DJP - First attempt TLA-1R

[DJP]

Have shown some pics already in the welcome section - sorry any repeats.
This is the kit out of the box. Quite helpful to get the scratch plate drilled and attached.

[DJP]

Headstock - cut with fretsaw and shaped using 60 grade sandpaper.
Body sanded to 400 grit

[DJP]

Here are photos of the front (flash and no flash) and rear of the stained guitar body.
Initially the stained top edge was very dark - almost obscuring the grain, however after 4 days the color has now mellowed and the stain on the top edge also looks just fine. Am very pleased indeed with the colour.

[gavinturner]

Great job! That Nullabor Ochre is the business. The grain just looks fantastic. Looking forward to seeing how your build develops.

cheers,
Gav.

[wazkelly]

Good natural tones happening there.

[DJP]

Hi folks.
A quick question.
I am looking at a custom waterslide decal for the headstock. I might get some paper and try to make my own, but i also found a cool looking company that makes a nice looking ultra-thin product with metallic inks etc. However, it had a warning that you cannot use their waterslide decals on guitars with oil finishes.
I am planning on using Dingotone clear on the neck and headstock ... which I think is a blend of oils and waxes ? I'm a little confused as I am certainly not seeing any other queries or mentions of problems r.e. using waterslide decals with Dingotone on this website - videos suggest can apply after intensifier coat ? Any advice re decals and their application would be welcomed. Thanks

[sansan]

Did you consider acrylic or nitro spray can over decals?

[Andy40]

Hey DJP, nice work so far. I think the TLA-1R is a great first build. I am currently doing one at the moment and so is Bungee...)I wonder how Bungee's going?). Sorry theres not much on my build diary now but I picked up some great tips from Bungee regarding some pre-drilled holes etc. I can't comment on DT over decals I have only used Nitro, which worked just fine. Wokkaboy may know as he uses DT a lot (just not sure about the finish). Waterslide decal paper isn't expensive (I think I got a fair bit for about $20 and it came within a couple of days), so a safe option would be to print out a test and apply to scrap wood and try the final coat over the top.

[DJP]

Thats a great idea. I will get some decals made up and try on some scrap.

[DJP]

Wow - the intensifier coat really ..... intensified the grain contrast ! It has covered really well and I think I will probably stop after applying this one coat, and move on to the first top coat next week.