Official Luthiers Forum!

hi!
i'm building a solid body neck-thru bass and i dont know what finish to put on..

i want a very high gloss durable clear finish...what do you propose!!..laquer?? poly-heretane??...HELP!!

thanx

It all depends on the gear you have available, and on your experience with a
spray gun, or brush and various finishes (mixing etc.).
Without a compressor and spray gun, or other system, there are nitro spray
cans available that would give you a very good result:
ReRanch
StewMac sells nitro spray cans as well but not as good IMHO.
Robbie O'Brien has an excellent DVD on guitar finishing where he covers
most of the available finishes:
DVDs
Keep in mind that most solvent-based finishes are highly toxic, flamable
and dangerous to use, even in a ventilated area.laurent38758.7650810185

_________________
Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/

Hi Patrick, welcome here, depending on your experience, i'll second Laurent with Robbie's DVD, seems to be really appreciated here. just my 0.02 cents!

Serge

hi!
as for equipment i use a HVLP gun with a HUSKY 80 gal compressor..i spayed alot of metal/wood pieces in the past...but it's my first time with a musical instrument.

So i'm not quit sure what to use : laquer (looks really good , but not as resistant as poly-urethane)...poly : well..tought as hell... but is it the only choice????

I really want the look of "liquid glass" ...

sorry for the next question : what the hell is NITRO??

Nitro Celulose Lacquer, It is used extensively on Guitars, but is pretty nasty to use, both highly flammable and toxic.

If durability is a high priority, it would seem that the choice is between polyurethane and polyester. You could go with a two-part polyurethane.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

I would recommend a water base KTM-9 if you don't have the proper tools a spray booth to use nitro. Mike Doolin has a good set of instruction here at the OLF...and his guitars look great!

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

I spray nitro outdoors with an automotive door jamb gun. The weather can sometimes be a problem. Especially this time of year- Its snowing right now, and 29 degrees.

Al