Finishes for fools!

[Telenator]

I am nearing the point where I need to apply a finish to my Guild D15M re-build project.

It is an acoustic guitar with a new top and neck and I need to put a finish on it that is easy to apply and doesn't require a lot of mixing, straining, spraying or several other steps that I can screw up.

My attempts to finish guitars have all failed miserably. I need something that is dead easy and simple, maybe even a wipe-on type product as my spraying skills are dismal at best.

Has anyone tried "hard shellac?" http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdpro...t+Hard+Shellac

[jkingma]

Shellac is a great option. It is easy to apply and easy to remove if you screw up. It is also easy to repair in the future. It is NOT as durable as other finishes, but based on what you have stated in your post, it might be the best option.

If you want to add some easy durability into the mix, after you get the tint the way you want with the shellac, then 2 or 3 coats of MinWax Wipe On Poly is the way to go. Again, it is easy to apply and very forgiving.

I use these finishes for most of the guitars I build.

I am a "Finishing Fool" and I endorse this message.

[Telenator]

Thanks.

The "hard shellac" in the link I posted uses ethanol to crosslink the finish and is supposed to be nearly as durable as poly.

They talk about using a "rubber" to apply it. What's a rubber?

The other concern is that I need to clear over the existing finish on the body. I really do not relish the idea of stripping it. Can I just use shellac over the existing finish?

[jkingma]

Originally Posted by Telenator

Thanks.

The "hard shellac" in the link I posted uses ethanol to crosslink the finish and is supposed to be nearly as durable as poly.

They talk about using a "rubber" to apply it. What's a rubber?

The other concern is that I need to clear over the existing finish on the body. I really do not relish the idea of stripping it. Can I just use shellac over the existing finish?

Not sure what that is.
I would not try applying shellac with the rubbers I'm familiar with...

I've applied shellac over other finishes but I suppose it depends on what the finish is. From what I've heard you can use shellac under or over just about anything.

[neocaster]

A "rubber" is made by twisting a piece of soft cloth into a wad and then covering it over with a small piece of cheesecloth about five or six inches square. The inside portion of this wad is saturated with the shellac, then by twisting it in the square of cheesecloth the shellac will be allowed to ooze through onto the surface of the work. The "rubber" is occasionally dipped into linseed oil and then rubbed over the surface of the wood in a circular motion. As the rubber is gripped the shellac oozes through and mixes with the linseed oil and a beautiful polish is built up. The rubber must be kept in constant motion while it is on the surface; if it is allowed to stand still it will stick and mar the polish very badly. The skill in this work is shown by being able to rub the surface to a perfect finish without leaving any uneven or marred spots. The rubber is opened from time to time and the inside portion is dipped into the shellac. Care must be exercised not to have too much shellac on the rubber or the work cannot be satisfactorily done. It will require several hours to rub even a small surface no more than a foot square to a beautiful rich polish.

From this web page on shellac finishes

[Telenator]

Hmmmmmm, maybe I'll just try to find someone to do the finish. I've ruined too many guitars trying to do it myself.

The thing that ticks me off is that, I can do things like build necks, binding, inlay, and all sorts of skilled work but just can't seem to get my head around finishes. Damn!

[jkingma]

Originally Posted by Telenator

Hmmmmmm, maybe I'll just try to find someone to do the finish. I've ruined too many guitars trying to do it myself.

The thing that ticks me off is that, I can do things like build necks, binding, inlay, and all sorts of skilled work but just can't seem to get my head around finishes. Damn!

Join the club. Our convention is being held in Napa this coming spring.

[neocaster]

Telenator, I'm clueless in both departments. Decided it was time to screw up a finish as a learning experience. If it's too bad to bear, I'll have it done and try again. This may be a question for the Home Depot forum, but where did you learn to woodwork? I'm dying to get some formal training.

[Telenator]

In 1981 I was a design draftsman and was hired to design the tooling for a small guitar company Richelieu Electrics in Bridgeport CT. They later became Black Rock Guitars but have since vanished.

In the process of designing the tooling, I was learning how to build guitars as part of helping to develop the production methods. I've always been good with my hands so it came pretty quickly.

Since then it's been an ongoing hobby that I really dig. I don't sell any of the guitars I build. I've given a few away but never sold any.

My dad has a great shop and is a master craftsman. He hand built a grandfather clock and made the entire guts, all the gears, movements and such out of wood. It's a pleasure to watch the thing work. Anyway, growing up around someone like that, you can't help but pick up a few pointers along the way.

I have no formal training in wood working. Just a powerful sense of observation and the gift of good dexterity.

[BradKM]

Take a look at Tru Oil.

It's a wipe-on finish for gun stocks. Lots of threads on it here.

[Stuco]

I would also suggest tru oil. I don't know how it does with spruce but I imagine it would go on just fine. The only thing is, the back and sides of you guitar are gloss correct? Don't you want the finish to match?

[boris bubbanov]

Also consider Minwax Tung Oil Varnish.

The technique required to "french polish" or burn in shellac (make it crosslink) is IMO a very advanced art. A simple conventional shellac is a great base to coat the body in while you refine any other techniques you may wanna cultivate.

French Polish is too advanced for me, for the time being. Maybe later on, when they take the nitro away from us.

[Telenator]

I found someone to do the finish locally. I'm going to just pay the guy to do what he does best, and I'll continue to do what I do best. I just don't get along with finishing.