Finish Options

I know all about Reranch for nitro paints, but what are my options if I don't want nitro?

What rattle can paints are preferred for colors and clear on a locally available basis? In other words, what can I get from local Home Depot or Lowes or wherever, that will produce a good finish that'll last?

I've build quite a few basses, but I've always done natural finishes, either Formby's or TruOil, and one nitro sprayed. The bass I'm working on now, a replica of Michael Anthony's Jack Daniels bass, doesn't really require a nitro finish, but won't be a regular wipe-on either.

I've looked around locally and seen the Krylons and the Duplicolors and the like, but I'm confused as to which will give me a quality finish.

I'm looking for a two or three color (sort of) burst.

Duplicolor should work well. Krylon makes a satin clear that I like for necks. You can even get a good finish with Minwax Polycrylic (and you can stain with Minwax's stains too). As long you have a good topcoat that is compatible with your color coats, you can use more or less whatever (though I highly recommend staying away from anything that says enamel).

Duplicolor should work well. Krylon makes a satin clear that I like for necks. You can even get a good finish with Minwax Polycrylic (and you can stain with Minwax's stains too). As long you have a good topcoat that is compatible with your color coats, you can use more or less whatever (though I highly recommend staying away from anything that says enamel).

The duplicolor stuff is what's really catching my attention, but as far as a clear for it, I've been looking at the U-pol clear for wheels. Good idea or no?

If you have a fundamental understanding of how to apply a finish and the characteristics of various finishes. You can pretty much use anything you want and get good results. If you don't, I'd recommend biting the bullet and grabbing the good stuff.

The Duplicolor clears tend to stay soft for a long time. You can get Watco or Minwax clears at HD. Rustoleum colors are also pretty good and compatible with nitro.

The Duplicolor clears tend to stay soft for a long time. You can get Watco or Minwax clears at HD. Rustoleum colors are also pretty good and compatible with nitro.

That I didn't know. Which Rustoleum? Theres a million different kinds. If its compatible with nitro clears, that's exactly what I need.

If you have a fundamental understanding of how to apply a finish and the characteristics of various finishes. You can pretty much use anything you want and get good results. If you don't, I'd recommend biting the bullet and grabbing the good stuff.

I've done a lot of reading in this forum (and lots of your own words, Colt), but there's no real list of what's compatible with what. I'm constantly learning, but as far as painting goes, I've only sprayed clears, no colors to date. Most of what I've built has been exotic woods and such.

Rest assured, I'm paying close attention to everything I read here.

Big fan of Duplicolor here. Compatible with any lacquer and never had a problem with it staying soft, but I generally use Minwax for my clearcoat.

EG

Big fan of Duplicolor here. Compatible with any lacquer and never had a problem with it staying soft, but I generally use Minwax for my clearcoat.

EG

Awesome. I'll see what's available at my local HD. Which Minwax clear?

That I didn't know. Which Rustoleum? Theres a million different kinds. If its compatible with nitro clears, that's exactly what I need.

I used the Painters Touch line.

I used the Painters Touch line.

Thanks.

When I did the yellow guitar (supposed to be blond) in my avatar I used Rustoleum White Lacquer. I then tented the clear lacquer and shot it through those disposable Prevail sprayers that are available at Home Depot & Lowes. The can of Minwax Lacquer will shoot a couple guitars and necks. You can order the color from StewMac, or pick it up in person at Woodcraft.

What does tenting mean?

What does tenting mean?

Just a typo. "Tint"

Oh, well that make a lot more sense. Thanks.

When I did the yellow guitar (supposed to be blond) in my avatar I used Rustoleum White Lacquer. I then tented the clear lacquer and shot it through those disposable Prevail sprayers that are available at Home Depot & Lowes. The can of Minwax Lacquer will shoot a couple guitars and necks. You can order the color from StewMac, or pick it up in person at Woodcraft.

Pat is talking about Colortone Pigment and Colortone Tint available from StewMac and Mixol pigment and dye, as well as, Transtint Dye available at Woodcraft and other fine woodworking stores.

Thanks. I've been trying to decipher that.