Faded headstock

I recon the "other stuff" our PK is talking about is Howards Feed 'N Wax.

 

I was just about to post a new thread, but found this one instead. I 've restored a very nice maple neck and the last thing remaining was the headstock which was a bit faded. I started using micro mesh pads from Stew Mac which is extremely high grade grit abrasives. Unfortunately not only it did not get better, it did in fact get worse as it is now also uneven, parts of the headstock are more open colored while others remain darker. I read earlier in this thread about the dye used to darken rosewood boards, intuitively I believe this is the best solution. Do you guys have a product you can recommend? Also, what about the Warwick logo while applying that dye?

 

I got some good results just by applying a coat of bees wax (mixed with carnauba wax and turpentine).

 

So, I went for this:

Minwax 27181 Wood Finish, 236 ml, Ebony 2718, Liquid FINI BOIS INT EBENE 236 ML | eBay

When it arrives, I 'll go through the process and let you know how it works. A reminder: this is for the older headstocks, the ones that feel a bit "grainy". I presume the newer ones ('98-'00 and later) do not need such a treatment as they do not fade.

One problem is the inlay, but apparently it can be cleaned with a q-tip dipped in mineral spirits, after the painting is done. I will test on an old rosewood board with inlays that I once defretted. Let's see.

 

I dig the faded vintage look,

 

I have not found a solution to the faded headstock issue, short of refinishing. And then, as you mentioned, the inlay becomes a problem. I will be very interested to hear about the results you get.

 

I will have to try that. Thanks for sharing.

 

I was able to darken up the headstock of my JD just by using F1 oil a few times. Same stuff I use for my fretboards. Works great. Night and day. I'm not a fan of the faded look.

 

I think it's just one of those 'things' see the difference in my two Streamers here. 1997 model on left, 1999 on right. The headstock face is much more faded and grey on the newer instrument. Could be to do with storage.

 

Augie FTW ! [Endless free ice water at next gig .... ].

Someone has also mentioned beezwacks , carnuba
and other similar stuff. All these are essentially the
same or similar substances with similar results ...

But only Boos Board Creme claims to use food-safe
mineral oil as a vehicle so if you tend to lick or kiss
your axe ...

 

I did a small DIY thread about fixing a faded headstock, you may find it interesting:

Faded Headstock Restoration

 

Hi all,
I would clean the headstock with mild soap water and then apply a teak oil for inhouse furniture (and wipe off excess after a while). In fact I also apply teak oil on my fretboards (after cleaing with Dunlop) in particular the ebony boards (and wipe off excess). AND, I did the same for my Streamer II: the grain has very, very open pores, and I did not want to close them with wax, so I oiled the body and neck after cleaning.

 

faded = Mojo, Why would you want to cover that up.

Fender would charge extra for the faded headstock option...