My first kit, LTA-1

[UpperCaseH]

Nice shape for the headstock! I think we're using the same mat.

I only have experience with transfers in scale modelling, but I'm pretty sure the priciples are similar - clear coats to conceal the line of the decal's edge. In my experience it's likely that when you're done, you, the builder, are going to be able to find a way to angle it just right, with the light in the right spot, and looking at it from just the right angle, that you'll see the outline of the decal, but it's unlikely that anyone else will ever notice.

[ganna19]

That's right! I keep on finding imperfections that other people can't spot on my build unless you are really looking for them

[ganna19]

After my third clear coat I started noticing that the bottom part of the guitar body it's shining but not the top. What I am doing wrong?

[Andy40]

Hi Ganna,

Sorry just saw your post. I have a couple of questions, have you used DT for the stain, intensifier and final coats? If so how many coats of each and how long did you wait between them. Lastly, have you ready my TLA-1R diary regarding applying the DT final coats?

[ganna19]

Hi Andy! Yes, I always used DT. I gave the stain, then 3 coats of the intensifier waiting 7 days between them and then 3 coats of finals.
I always waited 7 days between coats... Is this something irreparable?

[Andy40]

No worries.

The uneven gloss and streaking effect i can see in your pic can be caused by two sources:-
1. Too little DT final coat per application. not an issue, just keep applying thin DT finish coats and it will even out.
2. a little too much DT final coat in the last application. In which case you just need to:-
(a) carefully sand back the DT final coat with 600 grit, 1200 grit and 2000 grit (wet). I wet the sandpaper fold it over and gently sand in one direction with the grain away from the edge of the guitar.
(b) Be careful not to sand back too far or run the sandpaper along the edge or you start taking the stain off in places.
(c) If you take some stain off, re-apply some intensifier coat in dabs on the affected areas. and give it 5 to 7 days to cure. if the intensifier dabs dry uneven, carefully sand the patches smooth with 2000 (wet) as above.
(d) re-apply the very thin final coats, I prefer my method of thin final DT coats as you are usually not in danger of putting too much on.

I used the above method in scenario 2 because thats exactly what happened to me on my TLA-1R build (that streaking was quite major on mine because i put waaaay too much on) and I fixed the issue with not a lot of fuss. Just a bit of curing time.

In case you missed my method of thin final DT coats, I'll repost:-

1. cut two pieces of 5 x 5 cotton cloth
2. pour small amount of DT intensifier (or final coat) onto palate (in my case margarine lid, in DB's case yogurt top)
3. fold first cotton cloth in 1/2 and 1/2 again and dip folded edge into DT
4. apply DT to surface of guitar wiping in direction of the grain (try to do it thinly but don't worry if you can't)
5. just keep dipping the folded edge of the cotton cloth and apply with the grain (as opposed to soaking the cloth and wringing it out)
6. once entire surface has had DT applied, take the dry second 5 x 5 cloth and fold it in 1/2 and lightly wipe over the DT coat that has been applied in the direction of the grain.

voila = thin even coat, usually dry in 12 hours (but may not be cured)

I then wait about 3 days before wet sanding and applying the next final coat. (7 days in Brissy weather for intensifying coat)

Anyway Ganna, good luck. Remember I am no authority on the subject of DT, its just what has worked for me.

As with all finishes, its a bit of an artform and a learning experience. I have found that its well worth the time and effort to get to know the product by trial and error. Let us know how you get on.

[ganna19]

Thanks Andy! I found your build and for what I saw you are an authority. Incredible final result. I hope I can achieve something like that!
I have also see that you wet sanded on top of the headstock decal after just one coat of clear on it. How you didn't scratched the decal? I tried on mine but I soon as I stated to lightly sand the decal started to be scratched!

[Andy40]

Thanks for your kind words.

From memory I put down a number of DT neck finish (no stain) then the decal, then more final coats, light sanding in one direction with 2000 grit (mostly around the decals). I saw it was catching on one of the decals so i stopped, then applied the next neck coat.