Hello folks

[wokkaboy]

Hi Geoff. Both options should work with lacquer. I'd choose local hardware less waiting time

[Geoff Stephens]

Hi guys

I've totally sanded my guitar now and am ready to start applying the finish.
Does anybody have any experience with tinted lacquer?
It's an alternative option I've been thinking over but it would obviously tint the binding too.
I am looking for a vintage look so it probably won't really matter much if the binding does tint so long as it doesn't obliterate completely.
We can't get Dingotone in the UK but we get Wudtone but I'm not sure if it offers the same durability as a nitro lacquer especially when gigging and holding the guitar against buttons and belt buckles etc, I fear the Wudtone will scratch a lot easier than lacquer.
Any thoughts?

[Fretworn]

Wudtone provides a strong outer surface that won't scratch that easily, but it is not going to be as shiny as nitro.

[Geoff Stephens]

Thanks mate.
As it's an archtop I suppose I can get away with just a subtle sheen.
I would prefer a nice gloss so am seriously tempted to go for the tinted nitro route although I am told nitro can affect the decal, I guess I could do the headstock in an acrylic lacquer.

[Paul C]

Hello Geoff from a fellow Brit, one trick it to use wood dye then clean off the binding with fine wet and dry or a blade, i'm working on a Rick style bass and have done this, you can then use clear lacquer to add the gloss finish.
Look forward to seeing some photos.
Paul

[Geoff Stephens]

Hello Paul
Thanks for the tip. Wood dye was my first idea but my guitar is basswood so I'm not sure if it will yield an even finish, I guess I could try it at a 50/50 dilution and see how I get on.
The only other thing which bothers me and actually is the reason I'm struggling to decide on which method to use is the decal, the supplier has said not to use nitro or acrylic lacquer as it will apparently ruin the decal.
He suggests only using a polyurethane lacquer but I'm not sure this would be suitable for the whole project.
Any thoughts?

[andrewdosborne]

Hello Paul
Thanks for the tip. Wood dye was my first idea but my guitar is basswood so I'm not sure if it will yield an even finish, I guess I could try it at a 50/50 dilution and see how I get on.
The only other thing which bothers me and actually is the reason I'm struggling to decide on which method to use is the decal, the supplier has said not to use nitro or acrylic lacquer as it will apparently ruin the decal.
He suggests only using a polyurethane lacquer but I'm not sure this would be suitable for the whole project.
Any thoughts?

G'day Geoff

In regards to Wudtone, I used this as a finish on my ST-1 (Body Wudtone Azure Sky 50/50 with white base and high gloss finish with no ageing or tints)

http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...?t=2206&page=2

Although not super glossy it has aged well but picks up minor dings I think primarily due to the softness of basswood. Adds to its character! The Wudtone itself has formed a tough finish.

On the decal side I've resorted to sometimes using a different finish for the headstock. So my ES-1G for example was tru oil on the body/neck and poly for the headstock face to maintain compatibility with the decal.

Cheers

[Geoff Stephens]

G'day Andrew

Nice greeting. I use it all the time over here, my accent lets me get away with it!

Your ST-1 looks amazing. It's making me seriously think along the Wudtone lines.

Thanks for the tips.

[dingobass]

Welcome to the GAS ranch, Geoff.

Just a thought but wudtone then a few light coats of nitro will work.
With the headstock, I know its a pain but you could finish the face with acrylic so you dont mank the decal.

[Geoff Stephens]

Thanks DB.
I have settled on the Wudtone Goldenrod and will see how the gloss comes up and if it needs more shine I'll apply a few light coats of nitro.
I do have some other concerns which maybe you could help with....with a maple neck and basswood body won't the two dry up in different shades?