Ep 2 - How to Use Stunning Stains by Crimson Guitars - A Demonstration of the Finishing Oil

[@mvyper]

Seeing a project getting oiled is just so satisfying.

[@SHIVER-REDCAR]

Just wanted to say thank you for inspiring me to restore my old guitar using many of the techniques in your videos I now have a lovely les Paul with a natural finish that I can't put down and it was stuck in bits in my shed for 5 years. So once again thank you Ben and all the team at Crimson guitars

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

+Ian Legg Thank you, it's great to hear success stories like yours.

[@chrisfarrugia5397]

I should be practicing my guitar but I keep finding myself watching your amazing videos!!!! So interesting and informative even for a non guitar builder like me. Your one of a kind Ben ! Awesome.

[@bobthreeton6976]

Watched this series with my wife, who has been trying to decide on the finish for the guitar kit I’m building for her. Decision made! Placed my order for stain and finishing oil this morning.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Glad to help, thanks for your support! B

[@HBSuccess]

Hi Ben - actually pouring oil finishes, especially for the first few coats, is exactly the way to approach it. Once it starts to build I get a little more conservative - but those first coats need to fully penetrate. If i had enough volume to dip them in a vat of the stuff - I'd do that :-)

[@kylemiller1390]

I really want to see one of these videos with the lacquer finish

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Try this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYbPaKCIftKWrLcsi=MXFPLQvDNvoReK6T

[@JROC2112]

Have just finished staining my new guitar. The stunning stains are great. Looking forward to getting it oiled up.

[@liljuanito123]

My cherry stain and finishing oil just arrived. Stain is easy to work with and is diluted just right. Finishing oil is amazing as soon as you put it on. Secons coat gets better. Has a nice sheen to it that makes the grain really beautiful.

[@skinnyweb]

Does look great for a process with specialist equipment amounting to a roll of paper. Would love to see the completed job once multiple coats applied.

[@Tonetwisters]

VERY nicely done. THAT looks like a hum-dinger of a good project.

[@jd-ev6cj]

Please, please, please - implore Christopher to do a tutorial on that gorgeous ocean burst finish he did. That is probably the most beautiful guitar I have ever seen in my life. I don't like the high maintenance frets and other excessive MIDI stuff, but I LOVE that finish on that quilted wood! Pity he wasn't on camera for that build.

[@WoodesosGuitarMods]

So... I guess the settles it. I'm stripping my Les Paul and doing the back and sides in this stain. I need to get to your webstore and place an order!

[@kentekent]

+Woodeso's Guitar Mods I would think twice about that. I might be ugly as fuck under the finish.

[@pregister]

+Woodeso's Guitar Mods I was thinking of doing the same thing. Suggestions on the easiest way to strip a guitar? :)

[@DanielS10291]

its real pain in the arse getting the finish off, not to mention sanding all the contours real nice, think twice before starting, but if youre dead set go for it! (i used a belt sander)

[@pregister]

I used a heat gun. Great fun. No toxic fumes at all. :)

[@anthonyclarke2076]

Not to a nitro finish Les Paul man why...

[@Anon-21j]

I'm dreaming of owning a custom Tele Deluxe in exactly this finish one day... With your amazing stains & oil finish aswell as something like an unfinished Warmoth body this just might be possible. Amazing stuff!

[@calebmckinney3605]

A finish I would love to see from Crimson is a easy at home nitro lacquer. I have always loved the way nitro finishes age but have never come across an easy way to get that finish without spending ungodly amounts of money.

[@johnnyroastbeef84]

Nothing awesome ever comes easy or cheap.

[@sky-hakala]

You guys inspire me to be a luthier something i have wanted to do for a long time my uncle makes beautiful guitars. Unfortunately i live in a trailer and the only tools i have are a knife and pliers so im gonna have to wait on that. :/ i love the look and sound of every one of your guitars i have heard. You guys have a bright future

[@aukinotanga4530]

Wow 2x chemists to formulate it! I'm impressed. Good to mention that so we all know the degree of hard work you have going into your quality products.

[@narbonneguitars9331]

I would love to see a guitar bass or standard with a built up finish to see more shine... The satin look you gave it. Very nice. 👍

[@mikedaknight1079]

Can't wait to try these, just made an order today for water based stains

[@jackomeara3425]

Hey, I have two questions, A: Can I use this on a guitar neck, and B: Do I have to sand between coats?

[@yamahargxtt]

Yes and No

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Ben . looks like it works well . do you have a video showing how many coats and the do you buff it after the coats. i did see you use the paper towels and rub it down i am guessing that was like a fine sanding between coats ?

