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stan
20-04-2014, 06:20 AM
About time I actually put together a build thread.

This is my lefty LP kit - the plan is to do a satin black body, neck and sides with a painted front - colour yet to be revealed.

I wanted to do a wudtone type top finish but there were a few factors - there were some small knicks, bumps on the body in general. Also the flamed maple top was not centred properly, the division between the two sheets was off centre by about 10mm. Not lots, but enough to see instantly.
No problem - solid painted finish it is.

Primer/undercoat - upol automotive

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/014-1.jpg

a few coats rubbed back, nice and smooth.

Satin black goes on, also upol automotive, rubbed back as well:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/016-1.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/018-1.jpg

In my haste to move things along - I applied to much black, too soon. The result was the the top coat crackled. Actually not a bad effect, but not what I wanted.

Could not do this deliberately if I tried:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/020-1.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/021-1.jpg


Because too much sanding is not enough, that's what had to happen:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/023.jpg


Black reapplied - taking my time this time. Currently at this stage:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/024.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/025.jpg

more black to go...

maxaxe
20-04-2014, 08:37 AM
Awww Hell Stan - don't you just love set backs like that?
Still, to triumph over adversity is always a satisfying exercise.
I'm sure that with your abilities/skills you will prevail :)

Hooray for satin black says me. Curious to see the other secret colours . . .

gazzman
20-04-2014, 09:06 AM
That cracks me up Stan!
Seriously though the fix up looks great can't wait to see the complete paint job
Cheers
Gazzman

stan
20-04-2014, 09:30 AM
Thanks Max - more persistence than skill I think
Cheers Gazz, enough sanding will fix most errors, oh wow I think I am channeling DB...

...and auto paint, I presume there is space in the naughty room?

gavinturner
20-04-2014, 11:18 PM
Loving the satin black Stan. Great to see you come back strong after the do-over. I've done two painted guitars so far and on both I had to redo the paint 3 times. You are well out in front of that tally! Awesome work. It's looking killer. Satin black really is a great look for guitars me thinks. I'm going to have to give it a try based on your effort!

Cheers,
Gav.

stan
27-04-2014, 06:52 AM
Thanks Gav

There seems to be endless light sandings and touch ups, very , very hard to get this surface flawless.

bargeloobs
27-04-2014, 07:26 AM
That satin's lookin' sweet Stan, I'm interested to see what you've got in store for the top.

stan
28-04-2014, 09:32 AM
thanks bargeloobs, it will be a colour and high gloss.

Oh and: Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB™ for the bridge and SH-2n Jazz Model™ for the neck...

wokkaboy
29-04-2014, 03:00 AM
looks great Stan, satin black really looks cool on an axe. Look forward to see the colour of the top. The Seymour pups should kick butt !

stan
29-04-2014, 09:29 AM
Thanks Wokka, the SDs are going to be awesome. Now if only I could play...

More layers, rubbing and stuff:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/254c6bb3-35ef-43d4-9f4b-4ffe34c0f103.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/28f0e762-7fa4-4361-9560-81d7b9c87593.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/8759aaca-394f-487a-94a3-d77e1c59a5ee.jpg

every layer seems to add either a few light specks that need sanding, or streakiness like you see in the last pic.
I think this is caused by insufficient mixing of contents, causing incorrect thinner and paint ratio (in this case not enough paint) from the pressure can - need to shake longer...

I've taped up the binding, but with so many layers of paint it will be an exercise in care getting the paint off, or I will end up peeling off large chunks of paint off the body...

gavinturner
29-04-2014, 11:53 AM
I dont know Stan, it's looking pretty bloody good. Are you going to use a satin clear? I have no experience with this at all, but maybe it will even out the slight specs etc? Hmm maybe not.

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
30-04-2014, 12:00 AM
looking good in the photos Stan, how many coats is the last pic ? You have to be patient with auto paint spray cans. Are you wet sanding between coats ? Once you have the surface looking pretty smooth I'd go onto clear coats. Don't want the paint cracking again at this stage !
Worth shaking the cans for another minute next time, its a bit like sanding its never finished !

stan
30-04-2014, 02:52 AM
@ Gav: cheers mate, crappy iphone pics hide a lot.

Yes, using a satin clear. I might try a spot on the neck and see what happens - as you unfortunately know, sandpaper will fix it if it doesn,t work

@Wokka: it's probably about 7 coats, but a little thinner in some spots than others.
Yes wet sanding with 600 or 1200, just knocking back the dags and bumps, next layer sticks well.
I think you are right, might be a clear coat test time, and plenty of can shaking (mmmm.. that reads interestingly...)

wokkaboy
30-04-2014, 04:33 AM
sounds good Stan, look forward to seeing it after clear coats.
This is your first build in a while Stan ? can't remember seeing a build diary of yours for a while !

stan
30-04-2014, 05:44 AM
First build in fact.
I have this and an ES kit - had them both for a while, but have only had the chance recently to get started. I post plenty of questions about them though

DanMade
30-04-2014, 08:55 AM
Looking pretty good now Stan, though I thought the cracked finish looked very cool.

Quick tip, place your spray cans in a tub of warm water about half an hour before spraying to help get a better consistency of spray from them. Especially now it's winter.

stan
30-04-2014, 09:03 AM
Awesome tip, thanks Dan - where were you a week ago, haha

wokkaboy
01-05-2014, 03:24 AM
really Stan 1st build and you have 744 posts ! Thought I'd never seen a Stan build diary. Look forward to next coat pics
@ Dan, awesome tip warming up pressure spray cans, will try that next time !

gavinturner
01-05-2014, 05:16 AM
Great tip Dan! I knew about the can warming, but I never seem to do it until I've encountered an issue!

