First build

[teegee5448]

Hi,
I did not use any sealer, three shades of blue ready mixed dye, off Ebay from Village Green stains. I tried my best, but it just turned out a total mess, whatever I did. I religously followed the advice on Youtube. I have ordered some Hycote white primer, and while waiting, will sand the ply yet again. I will use Hycote primer, colour and finish gloss. If I fail again, its for the bin. This all started because the veneer was paper thin by the f holes, when I lighly sanded with 400 grit, the spalted finish was quite bland as well, the kit is from Coban guitars UK, but obviously made in China, it cost £214. When I emailed for advice, was told to try more dye, and told good luck.
At nearly 75 years old and on a state pension only, this has turned out to be a costly mistake. The kit was more than a weeks pension. I just wanted to build a dream, and learn to play the blues, well believe me I have got plenty of blues now.

[Trevor Davies]

Hi teegee5448.

Have you tried spray painting before? For me, spray painting has a whole new set of potential problems.

Does your guitar dream need a particular colour finish? Have you considered a wipe-on-poly? Even a natural looking finish can look amazing, and it is usually quite simple. In Australia a small bottle of tru-oil is about $25 and should complete the body and neck. Only need some good rag to put it on, and some high grit sandpaper to get a smooth finish. Our hardware stores also have wipe on poly at a good price.

If building a guitar is your dream, then definitely do not bin it! You can play on a guitar that does not look great. In fact, aged and worn looking guitars are trendy. When it is assembled and making sounds, it will be fun (and potentially frustrating!) learning some blues.

[teegee5448]

Hi Trevor,
Thanks for the reply, Yes I have a lot of automotive experience, fixing and spraying. All my equipment was sold long ago, but I think I am quite okay with rattle cans. I was thinking of doing the back and sides with the large bottle of Tru-oil I already bought, and as I sanded off the spalted veneer on the front, I would love a brighr red pearlescent finish on the plywood that is left.
Would appreciate your thoughts

[Trevor Davies]

Red top with a natural back and sides sounds great.

[teegee5448]

Hi again,
Changed my mind. Used one coat of Colron red mahogany on the sides back, and neck, so far three coats of Tru-oil, 24 hours between coats. I shall do the top in Champagne gold, and several clear coats on top.

[colin2121]

Now that looks really good.
Look forward to seeing the gold top.

[Trevor Davies]

Yep, +1 for looking good.

[teegee5448]

Hi guys,
Sanded again, laid a white basecoat, sprayed rattle can champagne gold, then first coat of clear enfused with gold flake, and finally 10 coats of clear lacquer. Must wait for it to cure before polishing, so the effect is not yet best shown in the pics. Champagne gold, with sparkly gold flecks, I am finally satisfied.

[colin2121]

Looking great!

[Drashkum]

Lovely... Looks great. All the spray paint was done from Rattle can?