Water based varnish on guitar Buff to a high gloss. Are any of the new water based lacquer products a viable alternative to It's a waterbased lacquer made especially for guitars (available at LMI). The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Build and Repair: finish bah humbug How to shield your guitar with conductive paint . Can you use them on a guitar? Are they any good? Water based finishing products are the way o This is a finish made from plant-based cellulose combined with a nitro-solvent. 01303 477544 Ensure your varnish or lacquer achieves the very best I found a small piece of very old driftwood in salt water that is shaped like an eagle head. Menu Phone. Obviously, if you are using water based lacquer then you won't have to wait nearly as long. WATER-BASED VARNISHING Bruce does indeed hang varnished guitars in the window of his workshop, but I would point out that the window glass filters out most UV-A spectrum allowing some modicum of UV-B and C to penetrate. Skip to content WATER BASED WOOD FINISH SINCE 1988. After sufficient air drying, it is a bit fragile and I want to make a mounted art piece out of it. All stains are available in 150ml bottles, enough for 3 full guitars at the very least. . The varnishing process begins with prepping the wood. Once they are cured, however, pretty much any non-abrasive guitar cleaner or polish should be fine on any "varnish" finish. Buff and Polish: Once the varnish is fully cured, buff the surface with a polishing compound to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. After the paint dries completely, you can use grit sandpaper to further smoothen the finish for an ultra-gloss look. Please note that the stain samples in our photographs were applied to prepared blanks of Flamed Maple and t After reading about it for several years I took a leap and bought a quart can of VERATHANE ULTIMATE water-based polyurethane varnish. Once your guitar is completely clean, sand it with 320-grit sandpaper to remove any grime and roughen the surface. Keda Aniline Dye:http://amzn. Water-based finishes are an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional guitar finishes we’ve covered so far. Please try again later. hotstringsguitar. The trick is to use a large circular "mop" and keep it well loaded so that you "float" the lacquer on. In many circumstances, the actual application can be done out of doors. Varnish is difficult to spray and is therefore mostly applied by brush. Who would want that? I am sure that Leo with his Learn how to apply a water-based varnish to your guitar for a smooth, professional, and non-toxic finish. I've had When I do a high gloss finish I will sand the guitar up to grit 600. Water-based finishes: Water-based finishes are becoming more popular for acoustic guitars because they are more environmentally friendly and do not emit harmful fumes. Now it can include urethanes and a variety of finishes with synthetic Your guitar should be getting a glassy look at this stage. Traditionally it has referred to almost any thick bodied transparent finish and usually meant either Spirit Varnish (which is alcohol based) or oil varnish. 50 £ 10 . In this video I explain how I spray and polish a guitar using a water-based lacquer. Water-based finishes contain some of the same ingredients as varnish and lacquer – notably polyurethane (alkyd and acrylic) – but water is used to replace many of the flammable and polluting ingredients. Section 3 (2 paragraphs): Choosing the Right Stain Unfortunately, the term "varnish" is applied to a number of different finishes, both oil- and water-based. These provide a robust protective layer while allowing the natural wood to This series of videos will pick up right where the removing paint tutorial ended, and shows you how to achieve a professional stained finish on your guitar. They care about how it affects an instrument’s tone, feel, look and value over time. The most popular type of varnish used is shellac, and it’s renowned for its durability and glossy look. Bar-room tables, for instance, are varnish-finished. Hence, we are guaranteed a quick applying session of within around an hour for three coatings. Some are water-based, some not. Work your way across the whole guitar body, taking extra care inside the cutaways and on the edges. Varnish is a combination of oil and natural resins, such as rosin or amber, that provides a protective and durable guitar finish. 