sticking

[@darlingdon76]

I like how you started on the back first. Smooth move...

[@dimhelmet]

Looks great!

[@jbw5923]

Dan, Once you were finished with the staining etc., did you seal it at all? A clear coat? Anything? or did you leave it pores open? Fantastic job btw. When I get my kit in about a month, I'm probably use a brown base with some light brown or gold.

[@jeremyquinn7532]

I’ll tell you what, I’m actually going to do the same thing to my LTD, the only difference is I’m gonna dye the silver rub n buff blue. I’ll let you know if a sealer is even required. I may test it on scrap wood to see the difference with and with out a sealer.

[@anthonychwalek1438]

I was going to ask the same question, I want a satin finish over it all. But I'm concerned that it wont stick to the waxed wood

[@demonicon1]

@@jeremyquinn7532 what would you use to dye it? I was kind of thinking of doing the same

[@zrpcguitars6027]

@@jeremyquinn7532 how'd it turn out, homie?

[@thundernixon]

Also wondering this same question… this is beautiful, but I don’t want to make a guitar that gets silvery residue on me when I play it. 😅

[@walterobrien467]

"Sanding is not fun" -Dan, 2019

[@StinkfaceMcPew]

Thanks, now I'm into woodturning.

[@billkaroly]

I love your 🎸 videos. This is cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@mrpotat680]

You say you guarantee we've never seen it before. But I have 3 times actually... When I watched this video 3 times.

[@azbababooey]

Shaking the product called Rub & Buff!! 😂

[@WesternWearEnthusiast]

Love the finishes that you come up with to put on the guitars that you build. Keep exploring new techniques. Love your videos.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks! Will do

[@keenanhays4582]

I love this finish!!!! It’s so pretty

[@wesleyalan9179]

One day im gonna build a guitar an stain it with my own blood... It will have my DNA.... Wouldn't that be sick!

[@wesleyalan9179]

What color is that?? Oh.... That is A B positive!!

[@TheChocolateChamp]

Lol that's actually a cool idea

[@wesleyalan9179]

@@TheChocolateChamp ...hell yeah it is, i have had this thought for forever... But how do you get the blood?... Go to the Dr. office and ask them to take your blood, then just give it to you?? ...lol!

[@wesleyalan9179]

@Thomas Jefferson ...i see you dont share the same thoughts and ideas as me, but thats ok,not Everyone can understand me anyway, so im not mad or hurt or anything like that. Nore do i like to fight or, worse yet, fighting in the comments section, lol! Those are the worst! ✌

[@metalheadblues]

Blood red burst

[@caldivers]

Awesome. I'm so going to try this. Thank you

[@jacobusesterhuizen1294]

Great video and tried it myself and was good fun.

[@32riffs]

Very cool effect, looks a lot better than a regular stain

[@pirateshack9315]

love your vids bud !

[@benjaminheintz7677]

I’m definitely a fan, thank you for this

[@michaelwolf4182]

Love it. Gonna try that for sure

[@williamwoodward2632]

That looks great! Thanks for sharing cool tips and interesting finds. Always an inspiration 🙂

[@tyrssen1]

Wow, that was just TOO COOL! I'm gonna have to try that! TY!

[@coreylong7401]

This is awesome! I love guitars with a visible wood grain and this brings it out really well.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read Genesis Mathew and one you chose yourself. It’s an important milestone to hit. As well as the inner work of forgiveness as an adult. Start with your parents, they’ve loved you. To be forgiven we must forgive. It’s an important show of faith to God. Forgiveness shows love is in your heart. Faith isn’t belief alone, it’s actions based on belief. Genuinely putting Jesus Christ’s lessons into practice in your life. Please trust me. Break down before Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life’

[@scottbrower9052]

I'm finally getting ready to do this 🎸🎸🎸

[@rubenriverarojas7910]

This is so cool! nice work!

[@RookieDIY]

Love it. Never thought of this technique

[@gonzo4hire1]

Looks amazing!!! I luv your channel!

[@Thechacha380]

The editing is just amazing

[@michaelinglis8516]

I love that finish idea, I've been planning on doing a tele build for awhile cause I want a single coil tele around cause....well cause any real guitarist needs to have a dedicated single coil tele or strat. But the strats pickgaurd design really changes the tone. Not for better or worse it's just a hollow plasticy(sorta purcussive) tone that's what allows a lot of the famous songs written with strats to sound the way the do I've always thought. Like smashing pumpkins gish. Anyways i want the solid body with single coil tone(bright snappy, so tele) and have been considering different stain ideas. This is certainly at the top of the list now. Great video thanks!

[@zetaminor77]

cool finish! thanks for sharing this!

[@juusokovala45]

Your video came just in time for my bass pickguard! Gonna look so good on my 80s ibanez blazer

[@AC-hj9tv]

That looks so amazing. Have to do this for my third build

[@coreycann6751]

Another great video! Love your channel!

[@0713mas]

Awesome I've worked so hard to get that distressed antique look and never come close to those results! Thatnks for sharing

[@jayvessel3444]

Bless, this is so good. Just more inspiration and laughs for the day!

[@kukumbarYT]

Looks great.

[@yojimbodahut2748]

Gorgeous! Nice effect! Definitely need to do one with the gold.

[@deandagner]

That finish looks so good! I'm definitely gonna try this! Also, please do a video with that new HT5 mkll! I have the older HT5R stack in white and it's my favorite amp. I've been thinking about getting the new one.. So you could help me with that haha. Awesome as always 🤘 and can't wait for more!

[@MrGekko4life]

Wow nice, i like the finish for every piece of wood!

[@Leaving_L1n3z]

You deserve way more subscribers man! Keep up the great work!

[@mxwx51]

Awesome finish!