new finish test

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tippie53
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new finish test

Post by tippie53 »

Ok for those of you trying to learn how to finish this is a simple tutorial on using LMI aqua Coat I do use a buffer and Mezerna buffing compounds.
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John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
tippie53
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Re: new finish test

Post by tippie53 »

I followed the instructions on the container but found I had better results using a nitrile glove and a paper towel. First I sanded to 220 then stained. I used on this body 2 minwax stains special walnut and dark walnut. After applying the stain I used shellac for sealant. 2 coats spread with a paper towel. Allowed to dry then applied the aqua coat. The first coat I applied per direction using a small plastic squeege. I was not entirely happy so use the glove and paper towel. I was happy to see a 45 min dry time so 2 coats didn't take that long. I did 220 light sanding after the 1st coat and 320 after the 2nd.
I use minwax gloss rattle can nitro lacquer. I sprayed every 45 min for 8 coats. so at this point I am allowing cure time. I was happy with the result. It is reasonable level.
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John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
tippie53
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Re: new finish test

Post by tippie53 »

he photos to this point are showing the pre finish condition. I will get more pics shorty . The aqua coat is working better than expected
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
tippie53
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Re: new finish test

Post by tippie53 »

here is the body after the first stage of finish
as you can see there is very slight surface orange peel . Should level sand very easy
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John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Danl8
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Location: Chadds Ford, PA

Re: new finish test

Post by Danl8 »

That's really nice, John. I benched my Aquacoat for the past year, but now seeing this, I'm ready for another go. Does the minwax nitro use the same solvent as Behlen's rattle? I think I will give a try either way.
tippie53
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Re: new finish test

Post by tippie53 »

yes
the key is to have the proper prep
for me it was
Minwax stain ( it has a sealer in it )
then I sealed again with shellac ( 2 coats applied with a paper towel sanded with 320 between coats )
then applied the aqua coat and did this twice allowing 45 min between applications
then sprayed 8 coats every 45 min
will do this again on another guitar with emtech 9000 water base
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Gibsonman
Posts: 38
Joined: Fri May 11, 2018 4:17 pm

Re: new finish test

Post by Gibsonman »

tippie53 wrote:yes
the key is to have the proper prep
for me it was
Minwax stain ( it has a sealer in it )
then I sealed again with shellac ( 2 coats applied with a paper towel sanded with 320 between coats )
then applied the aqua coat and did this twice allowing 45 min between applications
then sprayed 8 coats every 45 min
will do this again on another guitar with emtech 9000 water base
I would have though you would have used the Aqua Coat first and then the Shellac.
tippie53
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Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
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Re: new finish test

Post by tippie53 »

nope the directions tell you to use a sealer before the filler and they recommended dewaxed shellac
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Gibsonman
Posts: 38
Joined: Fri May 11, 2018 4:17 pm

Re: new finish test

Post by Gibsonman »

tippie53 wrote:nope the directions tell you to use a sealer before the filler and they recommended dewaxed shellac
ok thanks John
tippie53
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Re: new finish test

Post by tippie53 »

been hanging for a few days will check to level sand this weekend the neck is in process will post pics soon
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
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