Official Luthiers Forum!

I have been giving some thought to switching over to this type of finish (if it's possible to get the material in/into Europe!), and was hoping that some of you guys who are using these types of finishes can give a bit of an overview of the products and techniques you are using (including pore filling, etc.)

That Robbie O'brien finishing DVD is looking good right now!!

They are two completely different beasts. Decide on one....

Russ,
The product I use is from Europe. A company called ILVA makes it and they are in Italy. They also happen to have a Stateside distributor. It is a 2 part urethane.
I have used urethane for years and it holds up better than lacquer in my opinion. I am sure some would argue with that. I have also never had a urethane finish crack. If you are going for that aged look this is not the product. In the DVD I give contact info and instructions for using this product. I also show how to buff it to a high gloss by hand or machine.

Here is an example of the urethane on a classical guitar.

Mario,

Was hoping to get some info on both types of finishes so I could make a more informed choice.

Sorry Russ, wasn't trying to be a jerk. Just that both are pretty complexe finishes, and discussing both in the same thread, at depth, would get confusing right quick.

Robbie has a DVD? And he's got European sources? I'd say get the DVD, and follow it to a T!!!
I can talk of polyester until I'm blue in the face, but you're not going to find McFadden's over there, and these finishes are so touchy that you'd be on your own with whatever you did find. So, go the proven route, and get the DVD!

Mario,

No offense taken...I know they are both pretty complex animals, and I haven't seen alot of discussion here about either, so any info is good as far as I am concerned.

You're right...McFadden's is not anywhere close to available over here, and shipping from the US is impossible.

Looks like Robbie's DVD has come at the right time...I'll have to treat myself to a Christmas/Solstice/New Year's gift!

I really appreciate the vote of confidence guys. Russ, since you are interested in urethane finishes and it is widely available for you over there, why not give it a try. It is different than lacquer in that it builds in layers as oppossed to melting into the previous layer to form one layer only. My DVD explains in detail and talks you through it. If you have any doubts or questions let me know and I will do my best to help.

I keep looking at it, but I'm mostly worried about exactly how toxic the stuff is. Worse/better than nitro (in terms of solvent, particularly; I can't do nitro because of the solvent; protection while spraying is easy enough, but that pervasive tuolene stench...ugh)?

Russ, ILVA's website is here:
http://www.ilvapolimeri.com/english/MainPage.htm

Robbie, I've ordered the DVD. I'm intruiged.

Hi Russ

Another supplier within Europe is Fiddes Fiddies

They do several types of lacquer.