Andy40's TLA-1R Build

[wazkelly]

Fingers crossed you have got it nailed.

[Andy40]

Yep mate....I think i got it nailed.

[dingobass]

Nice save 😊
I have been sanding between coats with 320, but after seeing what you have achieved I am thinking I might revisit that..
Consider your technique stolen..
Also intrigued as to your application method, pray do tell.....

Glad to see you have embraced the thin coat mantra... I got a bit carried away the other day and applied a finish coat too thick and encountered the dreaded streak and gummy bitz, you would think that I would know better 😖

[Andy40]

Glad to have piqued your interest DB.

With the wet sanding, I found that 2000 grit got rid of any minor lumpies without taking too much of thin coat off. sometimes if i had a drip, i'd bring out the 1200, or even 600 in spots only if necessary. That worked well with the intensifying coats as well as the final coats.

OK, so its not rocket science but I found that the only way I could evenly apply the thin finish was the following method (and I guarantee you cannot apply too much)

bear in mind this was only for the intensifying coats and the final coats.

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)

Obviously there's nothing wrong with your method DB, its just that without the second cloth I couldn't control the thinness of the coat and i wasn't applying it that even.

[dingobass]

Brilliant!
Will definitely be road testing/ stealing this method 😉

[wokkaboy]

your technique sounds good Andy, might give it a crack, I'm the same as you I only dip a bit of the cloth in the DT container and try and apply as thinly as I can. I usually wipe the cloth in straight lines running with the grain, edge to edge (like mowing the lawn in strips) then I look at in the light at an angle that will show any heavier applied areas or runs and go over with the cloth again.

The build is looking super sweet and love that rosewood colour !

Got to laugh at DB's video's the way he pronounces yogurt as YOGOT haha he reckons there's a silent 'R' bwhahahahha

[dingobass]

Shut up Woks.😬

[Andy40]

Your welcome guys.

lol at Woks pronunciation burn

Edit: - for anyone else that reads this thread. I am using Dingotone MKI.

the method also works for DT neck coats and I cannot see why it wouldn't work with DT MKII

Also a big thanks to Dingobass who created this custom rosewood for me. I don't think I would have "nailed it" had it not been for the time spent in the DB lab

[Andy40]

You've all inspired me.

Again...sanded back with 2000 grit wet in direction of grain. Last DT final coat applied with "technique" to body and neck.

See you all in 21 days time!

[FrankenWashie]

Glossy shiny goodness! Wonderful result Andy, well done.