[@kennethdavid9259]

Please show the white stain. I am very interested in it. Thanks, great videos.

[@NickyGoodWolf]

+Kenneth David He sucha tease, right?

[@alanoffer]

NickyGoodWolf Frankly , yes

[@Puciferthegreat]

need some slider tests of the dyes on different woods, need halp deciding what to get

[@kade5005]

Ben, I was wondering if this oil finish will have the same frictionless feel that tru oil has on a neck, thanks.

[@yamahargxtt]

Yes its great

Ben, would the oil seal a maple neck instead of using a clear coat, or would dirt still build up in the top layer?

[@PaulGalvinPhoto]

the neck is pink.. ? maybe add a drop of black?

[@mattmiddleton1162]

Can you get a high gloss finish from this like I would with tru oil?

[@BingoBabyO]

I found you looking for ways to properly darken Pau Ferro fretboards… do you have a video of someone doing that? Might be a good one to make!

[@michaelmckenney7214]

Any thoughts to supplying a “sampler” package with an assortment of popular colors in smaller bottles?

[@kennerbartos7692]

Would this require sanding between coats? or is it fairly straightforward?

[@SBTDesigndotcodotuk]

I'd love to see the finished oil finish with the 15 coats. Any pictures?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Tomorrow's video has a guitar by Christopher with 7 coats and it is perfect.. 15 would be basically gloss.

[@SBTDesigndotcodotuk]

+Crimson Custom Guitars I'll keep an eye out. Great job with and videos BTW. I recently finished my second guitar with oil. I'm a big fan of oil finishes. I use Osmo, I really recommend you check them out.

[@ashely5720]

looking good ben. are your stains compatible with other finishes like acrylic or poly 2k clearcoats ect. also if you get the chance. can you do a video of the amber stain on maple and possibly brown on a softer wood please. thanks Ash

[@redjacket8499]

What is the difference between your stunning stains and stunning spirit stains?

[@despitesteve]

I know this video is seven years old, but on the website now there are 4 different finish oils. This one used, which one is it? Many thanks!

[@jameslewis2635]

That guitar started looking so much better once you started applying the oil. I personally would prefer a darker base stain. Can you mix this stain to get a darker finish or is there another technique you would use?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

The stains are all totally compatible with each other, you can mix them all to get exactly what you want and also dilute as well.. Thanks for watching :)

[@theRealMadHatter]

How did I miss these videos, lol, I'm in the middle of refinishing a guitar, and have been damn near tearing my hair out looking for the materials.

[@bradshannon862]

Looks fantastic! Can I use it over Shou sugi ban?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you. Yes you can, though obviously the effect will be more subtle

[@andrewspitzer]

Would you use this with a clear coat/lacquer or instead of one?

[@Nym1a]

Lol this is a late answer.. But it is instead of a lacquer finish, that wouldn't stick well on the oil. This protects from water and some wear just fine!

[@ModelCitizenstudio]

Does the range of stains work through an airbrush?

[@markmalsack598]

HEY BIG GUY LOVE IT GOT ABOUT 6 GUITARS OUT OF THE 20 THAT I'VE ASSUMED THE BUILDS ON I DID MY FIRST 5 , NEVER HAVE DONE ANYTHING LIKE A GUITAR BUILD NO EXPERIENCE BUT WATCHED YOUR VIDEOS NOW A YEAR LATER IM PUTTING OUT SOME QUALITY GUITARS . I STILL SHOP OUT A FEW THINGS BUT I'VE MADE GUITARS FOR 6 PAYING CLIENTS. SO AFTER MY INITIAL 20 BUILDS I'M ONLY IN THE HOLE ABOUT $5000BUT STILL DOING 5 BUILDS AT ONCE SEEMS TO KEEP ME BUSY AND FOCUSED ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO. SO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ADVICE. MM

[@edrosenquist6541]

Ben!!! Crimson Guitar videos are highly adictive! I know this is an old video but I'm hoping you read these. I just discovered you guys. Anyway, I've ordered your finishing oil with some stains. Black and red. I'm applying this to an SG body shape with a spalted maple top that I've put together. My idea is to dob the black around the edges, barley going past the SGs bevels. Then apply the red. How many coats of red need to be applied before I get a deeper red color? Thanks. Your videos really are my favorite. Blessings to you and your family!!!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Just keep going until you have the colour you nees. If you really want a very deep colour you should look at the Vibrant Shots and do not dilute very much, or try it neat. www.crimsonguitars.com/collections/guitar-finishing/products/new-stunning-stain-shots-pastel-vibrant

[@MrBillUp]

The finish is going to be perfect for me as I have some Black Manns Wood Dye which I have had for ages that I need to use up. I am going to do my Tele body and headstock all Black and have been fretting (mind the pun) over the finish. This gives the Guitar a really nice matt look which is what I am after.

