Here's the current state just before coat 10 went on:
Hopefully you can see in the close up images the lumpiness. On the sides it seems there are small particles lodged in. I'm itching to sand these out as it feels like I'm adding more layers over the bits and pieces and it will be hard to get them out.
It feels like I'm missing something as I thought the idea was it supposed to dry quickly enough to avoid dust sticking?
I can see some of the debris is definitely cloth fibres, and some of the larger lumps look like chunks of dried poly (possibly picked up from the container you're getting the poly out of - eg: the crusty stuff that builds up on the edge of a jar or can). I can't say for sure without being there.
I think you should be able to level that with some sanding now that you're getting a bit build up. I would try maybe some 600 dry, and use a block not just holding the paper in your hand. Light pressure.
The key will be getting nice clean subsequent coats once you have the current coats levelled.
The runs you have around the neck pickup cavity can be removed using the strip sanding technique rather than full block sanding.
Making the world a better place; one guitar at a time...
Thanks Mc, I went over it very lightly with 800 and then added another coat.Originally Posted by McCreed
I’ve been mixing the poly in a new clean plastic paint mixing cup with each of the batches I’ve made so far. It seems clean...
I noticed the debris seemed worse on one side. The bottom edge was quite clean so I wondered if the dust was coming in from the open door. I’ve been leaving the door open to let the air circulate and hopefully dry it more quickly and get more of the fumes out of the shed.
This time I hung up a “curtain” between the body and door to try and minimise the incoming dust. I also wonder if this an indication that I’m applying it too thickly.
Let’s see how this one goes...
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If you're using a fresh container, then I can't say with any certainty what the source of the lumps are. It was only specualtion on my part.
The open door could be a contributing factor. FWIW, I don't find the fumes from poly or turps to be overbearing. I don't even wear a mask. But maybe that's why I have drain bamage...
If you you're uncomfortable with the fumes, you can buy "low odour" turps/white spirit. I'ved use both and have not found a significant difference in the performance.
The runs I noted earlier, and some of the streaking near the bottom edge would suggest too much poly being applied.I also wonder if this an indication that I’m applying it too thickly.
Making the world a better place; one guitar at a time...
I really appreciate all the advice Mcc - it's all been really useful.
I think I'm starting to climb the curve on this one. My last two coats have been a lot cleaner I think mainly due to putting a lot less on. The sanding has helped although I think there's a bit more todo - but I'll leave it another five or so coats.
I've changed my technique a little to control how much is going on the rag. I'm using those spray paint mixing cups, which I guess are maybe 2/3 pint so they are quite deep compared to the opening. So getting a controlled amount of poly on the rag was quite hard. So now my approach is to fold the rag as you suggested an then hold against the side of the cup. Then I can tip the poly up the side of the cup and onto the rag rather than dipping it into the poly.
A margarine tub with a lid would better so I'm going to switch to those for the next batch. I got about 8 coats out of the first. The temps here are quite cool (~10C) which seems to be keeping it okay.
Yeah I'm confused about the fumes - Of all my YT vids watching I don't see anyone apply poly with a mask. But it's definitely effecting me. I got a cheapo painters Darth Vader mask yesterday and it's much better when wearing that. I could try changing to a different white spirit but I'm conscious of changing too much mid job.
There's so many different skills to learn when building a guitar for the first time. It's like one guy trying to build a house - he's got to be a bricky, a chippy, a spark... If I can make a guitar that's playable and doesn't look like it was finished by a five year old using a shotgun then I'll be very happy!
Oh... and the Gotoh bridge arrived yesterday - it's definitely a lot more refined than the kit bridge. Everything lines up apart from the two holes at the front - but I'm confident I can make it work.
Good stuff!
Making the world a better place; one guitar at a time...
Ohhh baby...
First coat of Tru-Oil on the neck:
Are you not diong the fretboard, or is is just not showing well in the photo?
Making the world a better place; one guitar at a time...
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