Hybrid finish?

[DaveyG]

Hi friends

Doing my first build from a kit and I have a question on finishing.

I wanted to clear coat with Tru-oil as I don't have a sprayer and this finish seems easy to apply from what I've read. But I've been talking to a decal provider and he says water slide decals on Tru-oil isn't great.

I'm wondering if I can nitro the headstock face to help the decal and then use Tru-oil everywhere else. I have a small tin of nitro that I could brush on in light coats just for the face of the headstock. As this is finished in black and the rest of the neck is natural I'm thinking it won't 'shout' that it is different.

Any thoughts from those who know?

Thanks

[tippie53]

I think if you use shellac between the nitro and tru oil it may be ok
try a sample to be sure

[Diane Kauffmds]

I always use shellac as a base, to seal the raw woods, and I've used it under nitro and polyester, as well as between with no issues.

[DaveyG]

Thanks for your replies.

The headstock is mahogany and I've already grain filled and stained it. I could use shellac but as I already have Nitro, do you think it will work with say, four or five coats of Niro, waterslide decal and then finish off with four of five more Nitro coats on top?

I can get some shellac if it won't, but if it will it's just easier.

Thanks

[tippie53]

you need the sealer between the filler and nitro
short cuts give poor results
the shellac also gives the nitro something to bite to

[Stray Feathers]

Some lacquer suppliers also sell vinyl sealer as a sealer. On a small area like a headstock I think you could easily brush on a little, or use a rattle can, of vinyl sealer or shellac, and sand and polish it to a high gloss. Even if you have to go back and do some more, you will eventually get it levelled and glossy.