Originally Posted by
christodav
Thanks Andy,
It's so hot and dry in Melb right now which means perfect weather for curing the stain.
So, sit and ponder time.
I've probably done the wrong thing by rushing, but I've now managed an intensifying coat on the top of the body. (The sides and rear are in a sanded back state right now - a failed staining experience. Once I get the hang of the top, I'll move ahead with them.)
During the staining process, the look has changed from a 3 tone traditional sunburst to basically a burnt orange burst. This was due to too many coats and failed attempts. However, it really looks nice, but I have found it difficult to photograph it correctly, even with my Canon 7D - so a photo will have to wait until it dries a bit.
Now, because I have found out all the mistakes I have made so far, I might list them and offer some solutions/advice. Some of these mistakes I found out the hard way myself and others, people on this forum informed me either before or after the fact. LOL
I chose the Alder body because it is a lighter timber and I wanted a light instrument for my Daughter. Firstly, listen to what everyone says - Alder does not need Timbermate. In actual fact, if you go ahead with it like i did, it makes things very difficult for you as the grain is so fine that the DT stain has trouble penetrating unless you sand to 240grit at the most. I actually think 220 or even 180 would be okay if you want to stain Alder. Which brings me to my next mistake.
I sanded to 320grit, however in many places trying to sand out the Timbermate or sanding the cuts I made, I sanded too hard making those spots polished. This made for places in the body where the stain just wouldn't/couldn't penetrate. I may have got away with this by making my burst finish kinda 'rustic' looking. Through the black edges, the timber grain and knots show through.
Right from the beginning, even though I had watched lots of videos and read heaps on how to stain, I just didn't get it, especially when it came to blending colours. I got it now. Just like Andy and others, there are techniques - you have to develop a feel for it. I have never stained anything in my life up until now apart from the odd shirt or two at the dinner table.
So there it is. The next part of the journey is the intensifying coats and final coats. I'm kinda prepared for that now that I have finished the neck and done one intensifying coat on the top of the body.
Cheers
Chris