Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tom Drommond on October 26, 2015 at 7:54pm

Brushing it on is even riskier than spraying it.  The varnish, will smear the printing on the box and look terrible. 

Lowe's carries a Spray Lacquer from Valspar that is $4.00 a can and nearly fool proof.  It will lock down the edges of the paper covering. Light coats until you get a feel for it, then a couple more after it's dried for a couple days.  You'll know it's ready to recoat, when it doesn't smell like lacquer thinner.  I'm telling you, it's nearly fool proof.

Permalink Reply by Robert Killen on October 26, 2015 at 8:42pm

Hi Jim.

I'm new as well, so I'm not recommending as much as sharing. For my second build I had a "stain plus poly" 2-in-1 product. I can't recommend it because the poly left a plastic feel (or maybe I messed up).

After that I picked up a can of Deft Clear Wood Finish - Satin Brushing Lacquer. I love the result. It's just nice and hard.

Don't know about the stickers. I've been taping mine off, and that's worked okay for me so far.

I'm looking forward to others' suggestions. :-)

Happy building!

Permalink Reply by QGolden on October 26, 2015 at 11:57pm

Hello, like Tom said, spray lacquer is the way to go. Practice on something else first though. Using a spray lacquer also allows you to spray a few "build up" coats, and sand down the finish with fine sandpaper or steel wool. This practice is referred to as a "hand rubbed lacquer finish" by the folks who build show cars. It gives a nice deep finish that is very durable. If you take the craft to other level by using air brushes, you can add hardeners to spray lacquer products, and that makes a more durable lacquer and significantly reduces the drying time between coats.

Permalink Reply by QGolden on October 27, 2015 at 5:03am

Good tips, I have seen the MinWax Wipe-On Poly but never used it.  I will have to give it a try.  I have never heard of Lacquer build up being a fire issue,sounds like it has merit, but it certainly does have health issues. You are 100 correct, always use appropriate personal protection with any finish, solvent, chemical...

Permalink Reply by Tom Drommond on October 27, 2015 at 6:19am

My, my, that's a big scary list you have their.  

Spraying lacquer from an aerosol can and through a pressurized paint gun are two different animals.  As you've noted, spray guns require the proper booth, air filtration, etc.  Spray cans require a sunny day without much wind to shoot outdoors.  I never spray-paint inside, for any reason. Leave it in a well ventilated area until the odor of lacquer thinner has cured out. My spot is out my garage.  The door gets opened several times a day.

By the way, lacquer is more likely to be acidic than caustic. Polyurethane is one of the most dangerous paint systems you can ever inhale or have absorbed into your skin.  I literally smothers your system. The cigar box and wood materials used are all flammable, so one or two coats of spray lacquer is not going to significantly raise the likelihood of fire, any more than a couple of coats of water-based poly will make it fireproof.

Never forget, we are building stringed things to play, not luthier-quality musical instruments.  It's a cigar box with a stick through it, for Pete's sake.  Don't over think it.

Permalink Reply by Pat on November 17, 2015 at 10:36am

I have used the Min wax wipe on poly, it is awesome! so easy to use with beautiful results, you just can not go wrong with it. I heard somewhere that it is pretty much the same as tru - oil 

Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on October 27, 2015 at 4:47am

I don't generally add a protective finish to a box. The weather from normal use adds character to the guitar...
I do, however use either linseed oil or tru-oil on any raw wood. I have also used danish oil, and like it, too...

Please read regular warnings about any oil finish, as rags can spontaneously combust... I have a metal paint can I use, and once the rags have sat for some days, they then go in the trash...

Permalink Reply by QGolden on October 27, 2015 at 4:57am

Too true John,Just last night a house not far from me burned.  It was being remodeled, Fire Chief said this morning on the news it was likely caused by Oil Wood Finish Rags left in the trash with Sawdust Sweepings.....( http://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20151027/NEWS/151029270 )

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on October 27, 2015 at 11:26am

Paint and clear on top, Stain and Truoil or just Truoil for a natural finish.

Permalink Reply by Jim on October 28, 2015 at 10:36am

cheers for the advice peeps, much appreciated!

I'm aware that its a stick in a box, but in this case (i think) its a nicely stickered and relatively pretty cigar box and was looking for a way to protect the stickers as much as anything else. I'm not looking for or expecting to achieve a deep glossy finish lol

sounds like the minwax poly might be worth looking for, need to see if its available in the UK

Permalink Reply by QGolden on October 28, 2015 at 10:45am

It may be a "stick in a box" but it's your stick in a box.  No reason why it cannot become an art form as well as functional.  Anyone can build a stick in a box, can you build something that will inspire others to build as well?  

Permalink Reply by QGolden on October 28, 2015 at 2:00pm

LOL, Good 'shine don't need no mixer Son!

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