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
01-05-2014, 05:24 AM
maybe Gav its time to get a whiteboard and write some notes on tips like these !

stan
07-05-2014, 10:43 AM
ok, some more progress.
I'm finally happy with the satin black and scraped the binding: see awesome tool (biggest pain of a job ever...)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/042.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/089.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/086.jpg

Some edges needed a touch up as thought, just taped and resprayed:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/087.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/092.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/093.jpg

lots better now, edges are neat and satin seems nice and even, without any major hideous bits jumping out at me:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/095.jpg

Headstock/neck, also ready for clear (and custom logo...)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/097.jpg

jarrod
07-05-2014, 10:53 AM
Looking great Stan.You couldn't have picked a worse colour for showing up imperfections or dust etc... Black is the best looking colour but the hardest to work with , looks like you nailed it though.

stan
07-05-2014, 11:13 AM
thanks Jarrod - gloss black wouldn't have been too bad - you can buff out the imperfections.
With satin you have to nail it or repaint - if you buff it, then it isn't satin: hence several coats.

My crappy iphone shots iron out a few imperfections as well, I need the Jarrod spray booth

jarrod
07-05-2014, 12:44 PM
Yes it does tend help with the dust problems , especially with two pack that sucks in particals from two miles away lol... seriously though Stan it looks pretty special

Dengreg
08-05-2014, 12:44 AM
Sensational work Stan. Love the black.

bargeloobs
08-05-2014, 12:52 AM
[quote]/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 6, 2014, 19:43
ok, some more progress.
I'm finally happy with the satin black and scraped the binding: see awesome tool (biggest pain of a job ever...)

Looking sweet Stan, all the hard work and heartache is finally paying off now man!

wokkaboy
08-05-2014, 02:19 AM
looks great Stan, as you say satin black probably the hardest finish to get right.
Yes binding is a pain to clean but will be a really good contrast between the black and white

jarrod
08-05-2014, 03:15 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on May 7, 2014, 11:19
looks great Stan, as you say satin black probably the hardest finish to get right.
Yes binding is a pain to clean but will be a really good contrast between the black and white

works on piano lol... :D

wokkaboy
08-05-2014, 03:22 AM
sure does Jarrod.
Stan are you planning to cut a headstock shape before its too late ?

stan
08-05-2014, 06:41 AM
yes, have a plan for the headstock, but wont be cutting it (as was my original plan...)

wokkaboy
08-05-2014, 06:57 AM
ah cool so you going to reveal this plan Stan (nice ryhme !) or we have to wait for it to be revealed ?

gavinturner
09-05-2014, 11:36 AM
Looking awesome Stan. You've done a great job with the paint job and the binding. This is going to look superb when it's all done & dusted. I'm intruiged with your headstock plan. We need details!! Please put us all out of our misery...! :)

cheers,
Gav.

stan
09-05-2014, 07:57 PM
I like the squared off look, and it will have a raised centre section with the logo applied - it will look a bit deco.
Couldnt find a google images example, so you will have to wait...

As soon as the talented Andyport has done my logos, then it will move forward.

Just finished some tests with satin clear, so that will be the weekend job, and start on the top.

Paint must need more curing, I find that even after a couple of days if I grip the guitar, I leave a faint indented fingerprint...

wokkaboy
10-05-2014, 12:29 AM
sounds interesting Stan,
sounds like the paint needs more curing, don't want fingerprints of any kind left in the surface, has the weather been cool ?

stan
10-05-2014, 02:32 AM
yes great overlord, cool weather, I think the paint is just a bit soft and needs to cure more... might be a cool new signature gimmick - builder's fingerprint on body - LP DNA Edition

wokkaboy
10-05-2014, 02:56 AM
haha good one Stan, your right, you will be able to match your finger prints CSI style. As long as the fingerprints are on the back of the body and not the front !
This is the part you have to be really patient. So satin clears to come ?
Thanks for the overlord naming haha

stan
10-05-2014, 09:10 AM
Yes Wokka, then satin clear. Might put it in the sun (what little there is of it) during the day and let it absorb a bit of sunny uv goodness and hopefully cure a little better.

bargeloobs
10-05-2014, 11:06 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 9, 2014, 11:32
yes great overlord, cool weather, I think the paint is just a bit soft and needs to cure more... might be a cool new signature gimmick - builder's fingerprint on body - LP DNA Edition

Ahhh the beauty of enamels! I swear my last build took literally 2 months to cure completely and it's got more fingerprints than a sack full of hands.
Good times!

stan
10-05-2014, 10:30 PM
if only, this is an acrylic!

jarrod
11-05-2014, 01:16 AM
Actually Stan , sunlight and UV is the worst thing you can do for a new paint . What it needs is heat not UV , You could hold a heat gun to it (not to close you will burn it) for say 15minute interval's to help its curing but in cold weather the chemical reaction will slow down. Direct sunlight will hurt your paint job down the line and until fully cured ( 3 months ) you need to avoid it. So patience is the key here sir! If you put your clear on now what you will get is none release of solvents from the paint underneath hence many light coats is better then fewer heavy coats. The reason we keep the coats light is so the solvents can release a lot quicker in between coats , hence the whole cure period becomes shorter. For Acrylics rule of thumb is light coats and flash off time for 15-20 minutes per coat. Hope this helps

stan
13-05-2014, 04:31 AM
Lots of help Jarrod, thanks - I will bake it in the oven... lol

Thanks for the tips on adding the clear as well

I have repainted mine twice and doing my second edge repair. I've scraped the binding so much (I keep scratching it and paint works its way in...), I'm surprised it's not transparent.

Black guitars - Look awesome - painful to paint. The cooler weather is making it worse and time for a break for a few days.

wokkaboy
13-05-2014, 05:00 AM
you will get there Stan, just need to be patient while the paint cures. Thats why you need another project to work on !

jarrod
13-05-2014, 03:44 PM
Wokka as funny as that sounds it works for me , like your self I have 7 guitars on the go so there is always something to do while clear cures .

stan
14-05-2014, 09:57 PM
hmmm, time to start the ES then

wokkaboy
14-05-2014, 11:42 PM
good call Stan, what colour plans you got for the ES ? Better gear up for the councilling you will need after the wiring ! haha

stan
15-05-2014, 04:08 AM
have had tech jobs in the past, wiring is fine, its finishes i seem to have issues with. Same as the LP, just smaller access.

