Official Luthiers Forum!

I would like to do a very bright sunburst finish (my first) over a maple top. I'm still a ways out from doing it, but I like to think out in advance when I can.

Anyway, some questions I have:

1. what are folks using for dyes for the red and yellow, and I would really prefer something water based?

2. I know most luthiers prefer nitro cellulose lacquers, I really want to shoot urethane I have been into painting cars and bikes for years with urethane so it wouldn't be my first rodeo, but I am always open for "why you DON'T want to do that" answers.

Thanks, Sean

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Whatever you do DON'T confuse me as an EXPERT, or MASTER, just a self learned trial and error guy. I had to build a dozen guitar before I found out what a "Luthier" even was (????)

Transtint in EM6000...

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

Sean, not there isn't great help here but there is info and products here http://reranch.com/- if you didn't know.

Having trouble -tried posting numerous times today and it didn't happen...not sure if this will or link to Reranch will work.

I use PPG DCU2021 urethane on request and for lot's of touch up work. Makes a great finish on a guitars. I typically run it over an epoxy sealer like System3 SB-112. But any polyester sealer would likely work well, vinyl sealer may be acceptable too but I have never done it so i would advise a full round of testing before using that schedule on a guitar.

As for dyes I like Behlens Solar-Lux. They can be used as a stain or a tint. While not a water based product per se I believe you can tint WB coatings with it as well but I have never tried.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/