Honestly it varies and there isn't any hard and fast rule. For my SG build, which was a stain and then SCA clear I used 2 cans over about 3 weeks to make sure all the grain was filled.
That's why I mentioned you might want to do another coat of clear after you block back. It becomes easier to see where there are still bit's that need filling once you start sanding.
It does add extra time to the build, but like most things with this hobby, patience is rewarded.
Build 1 - Shoegazer MK1 JMA-1
Build 2 - The Relliecaster TL-1
Build 3 - The Black Cherry SG AG-1
Build 4 - The Sonicaster TL-1ish
Build 5 - The Steampunker Bass YB-4
Build 6 - The Howling Gowing ST-1
"What I lack in talent I make up for with enthusiasm"
My technique for getting a glossy finish involves tons of clear coat and sanding back then repeating that until I run out of cans of clear. Wasteful and expensive and it takes weeks but it works.
Follow Sonic's advice instead.
As far as your colour mixing goes... jealousy is my first response. It's the purple I was trying to achieve myself on a 6-string bass build although it didn't come even close to what yours is. The head looks particularly sweet with that grain pattern.
Hey mate,
Guitar is looking amazing btw. I am doing some research as I will be using a clear coat on my next build out of a spray can. I am concerned about runs and I haven’t ever really used a spray can so have been looking at some ways to “fix” or eliminate them runs is they appear and also some info about technique. Came across this - no idea if it would work or is a good method but thought I would share with you.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N1e_vxH4QdA
Thanks FCD. Another expense yet again for a bit of haste. I think that’s one thing I’ve learnt over the coarse of this build. It’s not a hobby for the faint-pocketed, and the time you invest is reflected in the finished product.
Btw it is such an addictive hobby!!! I’m not even close to finishing and am already thinking of the next one
Another question.
What polish and/or compound do you all use to buff the gloss? Everyone recommends Meguairs Ultimate Compound followed by Ultimate Polish, but I can’t justify spending $60 on both together. Surely is there not a product with compound and polish in one, or can I just use one of the ultimate compound or polish without using the other?
I found that people seemed to recommend this Nu-Finish Polish as a product which achieved both aims in one go.
What are your thoughts?
https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...9&d=1533458676
Sandpaper man guitar sanding kit followed by Nu Finish. Tru Oil.
https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...1&d=1565708402
2000 wet sand followed by Meguairs Ultimate Compound. Not the best photo but it is shiny. Poly gloss.
Both are shiny enough in my humble opinion.
Looks like I’m safe with either product. How long should I wait before wetsanding and buffing? I’ve used SCA acrylic clear, so would 1 week of curing be enough?
Honestly I don’t know. I read lots of people wait about three weeks before the final polish. I’d give it plenty of time to let it set nice and hard if you have the patience. I think both products are fine.
I'm a 14 day minimum guy now, but I am more inclined to go 21.
I have done it after 7 on my early builds, but it really is a bit premature, regardless of what the MSDS may state.
To me there is a noticeable difference in the feel of the finish the longer it sets. At 7 days it can still be a bit "gummy" IMO.
If there is one lesson that building guitars has taught me, it's patience...
and I'm still working on that one.
Making the world a better place; one guitar at a time...
I have less experience than most of these guys on guitars but I have over 20 years experience on auto paint.
I echo the recommendation for Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. I've used pretty much every expensive specialist brand from Wolfgang to Swiss and everything else and quite a few of the retail stuff like Bowdens. Meguiar's is by far the easiest to work with and gives as good a result as anything else.
As for polish I never found one brand any better than the other although I used Autoglym for a very long time.
You didn't mention sealant or wax but you might consider Wolfgang Deep Gloss Sealant and the matching paint cleaner/prep which is essentially a polish so you'd do that after compounding but before waxing or sealing.
I've got it on both my cars and I've used it on a few guitar builds too. Heaps easy to use. Almost as good as those expensive ceramic coatings you get for cars these days. Throw a layer of wax on top of the sealant if you want to go the whole hog.
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