Spalted Maple finish Suggestions

Hi,
Im wondering if anyone has any suggestions for finishing a spalted maple topped Tele? Im doing this for the very first time and am thinking of going with just a clear coat.
Like i said, im 100% new at this and if anyone can tell me what i need to do in steps would be gratly appreciated.Heres a pic of the body.
Spalted maple top, ash body.
thanks in advance

I could see clear coat here. Why hide a sexy piece of wood like that? Rub it down and rock it good!!

I think you should treat the spalted top with some epoxy first. I've used spalted maple once and found there to be areas that were rather punky... especially around the edges. The epoxy will help stabilize the wood... and then you can tilt or clearcoat over top of that.

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m408/apolloguitars/misc/quints021.jpg

I think that im going to CC it as you both have suggested...thanks.
1 question tho, what is and how do you epoxy? When i think epoxy i think glue.
Thanks:oops:

When i think epoxy i think glue.
Thanks:oops:


Yup that's the stuff. Mix it. Coat with a spreader of some kind.. ie credit card, sand it.

I think that im going to CC it as you both have suggested...thanks.
1 question tho, what is and how do you epoxy? When i think epoxy i think glue.
Thanks:oops:

Ernie is not just glue. Do a search on the net for epoxy resin and you will find a ton of info as well as sources. You can get the resin crystal clear, amber or in between, plus you can get it nearly water thin or as thick as 5 minute tube epoxy.

I would go over the body with a keen eye, and a little stick pin of some sort. Any spot that might look different, stick it with the pin. Like Mr Kingma said, it will not take long to know the difference between the good and the bad. Once those spots are identified, assuming there are some, you can also wick a little super glue in them and let it sit. Once you finish you will not notice them.

Mike

Spalted wood is wood just on the edge of rotting the epoxy idea will help stabilize it.


For a finish I like a flat oil and buff

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd195/grooveyrecords/arc6Spalt_03.jpg

Thanks for the suggestions.
When you say flat oil and buff, do you mean tru oil it?
will it stick to the epoxy?
Like i said, ive never done anything like this before and really appreciate all of your help.

http://divine-jones.com/arcadia_dc.html
my arcadia was made with a tru-oil finish on the entire guitar....feels great..no complaints from me