1st timer building an ESB-4

[Simon Barden]

Yes. I'd try and find a suitable dark tinted lacquer rather than a solid colour. I know you can get them in nitrocellulose, they might be harder to find in a polyurethane or acrylic spray. Whatever you use, the clear gloss lacquer needs to be compatible (and I'd always use the same type of paint if possible).

If you are going to do a burst, then I'd use a spray can. Always hold the spray can over the guitar and spray from the middle to the edge. Don't start at the edge and spray inwards. Aim to just miss the edge with the centre of the spray so that the burst effect is created by the edge of the spray. It may be tinted clear lacquer but with a few coats on, it will become almost opaque and hide anything underneath.

I'd certainly tape off the binding when doing this. You can scrape the finish off with a sharp blade, but it takes a bit of practice to get it right and it needs to be done within a day of the last spray otherwise the lacquer hardens too much.

[PeterSik]

that sounds like a really god idea Simon..

meanwhile i just put on the 1st bit of colour.. it turned out a bit lighter than i aimed for but i still love it.. will have to wait to see what it turns into when dry but here's a pic of the colour freshly applied..



the lighting is a bit off in the pic.. irl it looks a lot better

[Simon Barden]

Remember that it's going to go a bit darker when you put a clear coat on.

[PeterSik]

That's what i am counting on.. i wanted a nice really dark blue turns out a tad lighter than i was hoping for.. but still pretty damm err.. pretty..

did another layer on the back and neck.. and i think spraypaint may not even be required..

[PeterSik]

1st colour on the top

[PeterSik]

i'm really happy how the colour turned out.. it looks a tad greenish in most of the pics but that's because of the lighting (and flash)

i just pent some time with a knife scraping the binding clean.. i quite enjoyed that actually.. anywho.. here's a couple of pics




this pic is a lot closer to the actual colour of both top and back.

[fender3x]

I made three separate attempts and did not do as well. Looks fantastic. My only critique is that you are making it look too easy ;-)

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[PeterSik]

srry mate.. i'll try to do worse at the next stage
i really do owe you though.. i read your buildlog before starting mine so knew some of the pitfalls before i even started..
also watchin youtube vids by crimson guitars and big D guitars helped a lot they make it look even easier..

anywho.. now i have to wait till it's completely dry before applying the laquer right? the one i have is spirit based so i guess i'll start with that next tuesday.

[Simon Barden]

What sort of lacquer are you applying? Spray or wipe-on?

Most stains are soluble in water and spirits, so if wiping or rubbing on the lacquer, I'd be careful not to push hard on the surface for the first coat or two as you might loosen some of the stain and make it look patchy. A brush would be better than a cloth in this situation. You can get sponge brushes, which seem to do a good job and don't leave the ridge-marks that a brush leaves.

If spraying, you're fine.

[fender3x]

I have often thought that my major contribution in life may be to serve as an object lesson to others.

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