Hi guys.
Help appreciated here... a lot of pictures are missing on old threads across various webforums due to Photobucket.
So the goal is a stained (grain visible) purpleburst Telecaster with a decent gloss finish on top. I really don't care about nitro vs poly, but would like a smooth gloss finish on top of the stained colour, in fact whichever is easier of the two would be the better choice. There is access to a place to spray as necessary, but if a first time finish is easier by using an alternate method then that'd possibly be preferable.
Wes recommended using Chestnut stains for the colour
http://www.axminster.co.uk/chestnut-spirit-wood-stain-ax21822 so will be ordering that. Applying the stain looks fairly straightforward, there are multiple guides and YT videos showing how to do this.
- So looking for recommendations on what grain filler product and when to apply it (just as have seen conflicting workflows on some forums before and after staining). Specific products appreciated.
- And what products to achieve the gloss finish. Nitro, some kind of poly. Specific products appreciated.
So far this guide looks pretty good but it's obviously products from Stew Mac, and I'd like to buy in the UK. When I've looked up some other forums finishing posts I've seen differing methodologies and it gets extra confusing when there are missing pictures due to the photobucket hosting thing. On top of this, it's not actually me that will be applying the finish, my g/f will be doing it as my Christmas present - she has experience making things but this will be her first time doing this kind of finish so any help appreciated.
http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Learn_About_Instrument_Finishing_and_Finish_Repair/Finishing_a_Blue_Guitar.htmlThanks.
Comments
I've been using Rustins Plastic Coating recently for a gloss finish, applied by brush every 3 hours or so and flatted off every few coats, this produces a fantastic gloss finish similar to a factory poly finish, bloody stinks during application though so a good respirator is recommended.
I find using RPC much easier than wipe on oil applications, it can go on much thicker so less coats are needed and it really is incredibly tough.
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/61134/sarge/p1
You would need to go light with the first coats to avoid a run on the stain, but one that’s done you can go for heavier coats.
a decent lacquer brush is important, and a long weekend to apply coats every few hours. Sand level each morning avoiding edges until the very end. If you leave it more than 12 hrs, you need to leave it 24-36 to fully cure before the next coat or it wrinkles.
You can tint it with the stain too, but I would only do that if spraying, or need to fix a flaw.
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How many coats of the RPC?
Would this qualify as a decent lacquer brush? Since I'd be ordering the stains from axminster it would be handy to order the brush from there too if it is suitable.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/liberon-flat-lacquer-brush-ax22527
For a respirator is this appropriate? I need to drop in to Screw Fix soon anyway
https://www.screwfix.com/p/3m-4251-maintenance-free-organic-vapour-particulate-respirator-ffa1p2rd/13038
8 or 9 coats iirc but at least 2 of those will be flatted off and the last coat also will most likely go with the final wet sanding and cut/polish.
That's the respirator I used, if you can smell the product then the respirator isn't working worked fine for me.
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/61134/sarge/p1
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Is the 250ml bottle of RPC enough for a guitar or is it better to just get the 1L?
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Good luck and post progress pics!
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/61134/sarge/p1