[@M5guitar1]

This is a stunningly simple and outstanding finishing process. I'm hoping to give it a shot. What color is best for Butterscotch Blonde?

[@LINE4RR]

Wonderful video and wonderful finishing oil!

[@joebigwood7605]

Hey Ben, could you possibly show us those white and faded blue stains? I've been wanting someone to make both of those for longer than I can remember...

[@nojyeloot]

Could I get a similar finish with just the Tru oil that I already have? Love your videos, thanks for the info.

[@auratnik]

Yes you do, just mix it with the white spirit and it will penetrate to the wood better.

[@billroosa5802]

Will you apply a clear coat at the end or is the oil enough to protect the wood? Thanks. Great video.

[@jonq8714]

Is there a pigment to the stain? I have your stunning stains in the white color and would like to know.

[@karkas26]

This is just a beautiful! Love that the finish is not glossy and has this nice satin look! Did you apply it on the neck also?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Yes, we use it on necks as well.. a lovely feeling finish indeed. B

[@karkas26]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Thanks! Now I know what present I will be getting myself for my birthday! :D

[@adrianpollard2763]

Hi, fellas. I've been using your Stunning Stains. Excellent product. Is there a high gloss lacquer I could use over the top for a really deep shine?

[@masterharkonnen3045]

What type of silica paper is being used to apply the finish? I can't find anything that seems remotely similar online anywhere.

[@Stratocaster893]

I think its just ordinary paper towel. Which I believe has clay in it which may have trace amounts of silica in it. Just the natural stuff that you have in paper. Remember how your mum would get angry if you used her fabric scissors on paper? Thats why cause most paper has trace amounts of abrasives in it that will dull scissors which I think is what Ben is taking advantage of here.

[@randomdude93-93]

Do you apply something else on top to make a shinier gloss?

[@jamesbaker4077]

What are some non endangered alternatives to ebony

[@saulgoodeguitars]

I'm glad I chose the cherry red for an upcoming 175 build🤘🏿

[@liljuanito123]

Saul Goode how did it turn out?

[@tunnel7]

Just started using this oil fingers crossed look ok after two coats just a bit tacky on back of neck but not fully cured yet, see what its like after 5 or 6 coats and leave fully cure.

[@joelvandam]

could you use this for the rosewood as well?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

yes, absolutely. B

[@amazonquest2012]

can you sand and seal the guitar before stain and oil, I have purchased your oil, I will now look at your stain colours.

[@LRBerry]

I have a question but not about the stains and oil. What are the three large bladed tools with the long handles on the tool rack at the back?

[@MusicMike939]

I would really like to see the results after many more coats of stain. I can't believe that blue guitar that Toby demod was just finishing oil finish.

[@stuartgrier5605]

I am very interested in oil on a guitar. I have built a couple of strars which are brilliant, but one think I have problems with is the finish. Can I ask a couple of questions - 1. Can you apply oil over a painted guitar - aerosol cans (car paint with primer) or does it only work with stains which keep the wood grain open? Cheers. Stuart

[@4GuilleMusic]

Ben how abouut a tutorial on adding a suburst stain technique to an existing mahogany finish like the one you just finished?

[@MusicMike939]

What grit sandpapering was done before applying the stain? What is the best grit to get up to for the best results?

[@KingBlonde]

Did you rub the excess oil off with a tissue or a light grade wet and dry sandpaper?

[@chibbychinchinchaa]

When are the stains going to be available to order? Looking at getting the green stain but it says its still in the pre-order stage.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

+chibbychinchinchaa Hi, sorry about that, all the stains are now in stock, received the the green today. But we'll keep adding to the list so keep checking. Any recommendations?

[@chibbychinchinchaa]

+Crimson Custom Guitars Thats great, thanks. Hmmm, recommendations? You could pretty much make any colour you want with the current list of colours you do so I'm not sure about a new colour lol. Maybe a silver/grey stain for people who might want to try a silverburst-like finish? I think it would be very helpful if you could put photographs of every stain on different types of woods on the website. It would probably be helpful to people to decide whether or not the stain straight from the bottle gives the colour they're looking for or if they need to buy additional colours to reach their desired colour/shade. Glad to see the company doing really well. Looking forward to the kickstarter rewards being shipped out as well.

[@klausscharlipp6501]

Do you have stain color suggestion for beautiful figured pear wood?

[@brianellis7228]

Would you recommend putting a couple of coats of wipe on poly over finishing oil, if yes after how long. Brian

[@kevincrawford9677]

Can you add a clearcoat over your new formulation, and what would be compatible with it?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Please email [e-mail] with this query. Happy Holiday!

[@nickparkin8527]

Do you put the binding on the body before or after you apply the stain and oil? I'm assuming before right?

[@emmsone]

This would be cool to use on the top of a old acoustic i want to stain blue and refinish, the question is, how well would a bridge that will be glued on bind to a top finished in this oil?

[@adammckay4027]

I have recently built a tele and finished with a minwax stain. I liked the look so much, I just left it like that. Can you get away with simply staining a guitar? What are some of the problems I might run into? I really prefer the wood feel on the neck, so want to try and avoid any finish that will take that away. Any suggestions? Keep up the good work.

[@zik228]

I don't know if you got an answer to this, but there's two obvious issues with not applying a finishing coat. The first is that the stain will wear off quicker than with a finishing coat because stain is usually relatively thin, but they do make stains with a finishing product mixed in. The second is that unfinished stains tend to seep out with fluctuations in the weather, so the wood will become tacky feeling and will stain clothes. Usually that happens in higher humidity, but it's usually unheard of to leave wood unfinished.

[@masterharkonnen3045]

Do you need to scuff up the finish before applying additional coats? If so, what grit paper should be used? And how does wet-sanding apply in this case, if at all?

[@whoDatBeDare]

Can you mix up a navy blue stain

[@kubuntukowalski]

I want that pale red color what is that!

[@henrybridgeman8898]

What shipping do you guys use

[@mezaunramjohn-arnone5142]

Question: After applying the oil coats to the finish and allowing a suitable cure time can you put a gloss (like a nitro-cellulose) on top of that for a glass like effect?

[@SuperT3x]

Do you have ant example pictures of the different colours?

[@jonahguitarguy]

Does the oil ship to California? Tru-Oil is not legal here. Also been trying to find a good clear top coat for high gloss old school look. What do you use?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

We have shipped to california before with no problems but, well, who knows? What is there reason for the ban?

[@jonahguitarguy]

+Crimson Custom Guitars Cal. has banned a lot of high VOC type products, the state protecting us from cancer causing things. I say with tongue in cheek. Naphtha and paint thinner have been banned while lacquer thinner and acetone are still available, makes no sense to me whatsoever.

[@Twominutedevotions]

Same question. I need this in my life. It's a shame we have to even ask these questions.

[@jonahguitarguy]

Thanks for your quick response on the oil question would still like to know what you use for high gloss clear coat projects. Maybe a video on this topic, please. Enjoy your videos very much BTW, thanks

[@pedraw]

+Dane Nichols Have you considered wipe on polyurethane? Tough as nails and you can get satin to glossy.

[@shanesmith8907]

Great stuff on this channel, been learning a lot from y'all! Rock onnnnn!

[@9642SM7]

I saw a guitar with magnets instead of screws to hold the back electronics plate. I know that wood is your passion from watching alot of your videos but would the magnets affect the electronics in anyway? thank you for all your sharing of information.

[@HeadCase55]

Did you use grain filler?

[@philgodfrey877]

Firstly thank you Ben and all your team, really good work. I look forward to each and every video, educational and entertaining, ideal mix 😀. I would personally like to see the stains from your range shown on wood to get an idea of colour. I know the colour will vary depending on wood and other factors, but to get a rough idea. I'm about to buy some stain and finishing oil from your website and really can't decide which direction to go colour wise. I hope this is possible at some point. Thank you again! 🎸

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I'll have talitha put the pics up tomorrow.. I'm surprised they're not there already, my bad! Thank you for your support!

[@philgodfrey877]

+Crimson Custom Guitars Superb, thank you very much! 😀

[@tyrssen1]

I've used lots of Tru-Oil on gunstocks, of course, and with that stuff, to get a bit of a shine, it gets rubbed out (with rottenstone, for us geezers.) Would you recommend a similar process to bring your oil up to a shiny finish?

[@Gorbyrev]

I have a custom bass that needs refinishing and this looks just the thing. How would you recomment going about the business of removing the old finish? In this case I think it is a water based varnish.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

My current favourite method of removing varnish etc is a blow torch.. Make sure to wear a gas mask or be in a very very well ventilated area with a good through breeze. I'll do a video next time we do this..

[@Gorbyrev]

Holy maple, zebrawood and mahongany BBQ Batman! Can't wait to see how that works.

