First Build: TLA-1Q

[phrozin]

Thanks phrozin.
After reading your post, it dawned on me that there is a very good chance I sealed the Stra-Tele with shellac after the Timbermate and before I primed it. I can't 110% that is the case, as I have a mind like sieve.
I do use shellac a lot because of its compatibility with practically everything you can put over it. It's my go-to sealer if I have any concerns about possible incompatibility.

So, the shellac may be the key to why I've not had any issues with the lacquer on that one. That finish would would have gone on around December 2018.

I think I'll make a note in my previous post referring here

I think the thinners is the problem it sucks any fluid up, lacquer takes a month or so to really harden fully so most guys polish after a week and that's fine if you're underlying base is good ie grain-filled, with timber mate it just keeps shrinking so by the time your where it's not your paint is thin and very easy to sand through. I haven't used timbermate for ages now

[McCreed]

I haven't used timbermate for ages now

Despite my success (luck?) with it, I'm considering trying Aqua Coat next time I need to grain fill.
After some info from Simon Barden, it's far less cost prohibitive than I had previously thought.

However I need to complete the two guitars I have already painted before I purchase any Aqua Coat.

[Jasper Blunt]

what other grain fillers should i get then?
dont really want to risk the timbermate if i dont have to

[dozymuppet]

Yeah, I'm also interested in that, because I just picked up some ebony timbermate...

[Jasper Blunt]

Update

The kits arrived finally and its all looking nice - I'm very happy with the quilt on top

Ive roughly shaped the headstock but will obviously need to do more sanding when not doing a history task
Next up on the list will be widening the bridge cavity for aftermarket pickups, then goof off on the bodies glue spots.
Im also planning on doing some custom fret dots at the twelth but not sure about that yet

[Jasper Blunt]

Ive know stained the body entirely, and I like the blue and think it shall look nice once bindings are scraped and lacquered. Ive also added in a casing fret dot and the 3rd for a bit of flair

[McCreed]

@ fender3x - It passes the "2 metre test" but there are flaws present on closer inspection. I'm just not humble enough to point them out!

The two main defects are the vibrato route that I filled with Tassie Oak blocks developed an "outline" as the finish settled. You can't feel it and it's only visible at certain angles. It also inexplicably (to me anyway) developed some patterns of tiny tiny white dots in the clear coat. It wasn't visible until days after I polished it. Again only visible at certain angles.

I don't know I'll ever get a finish that is literally flawless.