Cleaner prior to finishing

[mando andy]

I am preparing to begin the finishing process and wondered about using a solvent to clean the wood to remove any oils or grease prior to applying the dye----what do you recommend? naptha, acetone or ?

Its getting there!!!!

Andy
Madison, WI

[Hans]

Sure wouldn't use acetone as it will attack the binding. I don't use anything, but wipe the instrument carefully with a tack rag after final sanding. Don't know where you are getting it greasy, but spruce and maple are not "oily" like rosewoods and such.

[mando andy]

I should explain--I don't have major grease marks or anything , but just wondered if builders ever do that to make sure that you have a really nice clean surface.

thanks!!

Andy

[sunburst]

No solvent cleaning needed, but you should start your finish process soon after final sanding before the surface starts to oxidize.
I seal with a light layer of shellac right after staining (if there's to be staining) so I don't have to be in a hurry to get started with the finish "proper".