First build, blue widow LP quilted

[Denial]

Ah that's very similar to the kit I got from them in my Uncle Milty project. Looks like they are back to fearlessly infringing trademarks after a brief hiatus. I hope the build goes well for you.

Yes I noticed that it appears to be very similar to your Uncle Milty project. I have been interested in your colouring of the binding on that build.

Do yo have any tips for the sanding of the sides of the body where there is binding top and bottom?

Did you use any grain filler to help smooth out the sides?

[CascadiaGuitarGeek]

I probably don't stick to proper sanding technique when I've done my LP kits. Usually I just hold the sandpaper and run it along the sides increasing the grit level as I go. Sometimes I'll wrap the paper around an eraser for more even pressure. I didn't really do anything to protect the binding and just tried to be careful and not sand over it too much.

I was still new to the world of wood finishing when I started it so sadly I did not use grain filler. Unless you want a more rough natural finish then don't skip this step, otherwise it adds a metric tonne of sanding work. I've now stocked up on a few different filler colours so that I'm ready to go when I get to my next projects.

[Fretworn]

I think the Tru Oil has a natural yellow hue, so it will tend to make blue look more green.

[Denial]

I have now sanded the body from 120 to 400

I used "timber mate" wood filler in the back and neck.

Today I tried to stain the headstock
I used a black ink an a blue dye over the top

The black was a waster soluble artist ink diluted1:5

The blue is a " ubeaut" water soluble wood dye.

See picture

I then sanded down with 400 grit an then applied 2 coats of 1:5 blue
See pictures


I have also tried to stain the body with black
See picture


You can see I had some issues wth glue spots and lines around the edge.

I used some " goof off" some 0000 steel wool and I tried to take off the glue out of the timber grain.

This appears to base been reasonably successful see picture with second coat of black


I will sand back carefully tomorrow with 400 grit and apply 2 coats of blue.

[Guvna19]

Love that headstock colour, really nice.

cant wait to see more

[Simon Barden]

Yes, headstock looks really nice. It should look even better with a clear coat on it.

[FrankenWashie]

Lovely work Denial.

[CascadiaGuitarGeek]

That quilted top will look great when you're all done. I feel bad pointing this out but is the match line of the veneer not centered on the body? They did that on my kit too but I did a solid paint job so it wasn't an issue.

[Denial]

Yes I had noted that the veneer centre line is about 0.5 - 1 cm off being perfectly centered , but I do have to remind myself that this is a $ 270 kit and not a $ 5000 guitar. It is a good learning experience.

Today I have sanded back the black stain and have put on 2 coats of the blue dye.
See pictures below

[Denial]

I have a question

How should i deal with a small blister that appeared in the veneer when I was using the water based dye.
It flattens back out when it dries off
It s about 5 mm by 15 mm
One idea is to try to inject some CA glue under the veneer to reseat it.

I assume it would be a bad idea to just ignore it as it will effect the smoothness of the top coat

See picture