Ash's first build LP1-M

Been playing around with this LP1-M kit for the last 6 weeks or so. Thankfully, I've been able to find the answers to any queries I've had in this forum so far in regards to test assembly, checking the neck measurements & fret level etc.
Originally I was going to have a light green flame top with a dark green body, neck and head-stock. But have decided to go for a more natural look on the back and neck. Just darkened the wood a bit with instant coffee and Tru-oiled over the top.
I was going to use ink for the green top, but couldn't get the colour I wanted so ended up using Color-tone dye from Stew Mac. Which was probably a good thing, cause the dye took 3 weeks to arrive, which meant 3 weeks spent sanding waiting for the dye.
Over the dye I've applied 10 coats of TO with a light buff after every few light coats, now waiting for everything to cure for several weeks so I can do the assembly
I'm not quite happy with the headstock, I applied several coats of black & green ink, then oiled over the top, so it looks black straight on but dark green from an angle
I put ona Gibson diamond decal but it lifted a bit on one corner when I oiled over the top of it, then wouldn't stick down properly again, so I pulled it off, sanded the headstock smooth again and have hand painted the design on and oiling over the top of that. So far it seems to be coming up alright

wow sweet looking build Ash you nailed the green top !

Cheers Wokka

Looking great Ash! Is it the color or the shape you don't like with the headstock?

Looks great! Love the green.

Nah, it was the decal I had on there. When I took it off the finish got messed up, so had to start again

Thanks John, happy with the way the coffee stained the back as well. Looks real good with the greenAttachment 20190

Looking Good.

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Originally Posted by Ash105

Been playing around with this LP1-M kit for the last 6 weeks or so. Thankfully, I've been able to find the answers to any queries I've had in this forum so far in regards to test assembly, checking the neck measurements & fret level etc.
Originally I was going to have a light green flame top with a dark green body, neck and head-stock. But have decided to go for a more natural look on the back and neck. Just darkened the wood a bit with instant coffee and Tru-oiled over the top.
I was going to use ink for the green top, but couldn't get the colour I wanted so ended up using Color-tone dye from Stew Mac. Which was probably a good thing, cause the dye took 3 weeks to arrive, which meant 3 weeks spent sanding waiting for the dye.
Over the dye I've applied 10 coats of TO with a light buff after every few light coats, now waiting for everything to cure for several weeks so I can do the assembly
I'm not quite happy with the headstock, I applied several coats of black & green ink, then oiled over the top, so it looks black straight on but dark green from an angle
I put ona Gibson diamond decal but it lifted a bit on one corner when I oiled over the top of it, then wouldn't stick down properly again, so I pulled it off, sanded the headstock smooth again and have hand painted the design on and oiling over the top of that. So far it seems to be coming up alright

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Nice job! Love Almost gold hue to the side in that bottom shot. Instant coffee wash eh, it's come up before in discussion but I think this is the first time I've seen it done. A good effect and a great result so far. What did you buff with between coats wet and dry or steel wool?

Thanks FrankenWashie, thought I'd give the coffee wash a go after reading on a post here. Buffed with steel wool after each 3rd coat, then 2000 wet'n'dry with white spirits. The wet'n'dry made the top like glass