Official Luthiers Forum!

Has anyone used automotive finish before. Im looking for a faster cure time and less shrinkage than traditional laquer. Any ideas ?

you can use a UV cured finish.

viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=31371&hilit=CureUV

http://cureuv.com/uv-guitar-finishing.html

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http://www.Harvestmoonguitars.com

I used automotive lacquer for nearly all my finishes.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

I have used catalyzed urethane, which is the clear coat part of the base coat clear coat auto finish. It does shrink slightly, so I applied three coats on day 1, level sand the next day and apply another two coats. Wait two days level sand again and buff. Total finish thickness about .005". It takes more time and effort to buff since it is a harder finsh. Looks like nitro laquer, just does't have the amber tint and not as easy to touch up. That said, I still use nitro as my standard finish.

Chuck

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I know of several builders (some which I respect alot) who use automotive finishes. I haven't used automotive finishes (on anything except automobiles) so I won't comment further.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

I use Dupont Chroma Clear for most of my guitars. It is easy to apply and buffs to a nice high gloss but it does shrink some. So I have gotten used to spraying two base coats over well-cured CA pore fill and waiting about a week or so before I level and spray the two final coats. Then I can sand and buff the next day which is preferable because it makes sanding and buffing harder if I wait longer.

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Ken Franklin
clumsy yet persistent
https://www.kenfranklinukulele.com

I have used automotive finishes on two aircraft I painted. Be aware some can be quite toxic (isocyanates). Much worse than nitro on your health. I used a full suit and breathing turbine when I sprayed it.

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Damon Wack
https://www.facebook.com/LindamonGuitars