Actually thinking of a gloss black, like bargeloobs' LP. It will be a painted top either way, as the bridge holes have to be redone

jarrod
15-05-2014, 05:33 AM
A canvas that size in black would look dam fine Stan. I have built a scratch Prs custom which will have a bagged finish on it (all will be shown in non PB gear section but it has turned out awsome) .

stan
15-05-2014, 12:30 PM
Sounds nice Jarrod, looking forward to seeing that. LP is having some curing time

jarrod
15-05-2014, 12:47 PM
Good stuff Stan, your going to end up with a nice guitar in the end

bargeloobs
16-05-2014, 07:44 AM
I can only imagine how sick a blacktop ES would look, what with the added binding in the F-Hole jeez, you got me thinkin' now!
Look if you need any advice on what not to do in regards to a black gloss finish just give me a holla, I'm an expert.
Things must be drying out now anyway, we've been lucky in my neck of the woods it's been quite warm the last couple of days.

stan
16-05-2014, 10:13 AM
thanks Jarrod

that's gold bargeloobs, you will actually be an expert with all your practice.
This ES doesnt have binding in the f holes, but i might paint the edges...

bargeloobs
16-05-2014, 10:40 AM
"This ES doesnt have binding in the f holes"

I'm not sure why I presumed it did to be honest, but hey there's a thought, kick the build off with something easy like binding the f-holes :P

stan
16-05-2014, 11:38 AM
sure why not, the upgraded righty has the triple binding on the edges and f hole and headstock binding

gavinturner
18-05-2014, 12:22 AM
Would be great to read about the process if you do it Stan. I've never attempted it and it would be great to hear your experiences..

cheers,
Gav

stan
18-05-2014, 08:26 AM
Sorry Gav irony doesnt translate well with the typed word - unless the process is far easier than I thought, I wont be binding the F holes, perhaps paint. But now you've made me look into it, damn, now I want to give it a go....

bargeloobs
18-05-2014, 09:22 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 17, 2014, 17:26
Sorry Gav irony doesnt translate well with the typed word - unless the process is far easier than I thought, I wont be binding the F holes, perhaps paint. But now you've made me look into it, damn, now I want to give it a go....


Yeah I was definitely being cheeky when I suggested you do that, you detected my sarcasm didn't ya Stan!
Sounds like a rocky road to heartache if you ask me, but that's only if I were doing it.
It would be interesting to see someone attempt it though.

bargeloobs
18-05-2014, 09:25 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on May 17, 2014, 18:22

/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 17, 2014, 17:26
Sorry Gav irony doesnt translate well with the typed word - unless the process is far easier than I thought, I wont be binding the F holes, perhaps paint. But now you've made me look into it, damn, now I want to give it a go....


Yeah I was definitely being cheeky when I suggested you do that, I know you detected my sarcasm didn't ya Stan!
Honestly it sounds like a rocky road to heartache if you ask me, but that's only if I were doing it.
It would be interesting to see someone attempt it though.

stan
18-05-2014, 09:49 PM
Ok so I checked out how f hole binding is done- a bit above my skill level, however painting seems to get good results, so that is on the cards for the ES.

But this is the LP thread . Touch ups and the never ending binding scraping going on. The second I am happy with it on goes the clear

stan
20-05-2014, 03:49 AM
OK, trying to make the edges nicer, but getting bleed through on the binding.

After cleaning up this, the clear will go on, had enough! They wont be perfect, but there is only so much time in my life.

Besides, if I scrape the binding any more there wont be any left

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/014.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/015.jpg

stan
20-05-2014, 03:52 AM
On the up side, my decals from the super professional Andyport are in the mail, so headstock will be looking better in no time!

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 04:01 AM
[quote]/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 19, 2014, 12:49
OK, trying to make the edges nicer, but getting bleed through on the binding.

From what you can see the finish looks wicked but why the hell is that bleeding through so much? What sort of tape you running Stan. Is it possible to get some turps on a cotton bud and very gently rub away a bit of that over spray to save scraping anymore binding off and then just finish off with the blade to get a fine edge? Not sure how binding reacts with turps, might be a bad idea...

stan
20-05-2014, 04:37 AM
yep thought about that one and didnt want to risk melting binding or I'd have a melt down myself.

The type a bear brand yellow, pretty good, I think the trouble was my application, not the tape itself.
Anyway - it's ready for the tack cloth and clear coats

stan
20-05-2014, 08:39 AM
all cleaned up and a 1200 grit rub down ready for the clear:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/022-1.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/023-1.jpg

However, a win; the neck turned out great!

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/017.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/021.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/020.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/019.jpg

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 09:55 AM
It that just glare on the back of the body?...Tell me you you didn't...
That neck looks outstanding, looks like you got a well defined edge along the binding, sharp as!

stan
20-05-2014, 11:35 AM
yes mate just glare, there is so much paint on there I would have to use a chisel to rub through... lol

As for the neck - proper application of tape, thin coats all good, should have done the same with the body, but both will be fine

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 11:45 AM
Orr phew, it was a bit deceiving that pic. You're away laughing now!

gavinturner
20-05-2014, 10:27 PM
Great job on the neck Stan! Roll on the clear coats...! Looking forward to seeing the satin.

cheers,
Gav.

stan
20-05-2014, 11:45 PM
cheers Gav, clears have started, OMG, as bad as doing the black!
Have to be very light and careful here

stan
23-05-2014, 09:12 AM
Looks like the body is catching up to the neck. A couple of coats of satin clear, 1200 wet rub between coats:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/002.jpg

iPhone pics so far, will do some nice ones when finished

Bargeloobs has dubbed this build The Dark Knight, and I think it will stick. At least Christian Bale was Batman in that one, so not too bad.

