How glossy can it get?

[dingobass]

I have seen a few orders for DT with poo oil added to the order as well.
My guess is the customer is chasing a high gloss.

So, the question is, how glossy can DT get?

Here is the answer..

This is after three coats, cut back with 800 grit to smooth out any gremlins and to remove any dust and strat cat hairs (one down side to having cat thing in the workshop) between coats.

Think it is safe to say thats pretty darn glossy.

[dingobass]

And from a different angle..

[Muzza]

If you're looking for possible reasons, I think one factor in ***-oil's favour is the shorter curing time? I realise that DT is, quite rightly, proudly promoted as an all natural product with no curing agents, but would it be possible to add a curing agent as an option?

For me the most frustrating thing about putting these kits together is the w a i t i n g between coats. It makes me long for something to sand...

[wokkaboy]

that looks great DB nice and glossy after 3 coats

[Andy40]

You make a good case DB. One thing you do have in your favour over there is less humidity. Something that I intend to battle as much as i can on my tele build.

I have a question though....will the intensifying coat and final coats cure faster if left out in the sun? or is that a no no?

[dingobass]

@ Muzza. I do understand folk getting all excited about thier builds and wanting to get them done and making a noise
Coming at it as a professional Luthier, the one part of the build that should never be rushed is the finish.
Regardless of what finish I use I always leave the last coat to cure for 21 days before final cut and polish.
Of course, when someone is paying me multiple thousands of dollars for a custom build, they deserve the best finish...
To answer your drying time question, it is down to around 12 hours which is pretty good considering.
As for adding drying agents, it kind of goes against the philosophy of providing a safe as possible to use product (not that I would recommend drinking DT)
Drying agents contain nice friendly things like Cadmium, a known carcinogen with no safe exposure limit..
I guess the only way to deal with your desire to sand is to give in and admit that you have GAS. Sorry to say this but there is no known cure for GAS, only threapy which involves building more Guitars

@ Andy. The humidity here has been over 50% for most of the past week and a bit, so that is going to impact on any finish.
However, as you can see, the has been no blushing or milky affect on the DT and the cure time hasnt really stalled.
As for putting it in the sun, I would advise against that. Sure, it probably will speed up curing but it may also cause the timber to warp and crack.. Not a desirable outcome...
Best bet is to find a nice warm spot (25-30 deg C is optimum) with a touch of cross ventillation.

[Andy40]

@ Andy. The humidity here has been over 50% for most of the past week and a bit, so that is going to impact on any finish.
However, as you can see, the has been no blushing or milky affect on the DT and the cure time hasnt really stalled.
As for putting it in the sun, I would advise against that. Sure, it probably will speed up curing but it may also cause the timber to warp and crack.. Not a desirable outcome...
Best bet is to find a nice warm spot (25-30 deg C is optimum) with a touch of cross ventillation.

Got it...thanks DB.

[Andy40]

Hi DB,

Is that DT MkI or MkII?

also, what did you use to buff it up to shine?

[dingobass]

Thats the new blend. No cut and polish done to it yet.

[wokkaboy]

I tried the mark 2 final coat on Sunday and was impressed with the results of just one coat. I will wait a few days and apply the second coat and post some pics.