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Tom Jr. - Posted - 08/21/2008: 06:15:44
I have tried a few different types on some scrap and have nearly settled on a water based finish because it brings out the grain and color of locust nicely. Polyurethane adds that amber tint that I don't care for here. Lacquer doesn't bring out the grain. Tung oil finish doesn't shine. Any ideas?
Don''t squat with your spurs on.
Steevarino - Posted - 08/21/2008: 07:28:57
Most of my instrument finishing experience has been with nitrocellulose lacquer. When using it, if I want enhance the grain of the wood, I add a drop or two of Vintage Amber stain. I use Color Tone brand that Stewart MacDonald sells. It mixes with a lot of stuff. So far, the only thing I have it found to not mix well with is cyanoacrylate. Don't know how it will work with water based finishes.
On another note, has anyone painted a stringed instrument with enamel instead of lacquer? I have two very pretty red colors, one quart each, and I would like to see that color on either a reso. guitar coming through the shop or one of the flat mandolins I am now making. I imagine slow drying time is a drawback. Any other reasons not to use it?
Steevarino
RedLIneResophonics.com
CumberlandAcoustic.com
D.L.Huskey - Posted - 08/21/2008: 08:35:15
De-waxed shellac, (either homemade from flakes) or (pre-made) Zinsser Seal Coat does nicely under a nitrocellulose, spirit or water based varnish and others.
I use the Seal Coat (De-waxed shellac) because it does a really good job of enhancing the appearance of the woods color and grain. It is compatible with just about any top coat. And can be colored with the Color Tone liquid dye from Stew-Mac, And is easily available at the hardware store. It does have a very, very faint amber hue that (IMHO) helps kick the woods color and grain.
A coat of finishing epoxy under your top coats will give a wet-rich look to the wood and is a good pore filler to boot.
I have also just shot Nitro straight onto the wood. Didn't look too good at first, But after several coats the color really livened up.
I don't use vinyl sealers under a finish because I just don't like the way they don't enhance the woods appearance. I like the finished guitar to look wet and shiny.
D.L.Huskey
Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Edited by - D.L.Huskey on 08/21/2008 11:15:56
Steevarino - Posted - 08/21/2008: 10:02:24
I, too, have gotten some good results from Zinsser Seal Coat . I got the heads-up on it from a couple of other builders that have been using it for a while. It does amber-up the color a bit, so be sure to test it on a similar piece of scrap wood to see if you like the color. Sure beats mixing from flakes or buttons!
Another thing about this product, keep an eye on the expiration date. I haven't experienced any problems yet, but I know someone that had some hardening issues, and they realized it was older than any they had used before.
Speaking of paint, I just sprayed a reso. (and a flat mandolin) with Seafoam Green. I just scraped back the white binding, and it is looking pretty darn cool! When the chrome hits this one, Look Out, Baby!!! Surf Rezzo!!!
Steevarino
RedLIneResophonics.com
CumberlandAcoustic.com
Dobro Don - Posted - 08/21/2008: 11:11:20
quote:
Originally posted by Steevarino
I, too, have gotten some good results from Zinsser Seal Coat . I got the heads-up on it from a couple of other builders that have been using it for a while. It does amber-up the color a bit, so be sure to test it on a similar piece of scrap wood to see if you like the color. Sure beats mixing from flakes or buttons!
Another thing about this product, keep an eye on the expiration date. I haven't experienced any problems yet, but I know someone that had some hardening issues, and they realized it was older than any they had used before.
Speaking of paint, I just sprayed a reso. (and a flat mandolin) with Seafoam Green. I just scraped back the white binding, and it is looking pretty darn cool! When the chrome hits this one, Look Out, Baby!!! Surf Rezzo!!!
Hey be sure to post some pics of this critter when you get it done!
Don
---
Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
-- Red Auerbach
Steevarino - Posted - 10/17/2008: 12:39:54
Hey Don,
Check out my new avatar. We just shot some pictures of our first Seafoam Green reso. guitar (along with a mandolin to match it!).
If you get a chance, check out my pictures on my resohangout page. I hope to have few posted shortly, and I will have them on display at the upcoming Jesse McReynolds Pick Inn in Gallatin, TN next weekend.
Steevarino
RedLIneResophonics.com
CumberlandAcoustic.com
phil dean - Posted - 10/19/2008: 14:35:30
I have found the absolute best way for me to enhance wood grain appearance is to use alight coat of Tobacco dye thinned with alcohol until it gives a light gray appearance. Wipe it on, let it dry, and apply once more. then use a light sandpaper after it dries. This leaves all the lines of the grain highlighted, works every time.
masteresoguitars.com
'Regal Black Lightning' 1 day
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