Best method for removing dust prior to topcoat?

The Achilles' Heel of Luthiery
Post Reply
ian12
Posts: 17
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2011 10:28 am

Best method for removing dust prior to topcoat?

Post by ian12 »

Hi All

Was wondering if you guys can advise me on the best method of dust removal prior to topcoating?

I apply several base coats of a clear PU sealer then sand - the top coat is a gloss PU.

I have tried cleaning down with mineral spirits and the once dry vacuuming the surface but still get some debris. I don't have compressor so can't do that, I was wondering if tack rags would be ok to use?

Ian
johnnparchem
Posts: 2354
Joined: Sat Apr 10, 2010 10:50 pm
Location: Seattle
Contact:

Re: Best method for removing dust prior to topcoat?

Post by johnnparchem »

ian12 wrote:Hi All

Was wondering if you guys can advise me on the best method of dust removal prior to topcoating?

I apply several base coats of a clear PU sealer then sand - the top coat is a gloss PU.

I have tried cleaning down with mineral spirits and the once dry vacuuming the surface but still get some debris. I don't have compressor so can't do that, I was wondering if tack rags would be ok to use?

Ian
If you use a tack rag you need to make sure they are wax and silicone free or you will have trouble with the finish. I used some from wood working stores and from LMI that I had no problem with.
tippie53
Posts: 7019
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
Contact:

Re: Best method for removing dust prior to topcoat?

Post by tippie53 »

you can make a simple tack rag with shellac. Soak a rag in shellac and place in a jar , the shellac will get tacky.
My favorite method is this
Wipe with Alcohol , then Naphtha then Mineral spirits , this helps get the dust and other contaminants off the surface. Allow to dry between wipes then seal.
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
B. Howard
Posts: 709
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:42 pm
Location: Hummelstown, PA
Contact:

Re: Best method for removing dust prior to topcoat?

Post by B. Howard »

I generally will dust off with a soft brush and then use a clean new rag dampened with DA taking a wipe and then folding/turning to expose a new section and take the next pass.
You never know what you are capable of until you actually try....

Brian Howard
www.brianhowardguitars.com
Taylor authorized service
Custom finishing services

Brian howard's guitar building & repair blog
http://www.brianhowardguitars.com
Ken Hundley
Posts: 608
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 12:34 am
Location: Wilmette, IL

Re: Best method for removing dust prior to topcoat?

Post by Ken Hundley »

If you vacuum, use the brush attachment to dislodge the stuff in the pores. I use that or an air gun from my compressor.
Ken Hundley
Nocturnal Guitars
http://www.nocturnalguitars.com

So, my big brother was playing guitar and I figured I'd try it too.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
ian12
Posts: 17
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2011 10:28 am

Re: Best method for removing dust prior to topcoat?

Post by ian12 »

Thanks for the replies guys - I found these http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/multi-pur ... s/6673130/ which seem to be used in the automotive industry so will try them out.

Cheers
Ian
Post Reply