Official Luthiers Forum!

While I'm learning to build and finish (only built five so far), one thing I haven't done is stain a guitar, neither body nor neck. Like to try it. When in the workflow is staining done on a body, and what techniques are used to control cutting through the stain when cutting binding channels or leveling the binding?
I have an oak b/s set to try this on.

Thanks!

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Peter Havriluk

Generally staining is done just prior to applying the finish, so the bindings are already in place. With plastic bindings, the stain can usually be scraped clean, with wood bindings you may need to put a protective finish over them before staining.

And it becomes complicated with white purfling lines.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Joe, no fooling! Thanks!

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Peter Havriluk

Rank amateur here - I have stained 2. A suggestion for a first time is to use plastic for binding and purfling as it can be easily scraped down. Try taping off the plastic with auto detail tape to see if you were successful, and if not, scrape it back and learn from the experience.

And yes, you have to be very careful not to sand through. A single color stain is not too hard to match, but a sunburst?

Ed M

And a sunburst with a purfling line can add to the fun! I usually spray a couple of light coats of clear before doing the burst. The burst then sits "on the wood" rather than being "in the wood". This keeps it out of the purfling and allows you to scrape it back and then finish recoating with clears.

I do quite a bit of staining. Bodies and necks. if you have light wood purflings you have to mask the body leaving the purfs exposed. Then seal the purfs with shellac or vinyl sealer. let dry and mask the purfs. Then you can stain the body. I clean the stain with steel wool and then remove the tape. The purfs need a little clean up with steel wool after. And yes, right before finishing.

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com