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Permalink Reply by wormil on November 2, 2012 at 7:49pm

Shellac was long used as a primer and can be used under any kind of paint or finish. I would not build a thick shellac finish otherwise the different finishes could expand and contract differently and lead to cracking or wrinkling.

As long as the paint isn't too thick and is very dry before spraying the lacquer you should be okay. I've actually been planning the same thing and intend on using acrylic paint as it dries fast and is thinner than oil. 

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Permalink Reply by William H Bonney on November 3, 2012 at 7:06am

Yep,sounds right on to me.Again not too much on the shellac.

ESQ

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Permalink Reply by Skeesix on November 3, 2012 at 4:55pm

Yes, shellac would be fine as an undercoat. It's sort of a universal primer - compatible with anything. I like Zinnser Sealcoat.

You can color lacquer opaque and possibly use that for the pinstripe. Stew Mac makes Color Tone pigments for opaque finishes. I've used the Color Tone dyes for staining, and tinting lacquer and shellac and they're very nice. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Finishing_supplies/Colors,_tints,_and_s...

Then finish off with lacquer clear coats. I'm not sure about acrylic as I haven't tried that in conjuction with lacquer. Acrylic is water based, so it would have to be really dry before coating.

 Stay away from enamel, unless you want a really interesting crackling effect.

Whatever you do, make up some smooth test boards and practice your various combinations on that first before doing it on your guitar.

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