First Build for Sleepy

Well I didn't take a photo of the mock build but after 3 days sanding (off an on) and then trying to decide the design of the headstock I came up with this. All has been sanded down to 400. Did a quick check with the damp rag to check for any left over glue and couldn't see any problems.

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After letting it dry (about 24 hrs) I did the first coat of DT Uluru Red. Really pleased with the body but a bit concerned with the neck. It didn't take real evenly. Was this because I sanded down to 400? I'm thinking that once dry (probably Thu at the earliest) I rub back with 240 and apply another coat. Or should I just leave it and apply another coat? The front of the headstock is good, the back is not so good.

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Hi Sleepy,

With the maple necks, most guys leave the sanding at 240 grit. The harder close grain of the Maple can cause issues with stain penetration. I would do as you've indicated, sand it back to 240 and go again.

Thanks mate, I did read that on the forum but when watching the instructional videos, DB said that he sanded down to 600/800. I think I may have misinterpreted what he was saying but I think it's fixable. I'll wait a couple of days and then give it a quick sand with 240 and see how another coat works.

Sleeps, nice Kit mate. just as FW said I would sand back to 240 if you want the maple to take more stain. In any event, the first coat is not an indication as how it will deepen. It will go as saturated as it can get after about 3 to 4 coats of stain and 3 to 4 coats of intensifier.

Thanks Andy, I'll keep at it.

I'd even go back down to 180 to help open things up initially and then a very light wipe over with 240 to add a touch of smoothness. Just hitting it with 240 will still leave a high sheen that could prevent stain from penetrating.

Sorry no pictures as I forgot to take them before working on them. However, the neck has come up a treat. I rubbed back with 180 and smoothed off with 240, very lightly to just get rid of the fuzz. I then did another coat on both the body and the neck. Was pleased with the depth of colour on the body although I was sort of hoping for a brighter red however it looks like that is the colour of Uluru red. The neck took the stain but I still wasn't happy but put it up to dry.

The good news is that after letting it dry for 3 days I rubbed the neck down lightly with 0000 steel wool and gave it another coat and woohoo, I'm really pleased. I'm hoping that this will stay like this as I have found the drying process does change the finish. The other thing I'm pleased with is the result of putting the intensifier coat on the body. Why doesn't anybody tell you about this stuff?!? Boom lots of colour. I really didn't see this kind of change in the video. I'll probably put another one maybe 2 coats on.

So learning points for me so far:
1. The intensifier coat really adds great colour.
2. Don't sand the neck too fine. I was used to sanding stuff to 800 but the neck really only needs a very light sand at 240.
3. Make your application cotton pad small. I had much better results from using a 2-3 cm square than from a 5cm square.

good start Sleepy build looking good so far. Glad the forum got you back on track with the neck stain !
Nice colour choice with the black pearloid guard and white pup covers and rosewood fingerboard !

Good to hear things are progressing well for you.

Intensifying coats do bring the colour to life, just need to be careful not to apply too many or go too thick as that is when the dreaded DT curse can bite you. Also leave plenty, and I mean plenty of curing time between each coats and be very wary using 0000 steel wool for sanding because if not fully cured that stuff can make a huge mess of the finish. I know from personal experience on 1st & 2nd builds but if you take care and be patient it should all work out fine.

Thanks guys and I read the issues with your build wazkelly. I only put a very light intensifier coat on and for various reasons it will be a week curing before I put the next and probably final coat on.

Looks good and nice colour choices.
Good to hear about your experiences and work around for using DT