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I found it pretty critical to almost buff the wood before wiping on the finish (sand up to at least 600). I used it to finish 1 whole guitar and while it is a bit softer than you'd really like, it does repair easily. I think it's a fine finish for #1.

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http://www.PeakeGuitars.com

bertoncini and Chris,

How do you get your TO so non-glossy? One of you said you used micromesh, but I thought that buffed it shinny. Everyone I know says "use steel wool" but I did that and it is definitely less shinny but nothing like yours. I also used a lubricant (min oil) with steel wool as well.

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Bro. Matthew A.
Oklahoma

Matthew, the trick with micro mesh is deciding where to stop. There's a very wide range of grits available. If you finish a scrap or two of the same wood while you are applying finish to your guitar, you can then polish the scraps AND the guitar through the various grits. Start polishing the scraps with one level of grit, and then the guitar. Proceed to the next finer grit on the scraps first, and then the guitar. Proceed through increasingly finer grits until the scraps are a little too shiny, but the guitar is just perfect. Of course, YOU have to decide what is perfect and what is too shiny for your personal tastes. I rubbed with dry pads, and they worked very well. My TruOil was well cured.
I'm sure some of the other folks can suggest other methods, too, but this one will work for you while you are gaining experience with the finish.
Patrick

So, I am building a pretty good looking finish on the back, sides, and top with my TruOil. And I am about ready to buff it out - I think. BUT, I have (what I would call) witness lines - the marks left behind as I applied the last layer of TruOil with a T-shirt scrap. These lines are tiny, but don't buff out with the McGuire's I have.

Do I polish/sand these out with super fine grit? Or apply a thicker layer with a brush that could 'run' more and end up looking smooth?

Thanks all!!

To avoid your "witness lines", wipe on a section - as much as you can apply in say 30 seconds, then using a clean piece of cloth, wipe it off. I suggest dividing a guitar top into 3 or 4 sections. Try to wipe it off before it gets too sticky.

Cheers Hip