Official Luthiers Forum!

I originally posted this in as reply in an earlier string by Jeff. But after thinking about how bad my first attempt at a brushed lacquer finish was, and the fact that I choose to brush thinking it would be cheaper than setting up for spraying. I thought I might save some poor soul from making the same mistake that I did. So I'm posting it in it's own topic.
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Just incase there are any newbie’s to lacquer finishing, or those that may think that brushing on will be cheaper than a basic spray set up. Here are a few things to consider.

1.     You must use the best quality china bristle brush you can get. A poly or foam brush will not get the job done. And you need to have several so that you have a clean and dry one to start each session. A high quality China bristle brush will cost around $25.00 and need replacing often to avoid shedding in to your film. I used 3 per guitar. That is $75 per guitar
2.     You need to practice to get the hang of letting the media flow off the brush. The brush should just barley touch the surface. This allows the lacquer to flow smoothly on instead of being painted on and leaving channels from the bristles. Always flow in one direction only. Beginning and ending a pass requires a practiced stroke to avoid buildup, pull-off and over drip of lacquer.
3.     Never ever back brush or overlap by more than just a vary small amount. Never try to touch up an area till the film has set up for at least 4 hours. You will just make a mess of the film.
4.     In my experience leveling is twice as intensive as that required if the lacquer is carefully sprayed.


When I set up my first basic spray system, I paid $150 for my compressor, hose, spray gun, exhaust fan (for the spray both or room) and a zipped Mylar door (for my spray room). All of which is still in use. I have upgraded my compressor to service more than the spray booth. Compared to brushing on it is much cheaper to set up a basic spray system. That is of course you plan to build more that one guitar.

If you only plan to build one then I would recommend French polish or a wiped or padded varnish finish. I feel for a newbie, brushing lacquer is quick path to frustration. Just My opinion

And that's what this forum is for. Keep those opinions a'comin. Thanks, Michael

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

I think I have to disagree with you a bit here Michael, sorry.    The first guitar I finished was a brushed lacquer, and while it wasn't as nice as the FP on my last guitar, it turned out quite nice. I just used Deft lacquer right out of the can with a cheapo brush. I didn't even thin it out (or know better). The key to the entire process was the wet sanding in between. The wet sanding leveled any brush strokes, overlap, or irregularities. When I finished the back, it was like glass. After wet sanding the guitar, I used McGuires medium cut, followed by swirl remover and then polishing. For less than $20 bucks and a whole bunch of elbow grease, it looks really good. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again if I get tired of FP.

Cheers!

John

I have later had some success brushing but I sure had a disappointing first go. I have tried foam brushes with lacquer and found the flow irregular and had to be very careful with pressure to keep the bubbles out. It may have been the lacquer I was using but first try was pretty bad. I am glad to here that some have had success.