I think a couple more of clear, let it cure and on to the front....
Have my headstock logos done, by Andyport and they are awesome, so my "brand name" will be released soon...

maxaxe
23-05-2014, 09:58 AM
A triumph of perseverence.
This is the business now, looking forward to those better pics . . .

wokkaboy
23-05-2014, 10:27 AM
looks fantastic Stan, well done for persevering, its paid off

bargeloobs
23-05-2014, 10:28 AM
Oooooh yeah, you can see the badassidness (sorry that's not a word)taking shape already, the time you've spent on the paint job really shows, it looks flawless.
What plans have you got for the hardware on top (colour wise) or are you keeping hush hush?

stan
23-05-2014, 10:57 AM
thanks guys.
It certainly isn't flawless, but not a bad first try.
Pups are all black Seymour Duncan SH4 SH2 combo, and the other hardware is all chrome.
Genuine Gibson pots
Orange Drop caps
Braided wiring
Have a choice of cream or black pickguard etc, will have to see later.
Top colour, yet to be revealed, is also dark, and hopefully very glossy.

gavinturner
23-05-2014, 12:40 PM
Awww come on Stan, the wait is killing me! Reveal, reveal!!!

cheers,
Gav.

stan
23-05-2014, 10:21 PM
OK Gav, just for you, my keyboard is a bit iffy so don't mind any errors, the colour is going to be vgggnsjunuundmm

stan
24-05-2014, 10:05 AM
time for some more pics.
On close inspection i didnt quite get the masking right on the neck. I left a small slither of timber showing.
There was no way I was going to remask and paint again, so here is the solution:

Slight edge issue, hard to see but a triangle of bare timber between the binding and the painted surface running from the nut for about 3cm as it tapers off.:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/003.jpg

One sharpie pen, black out the error, once it's neatened up and clear goes over it should hide well (I hope...)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/005.jpg

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 10:14 AM
[quote]/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 23, 2014, 19:05
time for some more pics.
On close inspection i didnt quite get the masking right on the neck. I left a small slither of timber showing.
There was no way I was going to remask and paint again, so here is the solution:

Lookin' real nice Stan, I tell you what I was doing in those exact situations was masking off the binding to the correct postion, spraying at bit of color into a little pot, then dabbing the black into the aforementioned area with a cotton bud. That way you're getting the exact colour back in there and you can go over a few times to get the thickness back, then just a light wet sand with 1200 once dry to level it out before moving on... IDK, it seemed to work.

stan
24-05-2014, 10:40 AM
Yes , that would be the correct way but I am lazy BL

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 11:16 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 23, 2014, 19:40
Yes , that would be the correct way but I am lazy BL

C'mon Stan, that's not the O.C.D spirit, naa I'm just shittin' your way should be cool.

dingobass
24-05-2014, 12:30 PM
Stan, I love it! Always an easy workaround :)

gavinturner
26-05-2014, 11:40 AM
Nice save Stan. This one is a personal pet hate. I always seem to be doing it. Last you tube video I watched by a luthier in Sydney recommended actually leaving the thinnest sliver of binding "unmasked" along the bottom of the binding so that this didn't happen. I think I'll be doing the same next time I spray a neck.

Anyway, nice work. She's really coming together..!

cheers,
Gav.

stan
27-05-2014, 12:01 AM
thanks for looking in Gav, when it cures a bit longer, on goes the top colour.

Just can't fully rid it of dust specks and have decided that enough is enough and will live with a few

Still in two minds over the headstock, was going to shape it, not going to as I like the square, want to again... aarrgghh

kells80aus
27-05-2014, 12:40 AM
Looks like it all comming together Stan.

Cheers PK

bargeloobs
27-05-2014, 12:58 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 26, 2014, 09:01
thanks for looking in Gav, when it cures a bit longer, on goes the top colour.

Just can't fully rid it of dust specks and have decided that enough is enough and will live with a few

Still in two minds over the headstock, was going to shape it, not going to as I like the square, want to again... aarrgghh


???
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/7g9c0-345654.jpg

stan
28-05-2014, 08:50 AM
thanks BL, looks quite good, I do have something in mind, just not sure... (actually just too lazy to cut the headstock...)

Just when I thought I was getting there - started putting the top colour on only to find the back still had not cured, and the material that was underneath the guitar left imprints in the clear coat, all the way down to and also in the black itself - this is after 2 days between clears, about 4 coats and hitting it with a mild heat gun to help cure it F%$K!!!!!!!!!!!!

The whole back has to be rubbed back, black patched up and all done again.

I am going to be the world's expert on satin black and clear at this rate...

gavinturner
28-05-2014, 12:00 PM
Sorry to hear about your hardship's Stan. In my experience, I reckon solid colours are the hardest things to get right. I've been plagued with numerous do-overs on every single "painted" build I've attempted. And from your diary I would say a satin finish seems 100x more difficult. You certainly will be quite the authority by the time you are done! But don't despair - she's looking great. Hang in there!!

cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
28-05-2014, 01:01 PM
Damn that sux man! Don't worry I'll be turning to you for advice regarding satin finishes alright.
Just a minor set back Stan, overcome and conquer. You'll get there!!

dingobass
28-05-2014, 01:17 PM
This is part of the learning curve... at least you can save it and I reckon by the time she is done she will be beautiful!
Keep going mate, you will beat the bugger :)

kells80aus
28-05-2014, 08:25 PM
i kike that headstock. looks real cool

PK

pablopepper
28-05-2014, 09:08 PM
Black is the hardest colour to get right. Keep it up Stan, your persistence will make the end result even more special.

stan
29-05-2014, 02:31 AM
thanks for the support guys, worst thing is I got to a point where I was actually happy with the finish.

All part of the fun,should have it ready for December GOTM haha

The neck is coming along great though, so still a positive

bargeloobs
29-05-2014, 02:42 AM
I've kind of notice people on here seem to dis nitro a little bit but you know you can handle that stuff without fear of fingerprints after only 5 minutes. That headstock I just finished took me just 2 days with 8 coats of clear sanded and cut n polished. If I'd been using acrylic or poly I'd still be waiting for the coats to dry in this cold weather...and waiting....
I'm just saying is all, a bit of food for thought.

