Changing a call finish

[Meleagris gallopavo]

So I like a glossy finish on my trumpets.  Sometimes I think that call makers will wet a call to make the colors pop but it has a matte or natural finish underneath.  To me a flat finish doesn't do the wood justice.  Can I just coat a call that has a flat finish with a gloss finish or do I need to do some light sanding first?  Actually I like the glossy Tru Oil finish used on gun stocks.  I don't have a lathe but I imagine I could just rub a gloss finish on with a cloth, or I can rig up my power drill to be like a slow lathe.  I trust that more than using my dremel tool like a lathe.


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[GregGwaltney]

So I like a glossy finish on my trumpets.  Sometimes I think that call makers will wet a call to make the colors pop but it has a matte or natural finish underneath.  To me a flat finish doesn't do the wood justice.  Can I just coat a call that has a flat finish with a gloss finish or do I need to do some light sanding first?  Actually I like the glossy Tru Oil finish used on gun stocks.  I don't have a lathe but I imagine I could just rub a gloss finish on with a cloth, or I can rig up my power drill to be like a slow lathe.  I trust that more than using my dremel tool like a lathe.


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I would sand it back to wood and start over. You might be successful with just a light sanding, but no telling what lies under the surface. Just be careful around the bell edges/opening as it can change the sound/draw of a trumpet.

[ol bob]

I use Tru Oil, all the time, on oily woods like cocobolo, you have to put another finish on first or it will never dry. Rub a very light coat on with your fingers, let it dry, add more if needed.

[Tribute Custom Calls]

Changing the finish on a horn without the right equipment can be risky and challenging to say the least. I usually use Shellack on the tropical oily wood. As stated by Greg, you do run the risk of changing the sound, be careful.