Page 1 of 1

Finish what I have learned

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:14 pm
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

Re: Finish what I have learned

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:17 pm
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