Gavin1393
29-05-2014, 03:44 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on May 28, 2014, 11:42
I've kind of notice people on here seem to dis nitro a little bit but you know you can handle that stuff without fear of fingerprints after only 5 minutes. That headstock I just finished took me just 2 days with 8 coats of clear sanded and cut n polished. If I'd been using acrylic or poly I'd still be waiting for the coats to dry in this cold weather...and waiting....
I'm just saying is all, a bit of food for thought.

Hey Bargeloobs, First things first...

You mentioned 'Nitro' (as I have just done) so we will have to continue our discussion in the Naughty Room where beer is on tap and Pizza's in the oven.

For your and anyone else who thinks we dis Nitro, we don't really. We just aren't that excited about the tone killing properties of the product. It certainly looks great. So what follows is not a defence of our view but more of an explanation of it. We recognise that there are other who disagree with our view.

DB and I and a number of others on the forum are TONE-focussed. the history of guitar finishes is an interesting one. Initially the Fenders and Gibsons of the world were quite happy applying a finish (possibly reminiscent of Wudtone / Dingotone) because they had less of a demand for the product than would be experienced shortly after. They had time to allow their paint to sure properly.

But the tone of these guitars (many of which are classics today) was terrific, but there came a point where to increase production and to get the end product to the market they had to come up with something that dried and cured faster, hence the introduction of Nitro (don't worry - Nitro is an allowable word in the Naughty Room.) This meant the end product was finished faster and looked great too. Unfortunately, in the view of many TONE was compromised. There is a debate around this - it depends on your ear and what you are used to and what you know is possible.

Perhaps by way of illustration consider a great voice singing naturally versus putting a fish bowl over your head and singing.... Particularly relevant with acoustic guitars where the difference is so audible that Taylor's new 800 series is now painted with an extremely thin but durable UV product. The Taylors now sound sensational whereas to my ears even their top of the range guitars used to go "Thud" when you played them rather than 'sparkle'.

Again the debate with electrics is interesting because the view held is that the sound only comes from the pickups. But what are the pickup picking up? The strings. What influences the tone, sustain and vibration of the strings? The nut and the bridge, and these are attached to the material of the guitar, be that a variety of wood, metal, oil can, cigar box, Perspex, etc. With an acoustic guitar the body is designed to be an 'air pump'. The better the vibration of the soundboard, the better the 'sound' that emanates from the guitar. This is why you will find that a soundboard of an acoustic is usually always a 'light wood' like Bunya, Sitka, Adirondack, cedar, redwood, etc. and the back and sides will be a hardwood like the rosewood family (Indian, Brazilian, Honduran, Madagascar), cocobolo, Zebrawood, Katalox, Ebony family, etc. The mahogany, maple and Koa is considered a medium wood and hence sometimes you will find the soundboard and the back and sides of the guitar will be constructed in that wood. The ability of the body to vibrate will be influenced by the choice of wood. This is true also of electrics which is why different wood tend towards different tonal properties. However, the moment you throw copious amounts of finish on to the wood, these properties are altered because the wood will not vibrate in the same way. This changes how the strings behave and ultimately what the pickups will amplify. Again all this can be altered by the sound processors, but garbage in garbage out.... to some extent.

Hence, while DB, myself and others will marvel at the beauty of a Nitro finish, we would compromise the rich deep gloss of a nitro finish for pure TONE. Wudtone certainly retains the tone of a well built and well thought out instrument but lacked the depth that is seen in a Nitro finish. Dingotone achieves both Tone and Depth of finish.

keloooe
29-05-2014, 03:49 AM
Nice workaround Stan! Must be great to have more progress on the build :)

stan
29-05-2014, 07:57 AM
great explanation Gav!

Will Dingotone go over acrylic paint and does it come in gloss and satin clears?

Thanks Pest, but looks like the finishing begins again to some degree, didn't you have a recent birthday - congrats!

stan
01-06-2014, 08:41 AM
OK time for more pics.
Firstly, the body is still giving me grief, the patchup job from the last finish mishap continues.

So, it was time to shape the headstock.

Mark it out using rulers and pencils and stuff, cut with a hand saw (as I did, but you can also use a jigsaw, dremmel, laser, termites, whatever), but leave a bit to finish by hand. You could also use a paper template, tape, whatever works for you and gives the result you are after

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/060.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/059.jpg

You get the idea. Leave enough fat to trim some off, otherwise , the smallest mistake will wreck the headstock - make a big enough error and you might need a whole new neck. (I'd try other fixes first, however Sod's law states you will destroy it...)

So you end up with this, ready to be hand finished (I used a dremmel to get closer, then filed by hand):

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/061.jpg

NOW: here is the reason I have to keep refinishing the back. Notice in the pic above the neck clamped to the bench to keep it in place whilst I cut? The pressure has caused the fabric (an old cotton sheet) underneath to leave an imprint on the paint.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/062.jpg

This neck has only the satin black, no top clear. Acrylic. Helped along with a heat gun well after it was touch dry. In fact about a day after. The last coat was put on about 2 weeks ago, and the neck has been hanging in the shed since then...

WTF! This is expensive Upol aerosol paint. It is good stuff. this does not come from the green shed that remains nameless. This has been sanded with high quality automotive wet and dry (wet sanded) between coats left a day apart between coats. It has been cold, but I am warming the paint and the piece to be painted.

Now the body isn't clamped at all, it was just laying there whilst I did the top on a nice clean cloth (careful inspection of any overspray on the cloth in other shots will reveal the essence of the top colour...)for about an hour.

All I can say is AAARRRGGHHH!!!

Happy to hear from any of the paint gurus for this one. Can I put it in a cool oven?

