Kerries Electric Blue JB-4

[sfkhooper]

With the last build, my cherished ES, all but completed, it's now time start documenting the next. We've actually been working on Kerrie's JB-4 for a while now but haven't taken that many photos, something I will try to remedy. This shot is halfway through the first coat of electric blue water-based enamel. The intention is to put down about three, maybe four, coats and then clear gloss top-coat over that. If we get the final colour coat right, it should look spectacular!

[sfkhooper]

This pic was taken after the third coat. We're finding the paint very tricky to work with. Every wipe leaves its' mark! I will allow this coat to cure, then sand down lightly to bring back to smooth before applying the final colour coat. The patches you can see around the middle are where Kerrie has tried to correct streaks or other imperfections and the marks are left where the cloth has first come into contact with the guitar. The final coats will have to be a very wide applicator and the the final stroke will have to be across the entire face in one pass.



The thing is that this paint is marketed toward people that want to achieve a metallic cross-hatch pattern. The manufacturers know it's practically impossible to achieve the look we're going for, so the instructions on the can recommend against going for a uniform finish. Screw that! We're going for gold!

[sfkhooper]

Here's the final colour coat on the front. Still have the sides and back to go, so we'll see how we go with blending. Frankly I'm concerned that it's going to be very tricky, but we'll see. The front came up very nicely though. Sorry about the lousy pic.

[wokkaboy]

looking sweet SKF, looks like you are pulling off the finish that is hard to get, whats the brand of the enamel electric blue paint you are using ? Might try it out on a spare strat body I have lying around

[Bass Guy]

That's going to be stunning!

You going to upgrade any of the hardware? Can't help thinking a "white pearloid" pick guard would be amazing on it...

[DanMade]

That looks great. A 3 inch wide foam paint aplicator would work well with that paint.

[gavinturner]

looking great guys. the front looks streak free! can't wait to see the finish in all its metallic beauty. i would also like to know the paint brand, as the last few metallic enamels i have used have been rather dissapointing in the glitter department.

cheers,
Gavin.

[sfkhooper]

Thank's for all your comments, guys. I'm pretty stoked about the results so far too, but I think it's really going to come alive under a few clear gloss top-coats! The paint is Dulux Metal Effects, and it's damn tricky to work with. Took us a few goes to get the hang of it. Extremely unforgiving! And you can't dawdle with it because it's a fast drier that goes pasty quickly.

Bass Guy, I think that's a great idea about the pearloid pick guard. We mock assembled it last night and I couldn't help but think something was missing, so you may have it there. I will run it past Kerrie and see what she thinks.

Anyway, here's the latest pic, did the final colour coat down the sides last night, which leaves just the back to go in a day or so.

[robin]

Wow Scott AND Kerrie, that looks excellent. Didn't think you could get such a good finish with a hand applied Metalic paint.

rob

[sfkhooper]

Thanks Rob. Fingers crossed, we'll get it over the line