Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi, new builder here on his first project. I'm actually stripping an old guitars paint and putting binding, stain to the wood, new bridge and fingerboard etc, so more like a make over instead of a build.

I would like to get some input on the kinds of stains I can use, I have seen Jacquards Wood and Reed Dye mentioned, but can I use regular stain from the local paint store? I would imagine that some might effect the sound a bit. What do you use?

I am also thinking about putting bloodwood around as binding, so what would the process be regarding staining? Should I route out the gutter for the binding then stain? Complete the binding and mask it off? Stain before anything? I'm confused on the order of that process, any input is appreciated.

-Mike

Hi Mike and welcome to the OLF!

Below is a link to Stew-Mac's site and more specifically their free-for-download guitar kit instructions in PDF file format. In the instructions under finishing you will see how they recommend that staining and binding with protecting it from stain be accomplished.

Great to have you here.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Kits/Acoustic_Guitar_Kits/1/Dreadnought_Guitar_Kits/Instructions/I-5295.html#details