Anyway, fixed this, hung the neck up, and here is a look at it - not fully finished, but you can see the result:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/064.jpg

bargeloobs
01-06-2014, 09:08 AM
I can't say I've seen anything close to that on a LP headstock before but it really works man, that satin's gonna look insane.
Making progress now!

gavinturner
01-06-2014, 12:21 PM
Nice headstock Stan - simple and effective! Well done.

cheers,
Gav.

jarrod
01-06-2014, 12:37 PM
If the paint is thick Stan it can take along time to cure.

jarrod
01-06-2014, 12:50 PM
And Gav, I completly agree with you which is why i keep the Acrylic very thin but still wont hold the same tone qualities as dingo tone to the experienced ear. How ever I dont see that 10 + coats of tru oil is any different. Also on an electric guitar if don't put decent electrics in side and good quality pups then you may as well cover your guitar in tar. So as much as I agree with you , all the planets need to line up to get a great sound. I have a Les Paul I have built that has amazing tone qualities and sustain to die for , made in mahogany and maple cap and acrylic finish. acustic guitars are a totally diferent ball game.

dingobass
01-06-2014, 02:06 PM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 28, 2014, 16:57
great explanation Gav!

Will Dingotone go over acrylic paint and does it come in gloss and satin clears?


In a word, no.
Dingotone has been designed as a 'ground up' finish, thus eliminating the need for any other types of sealers etc.

At this time there is only a semi gloss top coat available.
I am reticent to go down the full, ultra high gloss road as in my opinion high gloss finishes reflect too much light and effectivly "kill" a lot of the subtle figure of the timber.

However, I am aware that many folk love shiny things so I will develop a high gloss top coat 8-)

Satin finish can be gained by very gentle buffing with 0000 steel wool once the top coat has fully cured..

stan
01-06-2014, 10:10 PM
agreed Jarrod that tone is a combination of many factors - timber, electronics, nuts, bridges, hardware, finishes and all these things come together to give a final result.

Thanks for that DB

Cheers Gav and Bargy

So just how long is enough for acrylic? I'll have to bake it at this rate...

dingobass
01-06-2014, 10:34 PM
Stan, the general rule of thumb for cure times is at least a few weeks!
I know, I know, two weeks?!......
Yep. Paints cure from the outside in, so whilst the outside is hard the inside is still soft and gooey....
One of the things I do is to sniff the painted Axe, if I can still smell the solvents I know it is not ready for the next coat.
Might be time for you to build a drying cabinet :)

jarrod
02-06-2014, 02:06 AM
Agreed DB , that is my way of telling if I'm ready for the next coat " the old sniff test" works for me.
Stan I know it can be frustrating waiting for cure times, but as a learning curve the longer you leave inbetween your coats the quicker the over all cure times are. I keep coats thin . That way they cure quicker.

stan
08-06-2014, 10:12 PM
OK checking some minor bumps has shown me that the paint is still soft in the middle - I really am going to put this in the oven now...

After the headstock shaping, there was a groove where the two cuts met. No worries - timbermate to the rescue and some primer:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/033.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/033.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/035.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/035.jpg.html)

The inner edges are much better and it should come up well.
In this case the timbermate was dry sanded - if you wet sand it the water resoftens the timbermate and it turns back into paste.

I tried fixing a few flaws in the paint by spraying some primer into the lid of the can and applying it with a small brush to some small chips in the paint. Don't do it! Done this way I found the primer had a higher concerntration of thinner, and it acted more like acid than panit - made small craters in the finish (that had soft paint within...).
So sand it back, let it dry - timbermate again, harden, sand and prime:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/037.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/037.jpg.html)

Neck is ready for top coat and clear at least... the show goes on!

bargeloobs
08-06-2014, 11:21 PM
Looking sweeet Stan and you're moving forward. That's gotta be a good feeling!!

Nickosaurus
08-06-2014, 11:55 PM
Good to see some positive progress with the paint mate.

stan
09-06-2014, 02:53 AM
thanks guys. It is moving forward, but it feels like the occasional jump backwards.
Important thing is that it is still fun, and I'm learning a lot.
I think I will concentrate on getting the neck done, and give the body more curing time

gavinturner
09-06-2014, 12:25 PM
Great work on the headstock Stan. I'm glad you got to shape it - much better IMO. She's coming along nicely! Those painted finishes can be a real b*tch - rife with issues and do-overs. I feel your pain believe me. But looks like you can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

cheers,
Gav.

Andyport
09-06-2014, 09:08 PM
Good to see things are starting to progress again Stan.
It is difficult this time of year getting those coats dry, can really slow progress down.
Like Jarrod said, try and keep those coats thin.

Cheers,
Andy

stan
09-06-2014, 09:15 PM
Thanks Gav hope the light is not a train...

Thanks Andy, looking forward to getting those great logos you made onto the headstock!

stan
10-06-2014, 06:02 AM
Got sick of redoing the back, stuff it for now - on with the top:

Colour - Congo Green Metallic, a very dark green, looks a bit lighter here.

First coat and rub back:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/002-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/002-1.jpg.html)

Another coat:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/005-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/005-1.jpg.html)

Rubbed back, mmmm satin green...

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/007.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/007.jpg.html)

top coats before the gloss clear, much better going than the back has been:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/006.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/006.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/008.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/008.jpg.html)

bargeloobs
10-06-2014, 06:07 AM
Shit Stan, I'm diggin' that colour mate...that metallic....woooooooo!!!!

Nickosaurus
10-06-2014, 07:51 AM
Groovy. That colour seriously reminds me of British racing green.

http://riviera-reflections.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/12/green-jaguar-e-type-respray-british-racing-green/e-type-jaguar-respray-10-800x600.jpg

stan
10-06-2014, 08:02 AM
thanks BL

Yes Nick, it's very similar and about as dark, but a metallic and not a solid.

