Official Luthiers Forum!

I am wondering if it is time for me to make the conversion to a UV finish? I am currently using Cardinal nitro and I do like it, but worry about long term serviceability.

I know there have been several treads on the subject but I can't find them. And of course it is an ever evolving world of finishes so I'm sure things have changed.

I'm thinking I need a uv finish with a decent shelve life (a year would be nice), comes in a gallon size and is repairable.

That's probably a tall order.

I do recall Fred Teller and others saying they made the change but I don't recall what materials and lights they were using.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

If I could use nitro, I would. In my opinion nitro is the easiest to repair and apply. I work out of my basement so stinky nitro is out of the question. The uv cure polyester stinks for 2-3 hours depending on your final film thickness (up to 10mils). Once you hit it with the light it no longer stinks to high heaven. Nitro stinks for weeks!

That said...

I bought the uv3.com Cure Buddy and am using simteccoatings.com uv cure products. So far I have only pore filled instruments using uv cured filler, and have done a couple test panels using the complete system. The pore filling only takes a couple of hours though you will need to apply a 2 part adhesion promoter the day before. I've been sealing the perflings with thin CA prior to applying the adhesion promoter as it likes pick up color from the back and sides, staining the perflings. B. Howard has been kind enough to answer several beginner questions, and I found the folks at uv3 and simtec to be friendly and helpful. The shelf life for the Simtec products is 6 months, but you can buy quarts. One more thing, the light is carcinogenic. Lock the shop door and cover up completely! Not so fun on a hot summer day.

Happy New Year,

M

Michael,
Thanks for the info. I just checked out uv3 and simtec. Very interesting. And it turns out simtec is about 30 miles from me.

I would be very interested to get your take on the system and your procedure as move along in the process.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

I'd be happy to share what I've learned. PM me if you wanna talk more about it.

I use a UV 3 cure buddy for my light source and products from Hentzen Aerospace which are the same as used by Taylor at the factory. I have used simtec in the past but found their customer service lacking.But I can not drive over there either...... I have also used Cardinal's UV products and did not care for them at all. Difficult to cure.....

The Hentzen products being actual professional grade finish products have some real advantages. The entire finish from bare wood to final coat can be done in a day including all Isolante coats. The pore fill is dual cure which after UV activation will continue to cure chemically to ensure there is no uncured filler at the bottom of the pores.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Michael,
Thanks for the info and I appreciate the offer. After I get my feet a little more on the ground I'm sure I'll take you up on your offer.

Howard,
Thank you for the info, I'm going to look into Hentzen.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust