How to use OSMO Poly-x to finish a guitar

[@mauricelavergne3434]

Hey forgot to mention how much I appreciate your videos, this is the only one I have been able to find on using Osmo as a guitar finish. I have used some on another build on a figured walnut top much like yours but the finish came out a little cloudy in a few spots. It makes sense to use the 1101 first and use the 3011 as atop coat, great idea, this I hope will alleviate any cloudiness in future finishes. Best Regards, Maurice

[@Trufolz]

I've used Osmo oil to cover my countertop in the kitchen a couple of years ago and it really was a top quality product. It's just incredible how it exposes the grain of the wood. So when I was looking for a way to finish a guitar and noticed this video I had no doubt I'm gonna do the same. And it's not only about Osmo but also how you explain the entire process and all whats and whys. Thanks a lot! Awesome tutorial! Greetings from Poland!

[@SweetTGuitars]

Thank you so much for the comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I too used OSMO Poly-x oil on my kitchen counter tops and that was 8 years ago. They're still in great shape. When I started building and wanted to choose an oil finish, Osmo is the first one I thought of and I love it on a guitar. I've tried many other oil finishes but none do the job like OSMO. Good luck with your guitar building. ✌️

lots of wisdom in that video

[@mctheta]

This video was perfect after the stream this morning! great video!

[@SweetTGuitars]

Thank you brother. ✌️

[@deannicholson3960]

Hey mate I've watched this video about 5 times 🤣 I just finished my first ever build in osmo about 3 months ago because of you. I had previously used it on my coffee table i have built. It turned out fantastic. Wish I could share some photos. Love your videos the passion really comes through. I am currently a few weeks away from finishing my second build. ( which I will be doing the same way). Anyway thanks mate. Cheers from AUS 🍻

[@SweetTGuitars]

That's awesome. I'm so glad the video was helpful. Congratulations on your builds and keep on with it brother. I can't stop! You can always shoot me some photos on Instagram @sweettguutars! Thank you for the comment, you are too kind. ✌️🤍

[@stephenapap9300]

Hi Todd Enjoyed your video, very informative. I have built a acoustic guitar and am in the process of building a Les Paul but with modified sculpting and my own headstock. I am a joiner with 45 years experience and starting using Osmo product a few years ago. Thanks for confirming my thoughts on maybe using it on the Les Paul as I wasn’t sure if it would be successful. A little tip with Osmo (maybe try a sample first) get some good quality heavy brown paper and rub over briskly after it has cured. Again thanks for a great video. PS: I will be using your technique.👍👍👍👍

[@SweetTGuitars]

Hi Stephen, thank you so much for the comment. I first used OSMO on a kitchen counter about 8 years ago. It still looks great! I love OSMO. I really like using the extra thing as a penetrating sealer (I didn't use it on the counters) then going with the hardwax oil on top of that. Is just the best oil finish I've ever tried. Good luck on your guitar building journey and thanks for the tip! ✌️

[@danandratis]

Thanks for the video, that piece of walnut is something else - Cheers from Canada

[@SweetTGuitars]

Thanks brother.

[@NeoAcoustix]

Great video Sir! your passion and dedication deserves huge respect 🤘🤘

[@SweetTGuitars]

Thank you so much. I have basically given myself over to what guitar building does for me. I can't imagine my life without it now. Thank you for joining my journey. ✌️

[@fatpotanga]

Nice one Todd, great, help video. Also, love the ‘inspiration’ sign off - couldn’t agree more. Peace out!

[@SweetTGuitars]

Thank you! Peace

[@cghbuilder86]

Love that finish! That is the result I am going for. I have made one that I have dyed and stained black. If I’d seen these videos on osmo earlier I might have sprung for it. Everyone seems to love it. The problem is my building budget is way overspent right now and I can’t buy anything else. I have some wipe on poly and tru oil that I have been doing tests with for the past month. Things always start out going well. The problem I have is in the final coat. I’m trying to get that nice smooth satin shine like you have. I have found it nearly impossible to wipe on a wet coat smooth enough, and it’s too glossy. When I apply the final coat and wipe away the excess I can get it smooth but the sheen is bad. After one wipe off pass the surface turn sticky like syrup. I have experimented with wipe off almost immediately vs given a few minutes off tack up time. I can’t understand how the osmo allows you to so easily work the final coat. Does it not get sticky? Do you have any experience with wiping poly or tru oil. If you have any advise I’d love to have it. Thanks.

[@SweetTGuitars]

Hey man, thanks for the comment. Let me start by saying that OSMO is my favorite Oil finish ever. I've got tru-oil, Crimson High Build, tried and true, etc... OSMO is just so forgiving compared to everything else. It's a hardwax oil so not like what you're using. Tru-Oil has a bunch of dryers in it and I don't know if the wipe on poly you have is oil or water based but the same is true with it if it's oil and no wax at all. I've never used poly on a guitar but I have used tru-oil and I actually like tru oil if I'm going for a higher gloss in the end. There are so many factors that can cause the issues you are having. I would say this and the same is true with any film build finish. With tru-Oil I don't wipe off the excess. I let it cure completely and then sand it flat and wipe on the next coat. Once you've got about 6-10 coats on the guitar you would flat sand it with 1200-1500-2000 wet dry paper and then go to the buff with it. The problem with both of the finishes you are using is that they re-wet the coat underneath what you are applying and that's where the syrup feeling comes in. With OSMO once it's cured the coat on top doesn't affect the cost underneath and you build the finish over a period of about a week. Tru-Oil and poly are both faster drying so you can apply another coat in around 24 hours or even less in a controlled environment. Try my method and see if you get better results. So to recap, Start with a clean dry surface. Apply the finish, leave it alone, making sure you get a nice finish with a foam brush or you can use a rag but make sure you don't leave huge streaks or you'll have a hard time getting them out. After that coat has cured sand it flat with -1200 grit on a hard block and clean the surface good. Apply the next coat and leave it to cure. Continue doing this until you've got a nice film build on the surface. Final sand with 1200-1500-2000 up to 3000 grit. Once you get to that level you can switch to a compound bar or liquid compound and work the finish to the desired sheen! Let me know if this helps. I think you're doing the right method but with the wrong products! That's my take. Also watch a few Big D guitars to figure out the Tru-Oil application, he uses it almost exclusively and Bonehead Guitars uses Wipe on Poly on all his guitars so find a finish video from him! I really hope this helps. ✌️

[@cghbuilder86]

@@SweetTGuitars thanks man! I will give the build up and rub out method a shot on my tests. That makes sense about the previous coat having a bit of melt in causing the problem. That osmo sounds like some awesome stuff. I have watched a good bit of big d but will go back through and watch some more. Also will checkout bonehead. Thanks for the info!

[@CoraTreeCustomGuitars]

That looks awesome! You're right: Osmo products are fantastic for sure. REQUIEM is really coming alive. You said awhile back that you wanted your guitars to look like they were NOT handmade. Well, my friend, this is aighty good start in that direction. Thanks for taking the time to realistically demo this finishing process. It'll help me remember to stay patient and stay consistent. LOL@ "use sandpaper like you're buying it with someone else's money!" That is so true!

[@SweetTGuitars]

Thanks Mark, I love OSMO. And the handmade comment should have actually been "Homemade". You know what I meant. I want it as close to perfect as I can get! Thanks for the comment brother. ✌️

[@billsguitargarage]

Fantastic looking guitar and a great run down on the finishing product and process. Can’t wait to see the finished guitar.

[@SweetTGuitars]

Thank you brother, it's coming soon. I didn't want to rush this one! Peace

[@lucky-productions]

Hey T, love your videos. I am about to try out Poly-X Matt on a guitar. Wondering what you'd recommend on a stained/dyed guitar? All their advice it to apply direct to bare wood, but I've dyed it quite extensively. Should I seal with a shellac or an acrylic sanding sealer maybe?

[@SweetTGuitars]

Hey brother. Thank you. I would go straight over the stain with the OSMO if it were me. You don't want to take a chance of something being incompatible with the OSMO plus you don't want to have to sand it now that it's stained!! Just be really light handed and apply the OSMO in thin layers over a few days. ✌️🤍

[@sandysipes5179]

Beautiful!!! Love you, Sweet Nephew!!

[@SweetTGuitars]

Thank you. Love you too

[@mauricelavergne3434]

Hello I am just finishing a spalted maple top with Osmo, wish I would have seen your video first. I have four coats of the gloss 3011 on it now I sanded with 2000 grit and have applied another coat but not with a scotch brite pad. What would you recommend to finish it. Staring another build that will have Osmo on it so wondering if you could answer these following questions: 1. How many coats of 1101 do you put on and how long do you leave it before wiping it off? 2. How much time do leave it cure between coats of the 1101? 3. In your video when you say that you are wiping on a thin layer and not wiping it off to build a film are you talking about the first coat of the gloss 3011? 4. How many coats of 3011 do you put on and do you not wipe excess off any of the coats? 5. How long do you leave it cure before you wet sand? Talked to Osmo and they say it takes 2 weeks to cure. 6. When burnishing with the scotch brite pad do you wipe off excess and let cure overnight before wiping on final thin coats with paper towel? 7. How many thin paper towel final coats do you apply after burnishing with scotch brite pad? 8. Do you buff as a final step or just stop process after paper towel final coats?

[@stevenfolino405]

Todd, That top looks great! When I first saw it I thought it might be from Steve’s Walnut Stash! Looks great, I really like the carve too! Well Done!!

[@SweetTGuitars]

No Steve can't trade any of the walnut he has and it's gonna be really expensive. I got that piece from Mark @ Coratree Guitars as a gift! I am glad to hear from you. I hope you are doing well. Peace brother.

[@SweetTGuitars]

Not saying I won't buy any from Steve I'm sure I'll end up with some of it. I do have some other things from him. I got the new neck radius hold down jig with a 12"-18" compound block and a set of the fit all templates including the neck.

[@SweetTGuitars]

Oh yeah, I have another video dropping at 11:00AM EST. Today! Check it out and give me a call one evening.

[@mauricelavergne3434]

Hey Todd, wondering if you could tell how long you wait between thin coats of the 3011? How long do you let the 3 thin coat of 3011 cure before before you wet sand?

[@SweetTGuitars]

Hey brother, sorry for the delay. I let each coat cure for at least 4 hours but prefer to let it cure overnight and I have altered my method since posting this video. I no longer wet sand OSMO. I discovered that using 2000 grit wet dry paper as an applicator on the first 2 coats actually does a really good job at filling the grain and leveling out any small scratches or imperfections. I have also started to buff the guitar after allowing the OSMO to cure for 7 days with microcrystalline wax!!

[@mauricelavergne3434]

Hey Todd, just wondering why you won’t answer the few questions I asked.

[@mauricelavergne3434]

Thanks for the reply, I will try it on my next build, tried to send you a couple of pictures to show you the results of the Osmo application but it bounced back.

[@r.llynch4124]

What woods would work with this finish? Mahogany, black limba , any others?