Love the Series1 E type...

maxaxe
10-06-2014, 10:00 AM
Nearly as slinky as the Jag. I like that metallic green with what looks like a hint of aquamarine?
Another mean green axe machine in the works - brilliant.

stan
10-06-2014, 10:41 AM
Yes max there is the slightest touch of blue in there, however iPhone pics come out a bit blue as well

Analyst69
10-06-2014, 10:58 AM
Love the gloss you are getting on that metallic green. Definitely going to be a beautiful axe.

Cheers

Darren

gavinturner
10-06-2014, 11:28 AM
Wow, love the colour Stan - the green metallic front looks amazing!! The overall look is really coming together now. This is going to be one awesome looking LP!

cheers,
Gav.

stan
12-06-2014, 09:53 PM
Thanks Darren and Gav, a bit more curing to go and fix up the back, it's getting fun again

stan
13-06-2014, 01:45 AM
scraped back the binding, still no clear on yet, but we all love pics, right?

The edges are taped up, still sorting the satin black.

I think you can get a better idea of the final colour now:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/014-2.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/014-2.jpg.html)


http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/017-2.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/017-2.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/012.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/012.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/016.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/016.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/015-2.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/015-2.jpg.html)

Nickosaurus
13-06-2014, 02:14 AM
Already looks glossy! Going to be awesome once it's cleared.

wokkaboy
13-06-2014, 02:39 AM
wow Stan thats looking awesome and still no clear - look forward to pics after its been cleared, its been worth the hard slog on this build !

gavinturner
13-06-2014, 03:49 AM
Looking really nice Stan. Looove that green! She's going to be amazing when the clear coats go on!

cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
13-06-2014, 04:22 AM
Man I can't wait to see this cleared with all the shiny bits put on, c'mon Stan hurry up!

pablopepper
13-06-2014, 04:34 AM
Ooh, that's a lovely shade of green. Looking very tasty.

stan
13-06-2014, 05:03 AM
Thanks Guys, there are just not enough green axes right?

Anyway, this is how I look after the body whilst working on it, no more issues like before:

Pretty much a version of what others have done. Attach 2 bits of wood - one to hang from, one as a rest:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/018.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/018.jpg.html)

Keep Left - all good guitars are lefties!!

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/019-2.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/019-2.jpg.html)

Can start getting the back right now:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/020-2.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/020-2.jpg.html)

surfmusic
13-06-2014, 05:33 AM
Gosh Stan!

That sure is a serious hook you are using, no worries of that guitar falling off.

Rick.

surfmusic
13-06-2014, 05:43 AM
Gosh Stan!

That sure is a serious hook you are using, no worries of that guitar falling off.

Rick.

stan
13-06-2014, 07:06 AM
Yep, megahook Rick, just had it laying about. You should see the fish I get with it!

Brendan
13-06-2014, 02:07 PM
Looking great Stan!

kimball492
20-06-2014, 09:41 AM
Hi Stan, looking good I love the tool you used to scrape the binding great idea
Kimball

Dengreg
20-06-2014, 10:17 AM
What a great colour, finish and still with clear to come..

stan
22-06-2014, 11:26 PM
thanks guys!

The binding tool worked for a while, but it ended up actually being easier to just go back to a stanley knife blade on its own...

The binding on mine was full of fine scratches that ran along it, paint gets in, very tiresome to keep clean, even with taping

Just doing some touch ups that aren't really worth taking new pics for, but clear is going on very soon

maxaxe
23-06-2014, 09:26 AM
I'd call that a "brooding" shade of green, giving a feeling of latent power.
The hook is really a GAFF; acronym for Guitars And Fightinging Fish.
This LP will be a killer when it's done.

jarrod
23-06-2014, 09:58 AM
Lokking pretty awsome Stan, take your time with the clear and she will look amazing.

stan
24-06-2014, 07:13 AM
that's funny Max

thanks Jarrod, nice light coats and plenty of time between!

stan
11-07-2014, 09:47 AM
OK a bit more progress...

Things are moving a bit and here is the headstock and logos (thanks Andyport)
Clear is a bit wet here still, it looks pretty glossy, but will dry satin.

So the official unvailing of my homebrand - Sinister Axes

I am a lefty , hence Sinister, and it sounds cool with Axes. Sinister Guitars doesnt quite cut it

First pic is the front of the headstock and the other is the back. For the back I was going for one of those custom shop style logos you see on the reverse of Fender headstocks.

We all love pics, so here is a couple (crappy iphone in crappy light, nicer ones to come):

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/003-2.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/003-2.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/005-2.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/005-2.jpg.html)

lawry
11-07-2014, 10:47 AM
Nice looking headstock, Stan. And nice play on words too!

Nickosaurus
11-07-2014, 01:36 PM
'sinister guitars doesn't quite cut it'

ha.

Digging it, Stan. You lefty heathens!

gavinturner
11-07-2014, 02:18 PM
Love the logo stan! She's really coming together now!

cheers,
Gav.

pablopepper
11-07-2014, 09:21 PM
Top bit of logo design, that! Bravo.

Dengreg
12-07-2014, 12:19 AM
Great logo!

wokkaboy
12-07-2014, 12:53 AM
like the others said the logo is classy Stan and a cool name. I'm a left hander but play right handed - go figure !

Fretworn
12-07-2014, 01:54 AM
Quote from wokkaboy on July 11, 2014, 09:53
I'm a left hander but play right handed - go figure !

