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Join the Discussion: To Put Finish on a Paper Covered Cigar Box... or Not?

Posted by Jack Brady on February 19, 2020 at 6:46am in Feature Articles

A Cigar Box Nation Featured Discussion.

I am using a Macanudo paper covered box. I like the way the box looks now, I am going to use metal corner protectors. I was not going to put any finish on the box itself. Is that ok or is it preferred to put a finish on it? If it is preferred to put a finish what is the best and easiest to use?

Thanks

(Pictured below: This is what happens to an unprotected cigar box guitar that was played for two decades. -Cigar Box Nation staff)

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Replies

Scott McGilliard February 28, 2020 at 10:34pm

On all of my builds, I have used three coats of a good quality satin spray lacquer on the box. I used 6 coats of gloss spray lacquer on the necks. Pictures of all of my builds have been posted.
Southern Ray February 27, 2020 at 10:28pm
A.D.EKER February 22, 2020 at 8:41am

All thow the played relic looks great to me ! if it sounds as well as it looks ! its two for the price of one , But i resently found the color version first film by ELVIS Presley , and looking at it i notist how strange his guitar looked, after some ,browsing true the Net ,i found this picture

and if you look you see that the guitar body is covered whit leather and inbossed in a artistic way ,whit leaves lettering and acorns, maybee this old time vintage way of protecting your instrument is a way to reinstall tradition whit a Cigarbox guitar !! Thanks for posting kind greeeeettssszz A.D.
- Thomas "Duck" Petry > A.D.EKER February 27, 2020 at 6:13pm
  
  I have used spray can lacquer with successful results. Multiple light coats seem to work well. Protects the paper labels and it brings out the color in the wood as well.
lawntrout guitars February 21, 2020 at 2:09pm

I found regular modpodge will get sticky in hot humid weather. I now use the modpodge for furniture and it holds up much better. For those of us who live in the Midwest it’s tough to use urathane in closed quarters during the winter.
- Ray Stanis > lawntrout guitars February 21, 2020 at 2:55pm
  
  Maybe wipe on poly ( regular oil based poly cut 50/50 with odorless mineral spirits ) ... Or tru oil for gun stocks..
KOOL DOG HOOCH February 21, 2020 at 11:47am

This has 2 coats of spar varnish on it. I've also used water based urethane on others without any problems.
Shane Speal February 21, 2020 at 10:55am

Congratulations, Jack. Your great discussion has been added to the Cigar Box Nation FEATURES tab and will be part of today's email blast!

We've added a top photo showing what happens when no finish is placed on a paper covered box.

Thanks for the great question!!!
MadJohnShaft February 21, 2020 at 6:30am

Hard to get all three showing a reflection on the surface (and not) but here ya go.... for each of the finishes I followed and did the recommendations on the labels, in terms of number of coats and sanding.
Taffy Evans February 20, 2020 at 6:22pm

Hi, the Shellac I am familiar with is normally very thin and runny, unless I mix it to a thicker consistency. Also it has a colour blond or orange, so consider that effect on your paper.

I would go for a spray application for a more even finish, myself.

Taff