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1970's Martin bridge scar finish touchup
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10137&t=45282
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Author:  Goodin [ Fri Mar 06, 2015 11:17 am ]
Post subject:  1970's Martin bridge scar finish touchup

I am hot-rodding a 1970's Martin D-18..giving it the works: neck reset, compression refret, new through saddle bridge, new small maple bridge plate, new tortoise celluloid pickguard, Grover StaTites, scallop braces. I am at the point where I need to do finish touchup in front of the bridge as a result of moving the bridge to the correct location. I have an idea on how to proceed but I would like to get some of your ideas. I'd rather not break out the spray equipment, so I am thinking of applying lacquer with a small brush.

My thoughts are to lay down a couple of coats of tinted shellac to match the finish, then several coats of clear lacquer until it is built up above the level of finish on the rest of the top, then let it cure for 3 weeks, then level sand and buff. Is that about right? Is it that easy?

Here is where I am at (note bridge is not glued down):
Attachment:
20150225_165353 (Small).jpg


ps..also would like some tips for removing the giant rosewood bridgeplate. Reckon I will start a new thread for that.

Author:  John Killin [ Fri Mar 06, 2015 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1970's Martin bridge scar finish touchup

I have one that I'm basically doing the same thing with. I started using an air brush. I was also trying to build finish up in the pick guard area and had re-spraying finish on the bindings.

After letting the spraying cure, I realized that I hadn't added enough finish. Since then I've built it up drop fill style with a brush and it has worked out fine. You will be level sanding anyway, so the method of getting it on there isn't as important as getting enough finish in place.

I'm not quite done with the touchup finish yet, but so far I've had good results with the brush in that area.

Author:  B. Howard [ Sat Mar 07, 2015 8:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1970's Martin bridge scar finish touchup

I typically tint the lacquer to match but the way you state will work fine.

And yes it is that easy when you put it on paper....

Author:  Goodin [ Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1970's Martin bridge scar finish touchup

Thanks for your input John and Brian.

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