Steve Morse, Gary Moore, Joe Perry, Nils Lofgren are/were guitarists that were left handed but played right handed. I'm sure there are plenty of other great examples out there as well.

wokkaboy
12-07-2014, 03:21 AM
wow thanks for that info Fretty, what a group of axe players. I don't feel so weird now !

stan
12-07-2014, 03:31 AM
Thanks guys, Andyport makes great logos and had a big hand in helping me out with the design - I agree, it came together pretty well

pablopepper
12-07-2014, 05:06 AM
Wokka, the guitarist in my current band and the drummer in my previous band, both are left handed and play right. I don't think it's that uncommon at all.

wokkaboy
12-07-2014, 05:13 AM
yer ok cheers Pablo, its probably due to not that many left handed axes being around to learn on

stan
12-07-2014, 05:16 AM
Not wrong there, took me ages of playing with restringed guitars before they weren't too hard to find

wokkaboy
12-07-2014, 05:43 AM
only if you built kit guitars when you were learning Stan, would have been easy.
So do you do everything left handed Stan ?

bargeloobs
12-07-2014, 07:15 AM
There's light at the end of the tunnel now man, headstock's looking unreal. Itching to see all the shiny bits put on there.

stan
12-07-2014, 10:21 AM
thanks mate, me too, got to let the paint cure first - arrgghh, takes so long

stan
13-07-2014, 10:39 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on July 11, 2014, 14:43
only if you built kit guitars when you were learning Stan, would have been easy.
So do you do everything left handed Stan ?

Yes mate I do - very Sinister :D

west0288
20-08-2014, 12:37 PM
Pro level spray job on this baby, Stan. Love it.

Logo is killer too mate. Very keen for end product. Should be a very sweet (read: 'very sinister') axe. ;)

stan
25-08-2014, 10:16 AM
Time to update!

After several mishaps with trying to apply satin clear in cold weather (and I am suspicious of the quality of the paint...), resulting in crazing, cracking and general surface crappiness, I decided to cave in and go gloss.

The crap clear was also penetrating into the black beneath - my theory goes like this (I'm sure guru Jarrod can set me straight if I am wrong): Essentially the thinners in the top coats allow penetration into the coats beneath - so when the top coats craze or crack, it seems to affect the colour beneath as well, hence essentially a redo every time I tried to do clear.

No such issues with the gloss:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/053.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/053.jpg.html)

Note highly povtech, but effective handling method: Stick to the top suspending axe body, stick poking out allows handling and positioning.

True colour looks more like this:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/032.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/032.jpg.html)

Head stock and neck:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/055.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/055.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/054.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/LP%20Guitar%20project/054.jpg.html)

Now waiting for it to cure before I set the neck, or clamps will indent the paint and I get to start again...

pablopepper
25-08-2014, 09:24 PM
I'm sure this will come out great with a gloss finish. That green is just so nice.

stan
25-08-2014, 10:44 PM
Thanks Craig, I've come around to it. I wanted satin for something different, but I like glossy, so I am still happy

pablopepper
25-08-2014, 11:04 PM
It seems I was lucky with my satin finish. Came out perfect on the first try even though I was stupidly using mismatched paints. I will probably pay for it in the future when it all decides to let go and peels off.

ponch
26-08-2014, 12:24 AM
Man I like the gloss. Makes the top look miles deep. That colour is great though, nice work.

wokkaboy
26-08-2014, 01:31 AM
love the colour and the gloss Stan, how long you reckon you have to wait for it to cure ?

assume at least couple of weeks

should look unreal when its assembled. You going chrome or black hardware ?

stan
26-08-2014, 01:41 AM
I think you will be fine Pablo, if it says fine during the main drying, then it seems to come up fine, lucky bugger...

Thanks andrew, the clear added the extra depth, yeah and we all enjoy shiny guitars

Wokka, I honestly have no idea for curing, but have been well bitten so far, just when you think it is dry, a clamp or finger will leave and impression, even after a couple of weeks. I probably have overdone it on the layers a bit and under the hard exterior is a soft middle (bit like me... lol.

I have a heat lamp used for reptile tanks , so thinking of making a drying cabinet...

Black pups and chrome hardware for this one, but black hardware would look awesome too... have a black revamp kit on order for another project, might just make it onto this one...

wokkaboy
26-08-2014, 01:56 AM
cool sounds good Stan. Think its worth seeing how black hardware looks, I reckon it will go well with the dark green

stan
26-08-2014, 10:35 AM
wokka, planning to do exactly that, black would work well

gavinturner
26-08-2014, 11:16 AM
She's looking awesome Stan. Gloss is no bad thing. There is now light at the end of the tunnel! Gonna be a beaut when she's finally buffed.

cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
26-08-2014, 11:23 AM
Too bad about the satin man, on a positive note nice job with the gloss, you've made a pretty good trade off I reckon. It's gonna look seriously sick mate when finally done.
Just for shits n giggles give nitro a go some time. You won't have to worry about that leaving fingerprints in clear after 2 weeks bullshit, honestly...you can handle that stuff within mere minutes.

stan
27-08-2014, 02:25 AM
sounds good Nigel, might try the N product, especially if it dries that quick. Finger prints go right into the colour, not just the clear, that is why so my full on re dos.

Funnily, using the same black on the Harmony Jazz project, and it is cured and easily handled...

My sister's LP kit arrived today - Pearl white for this one

bargeloobs
27-08-2014, 03:13 AM
"Funnily, using the same black on the Harmony Jazz project, and it is cured and easily handled..."

I wonder if it's something to do with the hollow body seeing that you'd have a warm pocket of air drying from the inside too, I could be totally wrong of course:P

stan
27-08-2014, 05:18 AM
Hey thanks Gav!

Could be lots of things, Nigel, type and density of wood, amount of coats, type of day on which it was applied, time of day, alignment of the planets, rotation of the earth, true magnetic north.....

this stuff is as close to alchemy as we get, that's for sure

garystewart62
21-09-2014, 10:35 AM
Hi Stan. How do you make your headstock decals? I'm wanting to create something unique to me for my 1st build.

stan
22-09-2014, 03:52 AM
Hey Gary, I have them made by forum member Andyport (Andy). He does them for Wokka, Gav T, Me and others I'm sure

He can design, go with your design and his prices are good, great service. He has had some family issues of late, so my be a little slow to reply
you can email him here:

citysigns@internode.on.net

keloooe
01-03-2015, 07:15 PM
Hey Stan, any updates?

stan
02-03-2015, 05:44 AM
Hey Callum, on hold while I finish my sister's guitar and some finish blemishes to sort, then I'll be back into it, cheers mate