Finish what I have learned

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tippie53
Posts: 7011
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
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Finish what I have learned

Post by tippie53 »

As you know I like to experiment with finishing. I have gotten some great advice from Eldred Kline and Dennis Fry.

So to upgrade my finish cycle here is my current method.
A : 2 oz thinner per 1/2 gal and 1 to 2 ox depending on RH of Retarder

B use heat lamps to warm finish and guns , and body looking
between 85 to 95F

My basic prep is sand to 180 220 0n the top , I do 180 then wet the top to raise the fuzzies
and sand with 220

C apply 2 coats vinyl sealer at the temp
allow about 30 min per coat to dry , I just touch off with 220 between coats and apply Aqua coat filler. I wipe on with a nitrile glove and scrape even with a credit card let dry about 30 min and apply 2nd coat. Scuff sand with 220 and apply 2 coats of vinyl.
D when I mask off the top I lay on a few pieces of tape to lift as I can measure the finish build off them.

E allow about 1 hr to dry and level sand using wet sanding here I use 400 grit.

F mix and heat finish you can add toner. I am using 3 different guns 2 regular guns 1.3 and 1.4 nozzle
adjust to get a good flow and about a fist size pattern.
Apply 4 coats to get about a .004 to .006 build allow 2 weeks cure
these are up to the lacquer stage
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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
Posts: 7011
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
Contact:

Re: Finish what I have learned

Post by tippie53 »

These are with 4 coats of Mohawk finish Instrument lacquer using a 1.3 needle set at 18 lbs and about 2 1/2 out turns on the needle
I do sides first then back then top The 3 bodies are
Dark one is Brazilian
Lighter dred is Bubinga
cutaway is a 0000 12 fret Honduran Rosewood.

Brazilian was easy to fill
Bubinga also went well
Honduran took a bit more 3 coats of filler.
as you can see the finish laid out nicely. In 2 weeks I can level and polish
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
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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