00 /l) However, water-based primers are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of cleanup and lower risk of damaging the guitar. It is very impervious to water, perspiration, alcohol and most solvents. It can be polished as highly as nitro and to my eye has a more luxurious look. As the name suggests, they consist primarily of water mixed with mild solvents. Varnish is resistant to moisture, heat and scratches. On low-end factory guitars, polyurethane varnishes are the norm. I was going to focus on just the Target Coatings EM 9000 and EM6000 products, but as this thread progressed, I have learned of a few other products that I will try as well. 4 Phase: (optional): Final sanding and polishing of the guitar. Our You can learn more about my guitar building, banjo and mandolin DVDs at http://www. Take Morrells Nitrocellulose Lacquer Sprays, which come in a broad variety of sheen levels and offers a convenient way of applying a solvent-based spray lacquer without the need for a dedicated spray system. I have never seen it. It takes great skill and much more time to apply oil varnish finish as compared to Nitrocellulose lacquer, let alone the modern UV cure finishes. Applying water-based dye to the guitar body. It is recommended that hands or colored dye are not too concentrated to be applied as thin as possible in order to achieve the desired tone. This product is also well suited to wood-turning projects. I also talk about the equipment I use and some of the things I have lear This series of videos will pick up right where the removing paint tutorial ended, and shows you how to achieve a professional stained finish on your guitar. Registered User : Join Date: Oct 2007. Dirt (solids) plus water (solvent) equals mud. One of the easiest ways to achieve a pro finish on a DIY or Kit guitar is by using stains. 2. Use a mild soap and water solution or a specialized guitar cleaner for this purpose. An error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Robert England Varnish should flow from the brush but care must be taken that it does not set so quickly that it cannot be smoothed. Sometimes they will pick up an imprint from the case liner, and even lint. Any shellac-based finish can be damaged by cleaning agents consisting of alcohol and/or water. It’s easy to smear it on a surface, and when the water evaporates, it’s a somewhat hard finish. 50 ( £42. com. This guide covers preparation, application techniques, Use ColorTone Waterbase Guitar Finish. Prep sanding the guitar body. If you can smell it, you are breathing it and it is not doing your health any good. Depending on how often you play, it could be worth doing this anywhere from monthly to a few times a year. Polurethane is not like cellulose, it is more like an oil based varnish so you can brush it on. High-end guitars that are built by luthiers or craftsmen, which you should All the finishes you need to paint your guitar like a pro. Buy Wood Varnishes for guitar finishes at Wood Finishes Direct. Ok Next, clean the guitar body thoroughly to remove any dirt, oils, or residues that may interfere with paint adhesion. A step-by-step flow chart of Apply water-based varnish “Eco Guitar” 30% dissolved in distilled water, colored with concentrated water at a maximum of 5% dye in proportion to the lacquer Our 150ml bottle of Water Based Wipe on Guitar Finishing Lacquer is more than enough to cover three or four full guitars to a gloss finish, or many more if Some are water-based, some not. So, the products and procedure outlined in the following have been tried and proven for mandolins and guitars. Toddler went at it with acrylic paint, and I’d like to put some sort of clear coat on Tom Bills. Dust is a much bigger problem than brush strokes or runs as the lacquer stays liquid and tacky for quite a while allowing it to collect lots of dust. You can think of an alkyd or polyurethane varnish. Water-Based Finishes. Would anyone have any recommendations for a reasonably simple way to preserve a toddler’s ‘abstract’ painting on an acoustic guitar? It’s a well-worn little Martin LX1, so the slightly satin / uncoated top. This is a Water-based putty and very easy to use. The finished guitar. Make sure you do not apply a further coat too soon and spoil your work. Tom is also the author of the guitar making book/DVD set - The Art Of Lutherie - published Here's the breakdown: Professor Green's Instrument Polish is a natural, water-based liquid cleaner with no harsh chemicals. The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Build and Repair: Oil Varnish Versus water Based Varnish Learn how to apply a water-based varnish to your guitar for a smooth, professional, and non-toxic finish. Would you buy a guitar having a water-based finish? Cheers Pete Last edited by WhistlingFish; 02-28-2009 at 09:09 PM. Jay has put finish on over 200 instruments and though he is continually learning new things he decided a few months back to document his current process for applying water-based finish to guitars and ukes. If it turns out terrible, I'll either chalk this first guitar up to experience or strip it Wiping on layers of varnish and periodic ‘flattening’ the hardened varnish with abrasive paper Final flattening and finishing coats Hardening period and final polishing Stage 1 - Preparing the body and thinning the varnish. 