| Official Luthiers Forum! http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/ |
|
| Repairing a Martin satin finish http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=41986 |
Page 1 of 1 |
| Author: | crich [ Tue Nov 19, 2013 10:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Repairing a Martin satin finish |
I'm repairing a cracked side of a Martin J12-16GT, small indentation and small crack, and I'm thinking of how to best blend the satin finish. I was thinking of using drop fill lacquer, but I am not sure of what method to use to get the satin finish to blend? Any suggestions? Clinton |
|
| Author: | David LaPlante [ Wed Nov 20, 2013 12:24 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Repairing a Martin satin finish |
I was told about a product from Mohawk called "Perfect Blend" which is designed expressly to match touch ups with existing satin or matte finishes. They make a range of sheens. From what I remember you use regular gloss lacquer for the touch up and once it's done and the surface complete, the "Perfect Blend" product (not more lacquer but just the flatting agent) is applied to match everything. If you get some and use it, post a report please. Also you didn't tell us what the Martin finish is, if it's their cross-linked finish you should check the compatibilty of the materials. The Exeter NH repair guru Pat DiBurro mentioned this at ASIA so perhaps he could give you more info. |
|
| Author: | B. Howard [ Wed Nov 20, 2013 12:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Repairing a Martin satin finish |
Are you sure it's a lacquer finish and not a conversion varnish? Lacquer will not adhere well to a conversion varnish. |
|
| Author: | crich [ Wed Nov 20, 2013 1:09 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Repairing a Martin satin finish |
Brian, from what I'm digging up on the internet, I thought it was lacquer? David, thanks for passing on that information about the "Perfect Blend", but now I'm doubting whether it's lacquer. The damage is on the side half way between the waist and the lower bout, on the players side . I wanted to, at least , address the crack and indentation so it doesn't get worst but I may pass on the finish if I can't confirm what the finish is. From the responses, even if it was lacquer, using a drop lacquer fill and dulling the finish, isn't the best approach. Thanks for your replies, Clinton |
|
| Author: | bluescreek [ Wed Nov 20, 2013 4:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Repairing a Martin satin finish |
martin does not use varnish |
|
| Author: | Tai Fu [ Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Repairing a Martin satin finish |
I just steel wool it after the drop fill is complete, then steel wool the general area (with various grits to match the sheen) to make the drop fill less obvious. Matching sheens aren't the problem, it's the fact that Martin stains their mahogany sides, making an invisible touch up impossible if you have raw wood exposed. Most satin guitars already have uneven sheen, the moment anyone touches them the finish gets a slight polish. |
|
| Author: | theguitarwhisperer [ Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Repairing a Martin satin finish |
I just finished up a repair on a Martin that had a hole punched in the side. It had a satin finish. I actually used Watco Satin brushing laquer thinned 50/50 and sprayed on with an airbrush . There was of course overspray at the border of the repair, but I then took some Behlen's Blush Eraser, and blended the finishes together with that. Worked perfectly! You have to be careful with the blush eraser and spray LIGHTLY so as not to get any runs, sometimes I erase twice. I wish now I had taken a picture, but I wasn't thinking about that at the time as I do this quite routinely and it didn't occur to me to do so. I think the Martin finish must have been laquer as the result was seamless. You can actually drop fill the crack, sand it smooth with a block, spray several coats over the region, and then erase. Some people use superglue for the drop fill to speed up the repair time, and spray laquer over that. I've done that once or twice with good results, but I feel funny doing it so I just use laquer. |
|
| Author: | Tai Fu [ Wed Nov 20, 2013 11:22 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Repairing a Martin satin finish |
I drop filled with CA on a Kamaka ukelele, and for some reason the CA reacted with the finish to produce something that shrunk at a greater rate than the lacquer itself. It was not seamless. I guess it depends on the brand of lacquer used but be very careful with CA reacting with the finish. The finish was permanently changed, and all I could do was strip it and redo the area. |
|
| Author: | B. Howard [ Thu Nov 21, 2013 11:19 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Repairing a Martin satin finish |
bluescreek wrote: martin does not use varnish Even on the non usa models? Thought the satin Mexicans were a conversion varnish or some other poly. |
|
| Author: | crich [ Sat Nov 23, 2013 8:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Repairing a Martin satin finish |
Brian, that's what I thought also, however, I could of had bad info. Great idea on the Blush Eraser. Too bad I can't do a test. I'm sending my client a disclaimer on the finishing part of the repair and let him make the decision. Clinton |
|
| Page 1 of 1 | All times are UTC - 5 hours |
| Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ |
|