Satin Finishes on new Guitars
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Satin Finishes on new Guitars
I see where a lot of guitars are being made with satin backs and sides (Taylor 314CE, Martin Performance Series, etc.) and I was just wondering if those backs and sides could be redone to a gloss finish without completely refinishing the whole thing.
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Re: Satin Finishes on new Guitars
That is going to vary widely based on exactly what the mfg. used as far as materials and process. Some are done with gloss underneath as it is harder than the satin finish and the last coat is a satin with the refracting compounds in it. These can be buffed to a gloss, though the finish will be very thin and perhaps too thin to survive without checking or flaking. I have buffed a few satin finishes out and seen lots more that have been done, and IMHO they never quite look like a factory gloss.
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
Brian Howard
www.brianhowardguitars.com
Taylor authorized service
Custom finishing services
Brian howard's guitar building & repair blog
http://www.brianhowardguitars.com
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Re: Satin Finishes on new Guitars
Satin finishes have a additive to make them satin , the manufacturing process for this eliminates a lot of hand level sanding , and buffing these will never give you that nice shine of a high gloss finish. You may be able to call the manufacturer and find out what they used. I have buffed a few myself and while they get shiney , it isn't that high gloss that I like.
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
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Re: Satin Finishes on new Guitars
I actually prefer a satin finish but most don't seem to.
Tim Benware
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Re: Satin Finishes on new Guitars
I do, too. Satin finishes also seems to hide small cracks and dings better, which is useful for travel instruments that get a lot of hard use.Ben-Had wrote:I actually prefer a satin finish but most don't seem to.