what to do with this part-finished ash body?

rze99

Hi all I've just picked up this part-finished ash body. No details of the paint used, other than it is "off-white wood stain single coat".

I like the rustic basic white trans ash early telecaster blackguard look and it's quite a nice grain. I don't have access to any finish spray shop or kit, just occasional room in the house for DIY work.

My thought is to just -

1) sand smooth
2) find a home rattle can clear lacquer, preferably a satin not gloss finish

for 2) Can you get premixed rattle can clear lacquer with just a touch of amber here in the UK / EU? if so, that's an option

Not sure about another coat of stain without knowing the original used.
 
Your thoughts?


 

 

Winny_Pooh

Is the top pic the current condition? I'd be tempted to just clear coat and be done. It looks great.

SteveRobinson

rze99 said:

for 2) Can you get premixed rattle can clear lacquer with just a touch of amber here in the UK / EU? if so, that's an option

https://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/product/light-tint-gloss-nitrocellulose-lacquer-aerosol/

I can't guarantee that it will be compatible but here's what it does:

https://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/2012/12/16/new-build-mary-kaye-stratocaster/

If you want a satin finish you'd need to spray a satin top coat:

https://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/product/clear-satin-nitrocellulose-lacquer-aerosol/

MLten80

defo a little amber tint lacquer to make it butterscotch ish... looks nice quality!

King85

If it's defect free id leave it, looks nice imo

rze99

Winny_Pooh said:

Is the top pic the current condition? I'd be tempted to just clear coat and be done. It looks great.

Yes it is. Seller's pics it's not with me yet.I like the thin finish and grain showing so yes I reckon the fine sand If needed and lacquer

rze99

SteveRobinson said:

rze99 said:

for 2) Can you get premixed rattle can clear lacquer with just a touch of amber here in the UK / EU? if so, that's an option

https://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/product/light-tint-gloss-nitrocellulose-lacquer-aerosol/

I can't guarantee that it will be compatible but here's what it does:

https://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/2012/12/16/new-build-mary-kaye-stratocaster/

If you want a satin finish you'd need to spray a satin top coat:

https://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/product/clear-satin-nitrocellulose-lacquer-aerosol/

cool thanks Steve

rze99

King85 said:

If it's defect free id leave it, looks nice imo

thanks yes I like the vibe and it's a decent looking grain pattern

rze99

MLten80 said:

defo a little amber tint lacquer to make it butterscotch ish... looks nice quality!

i actually prefer the non-butterscotch look generally - the white blonde thing. I'll see how white it is when I get it. I thought very light amber might make it a little more creamy

rze99

OP's UPDATE
Not yet soldered, but everything all else is ready. (I won't bore you with the other parts until I do an NGD post).

I added a coat of the thinned white nitro 
then an additional coat around the edges and body edges of the guitar to add some depth of colour but still see the grain.
I used Rothko and Frost rattle can nitro clear - 2 coats of this, 45 mins between coats
one final very light spray of Rothko and Frost nitro amber as a light aging hint.
Let dry out over 24 hours
Used loads of mostly 1200 sandpaper to smooth to a fine satin finish.
rubbed a lot with a soft duster 
No further buffing. It is now very smooth and satin-like which I think works well with the satin Tru-Oil finish of the baked maple neck. 


 

 

 

sawyer

Looks quality!

thermionic

That looks like a very nice finish indeed.

lovestrat74

Looks great! Out of interest have you tried it with a black guard?

ICBM

White guards on white blonde are so much better than black and butterscotch.

You just need some proper threaded steel bridge saddles now .