New Member UK, Essex

[Fatboy]

Hi All,
Over the last month or so I have toyed with the idea of 'do it yourself'.
Stumbled across the Pitbull website and then this forum.
Over the last 48 hours I have registered here and (wait for it) ordered an ATL-1SW kit from Pitbull geetars.
Always wanted a thin line Tele so this might help me get there.
It is supposed to be an Xmas present so once it gets here I'll have to wait a few
weeks before I get my hands on it.
Having read some of the forum stuff it looks as if painting/ finishing is over 50% of
the task in hand so I have set my sights low.
Translucent red or white top with the spalted maple darkened and the rest of the body
to be candy apple red with white binding. How much simpler can you get ?
Piece of piss......or perhaps not.
Need to spend some time looking at how others have finished theirs.
Anyone any pointers to get me started ?
Thanks in anticipation.....Fatboy.

[Andy40]

Welcome to the forum Fatboy! Nice kit, I have the same with black binding. and I haven't even started! Its just sitting there staring at me!

First pointer, do not sand the spalted maple veneer a lot. they are very thin. I usually only sand the veneers with 320 grit or 400 grit to get them ready for staining. sometimes you can get some flame on the spalted veneers, check with gum turpentine and if you have some flame, maybe consider popping that with some ebony grain filler before staining.

If i lived in the UK I'd consider some of those crimson guitar stains.

[McCreed]

Welcome FB!

[Simon Barden]

Hi and welcome.

[Fatboy]

Welcome FB!

Chaps, thank you for the welcome.
Andy, thanks for your suggestions especially the Crimson Guitars one.
Spent some time looking at their website and the yootoob videos.
I am a fairly competent (we call it jobbing over here) woodworker but I
think the finish will be problematic for me as I don't have access to sheds or garage
anymore so spraying might be difficult to do.
The wood staining/rubbed on finish might be the way to go.
Cheers, FB.

[Simon Barden]

Yes, May is probably the earliest you'll be able to go outside to spray. I use a cheap pop-up toilet tent for spraying in outside.

[Fretworn]

Welcome Fatboy

[FrankenWashie]

Welcome to the forum Fatboy!