Official Luthiers Forum!

I dont know much about finishing but Im just about ready finnish three dreadnoughts I have been building
for quite some time now.

One mahogany, one walnut and one wenge all engleman tops. I like the idea of a mat finnish.
Several guitars I have played and loved over the years have this sort of finnish.

Im probably going to spray them as that seems to be the way to go in getting good results.
I also need a poor filler.

Any product recommendations or finishing pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Wes, I've had good success with McFadden nitro lacquer. LMI has a good step by step guide on their web site. I use Zpoxy for pore filling. Two applications usually fills Rosewood.

Good luck!

Chuck

A matte finish is pretty easy to accomplish if you stop sanding somewhere between 1,200 and 2,000 grit and then don't buff... You just gotta decide how "Matte" you want it...

Thanks

John

Thanks fellas

McFaddens is out of business but the formula was bought up and is coming back on the market. As for filler , I don't use the Zpoxy. I like the old paste fillers. Filling is one of the most important steps to finishing. Matte is also a forgiving finish in appearance as it won't show the flaws as Gloss will.
I have found that for a more professional finish , use Matte is that is what you want. Gloss cut back to matte will polish up through use. Matte has an additive to help keep it matte. It makes things easier.
How to use a paste filler :
I don't use the water or acetone ( fast acting ) filler. I found the spirit based is better as it gives you work time. The key to this process is having the work time between "flash" and drying. I use natural color as it can be stained to match what you are doing. I do also use minwax stain as my color agent , the mineral spirit in the minwax will thin the mix nicely.
Start with about 3 table spoons of filler and stain to match. I find it only takes a small amount so start with drops of stain. Once you have the color mix well so it has the texture of hersheys syrup. I then add a about 3 to 6 drops of naphtha . This quickens the flash over time to a few minutes. Apply with rag , brush or plastic scraper and apply the first coat with the grain. As the appearance changes from the wet look to that of drying mud start rubbing it into the woods surface. Allow to dry about 1 hr. Repeat only apply across the grain. After 2 applications check your progress under good lighting. Once you think it looks good as another 2 coats. Remember that prep is 90% of your finishing. Once filled shoot a coat of sealer and then apply the finish.
Behlen , Mowhak , are also great products and they have instrument grade finish.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

John, Here is a newbie question.

1. Do you need to tint the filler? What happens if you don't?
2. Do you follow the same procedure for the soundboard and the body/neck?

Thanks
Dave