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I'm getting ready to start engraving on the electric project, which means a final cleanup of the fingerboard+binding before I start, and I was wondering if anyone had any good tips on how to seal maple fingerboard binding. The top edge gets dirty really fast otherwise, and would kinda ruin the look of an otherwise nice-looking (but not flawless, oh no, none of that) instrument.

Mattia, I simply use the same finish used on the neck. In my case it's nitro. I paint it on with a tiny artist's brush which is no wider than the binding's edge. It's a bit tedious, granted. And I surely don't worry about buffing it. Just paint on a coat--sometimes two--and there is sufficient protection to keep the maple clean. I try not to get it on the fretboard, by the way. If the brush does stray a bit, then a single edged razor blade quickly cleans up the line.

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

OK. I'll go out and get me a tiny little brush, then. Should work well with shellac, methinks. Thanks!

Thanks Steve I needed that too. bd

Thanks for the tip Steve. I bound my sister's uke w/ maple but left the top bare. I never liked how it would pick up the dirt. I think I'll clean it up and cover it next time I visit her.

I seem to remember Mario recommending walnut oil. Perhaps he'll chime in.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

[QUOTE=Roy O] Thanks for the tip Steve. I bound my sister's uke w/ maple but left the top bare. I never liked how it would pick up the dirt. I think I'll clean it up and cover it next time I visit her.[/QUOTE]

Roy, take along a single edged razor blade. That dirt and grime will scrape off quickly, leaving a fresh surface to paint. And being a uke, you'll get it done in no time.

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Will do Steve. Thanks again for the useful tip.