[@SweetTGuitars]

In my opinion, any wood that looks good natural will benefit from OSMO. Even stained wood will look great with OSMO Poly-x as a top coat. It's the best oil finish I've used. It does have a light Ambering effect so that will need to be considered. It looks killer on mahogany, Limba, Walnut and even maple and poplar look great with OSMO. What I really love about OSMO is that it feels so natural. Even the gloss is really silky feeling and doesn't have a plastic feel. You won't be sorry putting it on anything made of wood. I finished my kitchen countertops with OSMO Poly-x 7 years ago and they still look great. It's also food safe and child toy safe once cured. I recommend OSMo over a other oil finishes. The Crimson high build oil is also great but it has to ship from the UK. OSMO is available through many sources in the US. Get you some and try it out. You will love it. ✌️

[@r.llynch4124]

@@SweetTGuitars Thanks man your guitars look so sweet..haha. May I ask your opinion on a few basic tools you use? Having heck finding a proper band saw unless I spend mucho cash so what do you recommend/use and what #7 and #4 planes are you using brand wise?

[@SweetTGuitars]

Hey brother. You don't really need a bandsaw. The one I use, I paid $40 on Marketplace. You can use a good jigsaw with great results. The blades are what really matters. Get good blades and a $50 jigsaw! I don't have a #7 plane, I've got 2-#6's which are adequate. I find I like jointing with a #5 which I also have 2 of. 3-#4's and 2-#3's at this point, plus several block planes. Man hand planes are a loaded topic. If you're a handy guy, buy some vintage Stanley's or miller's Falls, both killer brands. You don't need them 100 years old. Anything from the late 1950's and before with the exception of the ones made during WWII will be fine. The WWII planes were made in some cases with cheaper metal and some have plastic adjusters. Stanley, Millers Falls, Dunlap, Fulton and Craftsman all had really good planes back in the day. Most of those brands were actually made by Stanley or Millers Falls. I personally like a solid front on the frog and an adjustment to move the frog back and forth below the depth adjustment screw! Almost all old and new Stanley's have that, some Millers Falls do. I actually have a Wards Master #4 that I love and it does a great job. I paid $26 including shipping on eBay for it. I have since bought an older Stanley #4 but it needs restoring. On the number 6, you can get a Number 6 Stanley for $60-$200 depending on year and the shape it's in, A Millers Falls is about the same price. Fulton also made a pretty good #6 which is what I have. I paid $60 for it. It's from the late 50's and came to me in almost perfect condition, just needed sharpening. I will warn you, once you start buying planes it becomes a quest for the awesome ones like a 100 year old Stanley which can cost. You can find a great plane if you're willing to shop, bid and then restore a little on it. Stay away from the newer ones sold on Amazon . They are junk! An old Craftsman is better than a new Stanley in my opinion. The metal is just superior. If you find one you like, email me and I'll try and help you out. Good luck! ✌️

[@r.llynch4124]

@@SweetTGuitars Copy that. Thanks man

[@r.llynch4124]

So you used 3011 gloss to finish but do you use something other than 3011 when you started with your first coats?

[@EricDeLucaReviewsThis]

Love your channel. Just subbed. Hey with your permission would you be interested in a compilation video of rising stars on KZbin? I think your content would fit perfectly. Keep up the great work!

[@SweetTGuitars]

I'm flattered man. I'm fine with it. Anything to boost my presence would be appreciated! Thank you for the sub and the kind words. I really do appreciate it. I'm so into this there's no turning back now. ✌️

[@SweetTGuitars]

Send me a link when you decide to post something. I'll sub you back right now!

[@EricDeLucaReviewsThis]

@@SweetTGuitars cool I'll be touch with you as I'm starting to put things together and keep ya posted! Thanks for responding!

[@EricDeLucaReviewsThis]

@@SweetTGuitars i'll do that!

[@EricDeLucaReviewsThis]

@@SweetTGuitars your video is up!! be sure to check the description box for a PDF I put together that has helped out my channel...hope you can get a lot out of it as well!! here's the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnioqaqOdtmNp80

[@TheBrianRaglandChannel]

Awesome you sell automotive paint can you get any deals on 2K clearcoat.😂

[@TheBrianRaglandChannel]

I love this style of video thank you so much for sharing.

[@SweetTGuitars]

Thank you man, I currently have stopped doing anything with paint on the channel. It was getting out of control! I'll check and see what I can do. Thanks for the comments. ✌️