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Hey Guys...
I put an Ebony veneer on a headstock and it's sanded very well. Smooth. I would like some input as to how to seal it without using the same finish as the body. Urethane.
I was thinking about a Matte finish.
Please make suggestions...Thanks
Walter

Hi Michael,
Yes to answer your question...I was considering something to repel dirt and grease etc.
How about Tung oil?
I don't know...C'mon wizards, I need help.
Thanks, walter

Walter, Ive never used anything other than lacqure, KTM4a and KTM9 so im not sure how tng oil would work, but I suspect any wood finish would do what your asking.
For what its worth, John Greven has French Polished KTM 9 with sucess, so if your lacking spray equipment you can still get away with using a lacqure. Heck you can even apply KTM9 with a foam brush!

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

why not use the same finish but stop a the sand/buff/pololish sequence at your desired level of matteness(sp)?

Shellac is a great sealer, and you can build it up a little for a final finish if you choose to. It can be buffed to a great gloss finish or left as more of a satin if you use steel wool and go easy on the buffing.

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

In my experience, tung oil generally doesn't like oily woods like ebony, but it might work ok in the desert compared with muggy, moldy Atlanta. I think the shellac suggestions is best.

Walter I agree with shellac Just French polish to the film level you want and buff to the luster you want. with ebony you should not need to pore fill.

The other advantage to shellac besides the ability to repair it easy, is that if you shoud change you mind and want to ad finish over it, there will be no addhesion issues to deal with

Shellac sealer, followed by Tru-oil and a good wax is an option. Several builders finish their entire necks with it. It leaves the woody feel and look, but offers some protection against sweat and minor abrasion, with proper maintenance. I understand it's also relatively easy to repair.