This should hopefully be a quick and easy one to answer. I've been using Tung oil finish on the wooden parts of the CBG. But, it seems to me like that would be the wrong thing to use to add a protective coat to a paper covered box. What's the best finish for preserving and/or enhancing the appearance of paper covered boxes? Polyurethane, or some other type of clear coat?

Views: 861

Replies to This Discussion

 Well, i've used multiple light coats of polyurethane (both water and oil-based, both spray-on and brushed) with no issues). I've used a shellac likewise without problem. The secret is multiple light coats with dry time between layers.

Now I have had some soak-through with varnish on some(not all) paper boxes-but sometimes I want the soak-through because it will literally bond the paper into the wood or masonite...in fact I have used light coats of varnish inside my builds in order to make them more resistant to changes in moisture and temperature. For the 'soak-through and bond' effect I use light coats but re-apply while the surface is lightly tacky.

I know several members here have reported success with various Sanding Sealers but I have no actual experience with them...

Thanks

Thanks

I've had good luck with clear spray lacquer.  It will penetrate well and dries fast, but generally I leave paper covered boxes alone and let them age. It adds character.

Cool, thanks. Good reminder that sometimes less is more. I'll try to remember that and factor that into whether I end up "preserving the box" with finish or "letting it ride" without any finish depending on the specific build.

I try and let the box tell me what it wants.  If it's a beautiful flawless box, keep it that way when possible, but if it's a bit of a relic it needs to be left in it's natural state and let it show it's age.  Preservation is great if it's going to be sitting on display in a museum, but if it's going to be used (and that is what we build these things for) let it show it's scars proudly.

I see no need to add "fake patina" like the rat rodders do with their cars and some folks like to do to a new strat to make it look "cool", but if it's got history enjoy it and don't try and hide it.  At the same time, if you are building an old ratty box, don't put a shiny, new looking neck on the box because it will look out of place.

Ratocaster

Wear.

Wear is the best finish.

More wear is good. Severe wear is awesome.

Natural wear through extended use is best!

It's knowing the wear from pristine to decadence that tells the story of the instrument. This is why they should be made to the best and enjoyed to the worst. 

I ended up going with light coats of polyurethane spray. Worked great. This box was screaming "make me shiny", so I did. I pretty much wouldn't have asked if I didn't plan on doing it for this build (number 3, I'm moving on to fretted for the next one. (Pg 80 Sutton book, this was my third version of page 36). Don't worry purists, I'll do plenty of builds where I leave the box alone. Actually I kind of gravitate towards the wooden ones, I just got a dozen Padron boxes.

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Discussion Forum

Cutting deep boxes in half

Started by Justin Stanchfield. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 20. 9 Replies

Attention 1st time builders!

Started by BrianQ.. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 27. 2 Replies

Brickhouse CBG Wiring

Started by Ian Boyd. Last reply by Ian Boyd Dec 11, 2023. 1 Reply

Fretless fret markers

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers Apr 20, 2023. 8 Replies

canjo building and tuning

Started by Brenda. Last reply by MadGomer Dec 3, 2022. 5 Replies

Minimum tools needed

Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 14, 2022. 21 Replies

High G problem

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 3, 2022. 4 Replies

Doubling the high string

Started by Robert Killen. Last reply by Paul Craig Oct 14, 2022. 23 Replies

Aluminum License Plate

Started by Larry Sobol. Last reply by Larry Sobol Oct 1, 2022. 6 Replies

C. B. Gifty three string fretless kits.

Started by jon neet. Last reply by Taffy Evans Aug 16, 2022. 6 Replies

Frettin' and stainin'

Started by Doug Laffin. Last reply by Order99 Aug 11, 2022. 4 Replies

Bolt on neck to a set neck body?

Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Jul 17, 2022. 14 Replies

Locations

Started by Roy Smith. Last reply by the anonymous pick May 15, 2022. 2 Replies

Help please re Bento Box Uke "nut"

Started by Al Lobe. Last reply by BrianQ. May 10, 2022. 18 Replies

Clarification on pick ups

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans May 6, 2022. 5 Replies

Licence plate cbg

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers May 2, 2022. 5 Replies

Builder's Tips

Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 23, 2022. 2 Replies

Getting there but needing advice/help please.

Started by Lionhound. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 18, 2022. 8 Replies

Tres Cubano Build

Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Dec 9, 2021. 18 Replies

CB Gitty Country Roads Banjo kit

Started by Ken Hope. Last reply by Christopher G Daniels Nov 29, 2021. 4 Replies

Latest Activity

Dar Stellabotta posted a video

A Cigar Box Guitar Six Stringer Built by Louie Lamanna

This video is the unboxing and the demonstration of a beautiful, six stringer built by Louie Lamanna. Join Louie and I June 15 at the second annual Pittsburg...
31 minutes ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

"Happy Easter to you too Andries! The passion is definitely in full swing. Turns out I’m…"
1 hour ago
A.D.EKER commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

"Happy Easter Doug ! the Passion is in full swing !"
1 hour ago
A.D.EKER commented on Ricky D's photo
1 hour ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
1 hour ago
Keith Rearick liked Doug Thorsvik's video
5 hours ago
Keith Rearick liked A.D.EKER's video
5 hours ago
Keith Rearick liked Doug Thorsvik's video
5 hours ago
Keith Rearick liked Ricky D's photo
5 hours ago
Keith Rearick liked Ricky D's photo
5 hours ago
Keith Rearick liked Ricky D's photo
5 hours ago
Keith Rearick liked Ricky D's photo
5 hours ago

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->