[@TorSagen]

Is this the penetrating guitar finishing oil or the high build finishing oil? 🤔

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

penetrating.. at this point we hadn't developed the high build oil

[@Harvest1966]

I don't know if you noticed, but you got a bunch of oil in the bridge pickup cavity!!!

[@artmercado1735]

I did a burst on my guitar will this oil dilute or ruin the stain

[@tomFisher_mont]

If the true oil / your oil builds up after the first layer or so; with a porous wood like mahogany or cedar - do you still need to fill grain before applying? Not used oils before.

[@neil.HobbyPositive]

will this buff up to a flat mirror like finish like a nitro or urethane finish, also can it be applied to a guitar that has had a spirit based grain filler and spirit based stain?

[@Jackmagee199814]

Can you guys make a video demonstrating its high gloss potential?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Will do, check out tomorrow's for a medium gloss.. Christophers custom tele is stunning with only 7 coats of oil.

[@vidasvaicekauskas]

I will appreciate if you can update regarding sound difference (sustain, tonality) oil vs. nitro finish...

[@Dorbe87]

Are there any precaution steps needs to be taken when applying the oil? Can I do the process inside a room or does it have to be outside? Thanks.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

It does have some white spirit and other things in it, inside is fine but a window or good ventilation is a good idea.

[@Dorbe87]

+Crimson Custom Guitars thanks a lot! I just got the notification that my green and black stains and the oil have shipped. Going to remove the paint from my project guitar next week. Can't wait to paint it!!

[@gerggbergr8976]

Hey I'm a bit late to the gig here but would you recommend your products on a spalted top?thanks I dig your videos you got me into this many years ago .

[@stephengent9974]

Could you do a demo using the white stain. I have tried to use white in the past , and frankly it did not come out as I had hoped. Would it need a base coat first before the white? I use swamp ash predominantly for my guitars.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

No base coat needed though you have to shake the strain very well. I will be making a photo with a few different woods to go live in the shop in the next few days so you can see the effect and will film a demo on my current custom build next week..

[@tutorialinater]

Hi Ben, What grit would you recommend sanding up to before putting the stain on and did you do any de-nibbing in between coats? many thanks Scott

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I didn't denib, though I suspect I would have got an even better finish if I had. You don't need to sand higher than 320 grit, though if you go to 600 you will get an even better finish. For years I never went higher than 240 and was perfectly happy with my results..

[@tutorialinater]

Ok. think I may get some soon to do a guitar I am building, seems like a very good product also how would you do a satin finish on the back but have a gloss finish on the front would you just sand the back with steel wool?

[@carsandguitars116]

What are the chances of that : I was looking for information about the stunning stains and applying oil after the stain in order to build an SG body. I was going to check the tutorial from Crimson guitars website (stunning stains page in the shop) and the suggested videos where those 2 with exactly what I want to do : oil over red stain on an SG body :D So now I know what to order. I'm so excited by this project (it will be my first guitar body, the rest will be a cheap kit to be improved).

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

This was excellent! Thank you and good luck. B

[@alechinaglia224]

Hi dear. If i use this oil can i spray nitro clear coat to glossy it or the oil is enough? Thx inadvance

[@thespanielinquisition7167]

2 chemists worked 6 month to create wiping varnishing? Its one part boiled linseed oil, one part spirits and one part spirit varnish - I've been a woodworker long enough to recognise wiping varnish AKA Danish Oil. For a finer finish add more spirit and less varnish.

[@DevinJuularValentine]

Hey Ben, is it possible to build up a glossy finish with this oil over many coats as you would with Tru Oil?

[@whiskyboy1977]

I'm looking to finish quilted maple topped guitar with a mahogany body using your stains and finishing oil. Only the maple will be stained, then the whole body finished. Do I need to use grain filler on the mahogany before the oil? Also, the body is bound, is this something to worry about or should i just scrape the binding after finishing? thanks

[@nothingsworking]

Can you show us the other stain colors, please? Like blue, green, purple? I want to build a purple stained flamed maple top telly in the future but finding a piece of "perfect" flamed maple in the EU seems impossible to me. Northridgehardwoods has some really nice pieces but its quite expensive especially with shipping. Or you can't get it cheaper anywhere?

[@brianhearn5090]

Bill Hearn. Hi Ben I am just bought a used strat body and aim to renovate, I have just watched your video and I like the idea of staining, thefinish you got was very nice but I am wondering if I could infact apply a wax polish to obtain a reasonable sheen to the body or would I get a reaction. Hoping you can advise. Regards Bill.