I just want to protect the fragile wood but keep cost down. I like the sound and don't want to put too much lacquer or varnish? Not sure if coating the guitar with effect the sound? Of course the 3 stringers are all strung up already so I'm going in reverse doing this.. Thank you
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For boxes with paper decals I want to preserve I use a light coat of a mix of water and wood glue, once it dries I use a light coat of spray polyurethane, light sanding then oil (of your choice).
I use Deft spray clear laquer on all my builds and bridges. Dries instantly and a few coats looks great. Nice hard and smooth finish. Been using it for my years with no compaints!
Same as Bluesheart, I sprayed a lacquer over my last build but it made permanent Sharpie lines smudge so beware. Very light coats is all that is needed. I use a satin finish one too. It will last a good few guitars.
I was using electric strings but have changed to acoustic, they sound brighter, and louder played acoustic, and for some reason they seem a lot clearer and brighter played through an amp. I use a light guage, 9s or 10s, usually Martin extra lights as they are fairly cheap.
I used spray shellac on my current build and like it. It is a very high gloss. A couple of med coats sprayed on resulted in a nice finish that is not too thick or heavy. Dries very fast and fumes are not too bad since it is alcohol based.( I've tried brush on shellac and it is a real bitch to work with).I only used it on the box/paper label, not on the neck. Couple of cautions, it disolved my signature on the back of the box that I used a fine sharpie to apply so I'm having to cover that somehow. The other thing is since it is alcohol soluable one would have to be careful not to spill alcohol on it (like tequilla!) It was about 10 bucks for a spray can but took hardly any to coat the box, so I don't think it will be but maybe a dollar a box for finish. I do not know if it is also available as a low gloss. I've used satin finish poly spray as well but it takes a long time to dry and has very nasty fumes.
Thanks bluesheart.. That sounds good. I'll have to wait until I replace the strings.. Shouldn't be long with alot of breaking strings in these early days.. Do you use acoutic steel strings or electric strings?
Replies
For boxes with paper decals I want to preserve I use a light coat of a mix of water and wood glue, once it dries I use a light coat of spray polyurethane, light sanding then oil (of your choice).
I use clear acrylic lacquer. Professionally made guitars have up to 30 coats of lacquer so I wouldn't worry about a few coats affecting sound.
Acoustic strings for me, I get them in bulk from Musiciansfriend.
I use Deft spray clear laquer on all my builds and bridges. Dries instantly and a few coats looks great. Nice hard and smooth finish. Been using it for my years with no compaints!
Same as Bluesheart, I sprayed a lacquer over my last build but it made permanent Sharpie lines smudge so beware. Very light coats is all that is needed. I use a satin finish one too. It will last a good few guitars.
I was using electric strings but have changed to acoustic, they sound brighter, and louder played acoustic, and for some reason they seem a lot clearer and brighter played through an amp. I use a light guage, 9s or 10s, usually Martin extra lights as they are fairly cheap.
I used spray shellac on my current build and like it. It is a very high gloss. A couple of med coats sprayed on resulted in a nice finish that is not too thick or heavy. Dries very fast and fumes are not too bad since it is alcohol based.( I've tried brush on shellac and it is a real bitch to work with).I only used it on the box/paper label, not on the neck. Couple of cautions, it disolved my signature on the back of the box that I used a fine sharpie to apply so I'm having to cover that somehow. The other thing is since it is alcohol soluable one would have to be careful not to spill alcohol on it (like tequilla!) It was about 10 bucks for a spray can but took hardly any to coat the box, so I don't think it will be but maybe a dollar a box for finish. I do not know if it is also available as a low gloss. I've used satin finish poly spray as well but it takes a long time to dry and has very nasty fumes.
Hope this is helpful. Bluesheart