Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Cause the Blue rat on September 27, 2014 at 2:28pm

Thanks Skeesix for clearing up my post. Clear coat is right.

Working with a spray can takes some practice. Like you I haven't done it enough to get really good results. Still a good idea to apply a few coats. If nothing else it'll help protect the finish.

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Permalink Reply by James Huey on September 28, 2014 at 12:16am

Use a Preval system for spraying the paint or even a jam gun. this syste is found often at automotive paint stores or hardware stores such as Ace. The jam guns or finish guns can easily be purchased at Harbor Freight or vitrually any tool shop. The Preval system allows an easy spread application of paint or paint finishes and controlled application is easy. They are not expensive and you can change out bottles and cans easily. Lots of projects this system will work on.

http://store.preval.com/

 

Lacquer paint is not as easy to find here these days in most auto paint stores and frequently can't be shipped across state lines in the USA . It is easy to use and if a mistake is made, easy to sand and reshoot. It is not as good to hold up over time in my opinion and the dry time (I like to call the smudge time) can be long if the humidity of the shop is a problem. Paints are always changing as evidenced by the applicatiosn for clear coats these days. However, just as powder coating, paints are not indestructable, Prep is often the real eye-opener for a great paint job. It can make all the difference in the world as to a professional looking finish or just an ammature's diy looking finished project. Check out some paint web site forums to see what tricks are available for the various paints and finishes you mention. There used to be a site called autobodyshop.com which was great for such info. I have no clue as to them still being on-line though.

 

Good luck on your project.

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Permalink Reply by Daryl on September 28, 2014 at 7:51am

If you knw someone that works at an auto-body repair shop, see if you can spend some tme around the paint finish arey. Or make friends af a shop and volunteer to help for some traiing. Wet sanding and buffing is a nasty job and usually help is welcome. ;-)

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Permalink Reply by john mackay on October 2, 2014 at 7:42am

here she is folks,I think I've got the strings a little to space out and a little on the high side.

not the best of sound but it will do for now.

from this to....

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Permalink Reply by Diglydog on October 2, 2014 at 8:09am

Fantastic job, John, and a great look to the finished instrument.  It looks really authentic.

String spacing is easy enough to adjust if you want to.

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