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ernie61 · November 2nd, 2009, 12:06 PM

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

Parma_TeleMon · November 2nd, 2009, 02:20 PM

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

jkingma · November 2nd, 2009, 02:41 PM

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.

ernie61 · November 2nd, 2009, 04:33 PM

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

shoretyus · November 2nd, 2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernie61

When i think epoxy i think glue.
Thanks

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

turmite · November 3rd, 2009, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernie61

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

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

Groovey Records · November 3rd, 2009, 02:27 AM

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

ernie61 · November 4th, 2009, 12:03 AM

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.

smsuryan · November 4th, 2009, 12:53 AM

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

November 2nd, 2009, 02:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
Parma_TeleMon Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: parma, oh Age: 49 Posts: 1,022	I could see clear coat here. Why hide a sexy piece of wood like that? Rub it down and rock it good!! __________________ ================================ Packin' a Tele, lookin' fer trouble.... ================================

November 2nd, 2009, 02:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
jkingma Friend of Leo's Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: N43° 11.943 ~ W079° 35.285 Posts: 3,094 18 Photos	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. __________________ Creator of Fine Sawdust and Expensive Kindling.

November 3rd, 2009, 02:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
Groovey Records Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Desolation Row Posts: 1,513	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 __________________ Yeah but you should of heard what I was trying to play-Thelonius Monk EnJoY ThE MuSiC GrooVey RecOrds

November 4th, 2009, 12:53 AM	#9 (permalink)
smsuryan Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Missouri Age: 34 Posts: 1,166	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 __________________ "I have loved some ladies, and I have loved jim beam, and they both tried to kill me, in 1973." -Hank

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November 2nd, 2009, 04:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
ernie61 TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hamilton Ontario Age: 48 Posts: 11	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

November 4th, 2009, 12:03 AM	#8 (permalink)
ernie61 TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hamilton Ontario Age: 48 Posts: 11	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.

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