1 Polyurethane varnish on guitars. It is far more durable than a pure oil finish. g. ULTRA-LOW VOC, HAPS-FREE. Check carefully for dull patches and buff again if required. Almost all guitars that come from industrial factories are varnished in polyester or polyurethane, except for the highest range models, which are usually varnished in nitro. Interestingly, it comes highly recommended by luthiers, who say it’s To visualize the finishing process, think of thermoplastic like mud. Available in different formats. Clips from my DVD set on guitar finishing with water-based lacquer. In this product, Acrylic is the main component, known for its water-based and fast-drying properties. The problem is that the varnish can actually go soft with the heat and moisture of the player's body, and often picks up dirt easily. Step-by-step guide to applying a water-based varnish to your guitar. Unlike most other finishes whose primary purpose is to protect the wood, water-based finishes are specifically designed for Pro guitar builders rely on Emtech for the best guitar finish. The reason is that it is easier to apply and non-toxic. Three hours of Water Based Lacquer. I have since “reliced” the body. If your guitar is made of softwood, oil-based or water-based paints are ideal due to their rapid absorption into the wood’s pores. They care about how it helps projects personality. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub away any dirt, In particular, if you’re cleaning an acoustic guitar, be careful not to get too much moisture into the sound hole, where it could seep into the unfinished wood inside the guitar. It is actually a cellulose-based material that is 11-24-14 I have changed the scope of this thread from what I started it as. More info on wet sanding. Varnish based on alcohol is usually called “spirit varnish”, and is common in the modern violin world, but extremely rare in the guitar world. Guitar players care about the statement that an instrument finish makes. Luthier Tools + Supplies. Basket. French Polish is a classic guitar finish renowned for its application method and striking appearance. Use the same grit of sandpaper you used before applying the damp rag, or a higher grit to get the silky smooth texture you want as well as fewer finishing problems later on if you apply a water-based finish. Using this product will save us a few coats of Nitorlack Primer. Share. If you want to play it safe, I finish my guitars with a water-based lacquer from Grafted Coatings called KTM-9. If you put water on your dried surface, it becomes mud again. It was $16 at the time but much more Using it for guitar tops (so far one steel string and one classical) you have to factor in the additional stiffness that it imparts. A medium-build solvent borne interior varnish that is resistant to knocks, Use a brush or cloth to apply varnish evenly, following the wood grain for a professional finish. Varnish refracts the light beautifully and gives the grain a real boost. Fender used this coating on their guitars frequently during the ‘50s and ‘60s, but it was actually first designed in 1921 by DuPont as a spray-on paint for cars and motorcycles. Learn how to do the process with Nitorlack . Today we're talking about water based and water borne finishes. 3 out of 5 stars 853 £10. The usual reasoning is that the more flexible finish will allow them to vibrate better. Reassemble the Guitar Stunning Water Based Stains Our own, specially developed, range of stains designed specifically for building dream guitars. Shellac-based primers are the least common type of primer, but they offer the best protection The point is well made, though. When applying the varnish to the guitar, small imperfections such as dust specks, Ever noticed how many of the guitars and cars from the 40's and 50's came in the same colors? It's not a coincidence, in fact, it's the exact same paint. Posts: 21 One of the great guitars that I have, is a 2005 Paragraph 2 (280 words): Therefore, take a soft cloth and dampen it with water, and gently wipe the guitar’s body, working in the direction of the wood grain. Ideally, you should really let things dry completely. (The process seems to be closer in sequence and elapsed time to using something like marine spar varnish) I certainly have been tempted to try it Top. View All Luthier Tools + Supplies; Tools by Job. This tough and durable polyurethane varnish from Rustins is perfect for use indoors and outdoors. DYES solvent- and water-based products are specially designed to stain and highlight the grain of the guitar. The varnish gives the guitar a glossy finish that looks great and also affects the sound quality. The varnish product I use is Target Coatings EM2000, which is an Alkyd resin based varnish in a water emulsion, and I brush it. How to Stain a Guitar. Once the guitar is clean, lightly sand the surface to create a rough texture that allows the paint to adhere better. Learn how to apply a water-based varnish to your guitar for a smooth, professional, and non-toxic finish. A versatile range of water and solvent-based wood stains for floors, furniture, decking and more. More info on buffing. Système d’application: Le produit n’étant pas disponible en format spray, un pistolet et un système d’application plus professionnel sont nécessaires (sauf si vous appliquez le produit à l’aide d’un chiffon). Clips from my DVD set on guitar finishing with water- "Varnish" is an umbrella that includes a wide variety of evaporative solids-dissolved-in-solvent liquids. Given my situation, however, I decided to go with the brushed on finish. Wet sand with 1200-grit and finer sanding papers. Guitar varnishing is an essential part of producing a great-sounding instrument. Because the resins don’t normally dissolve in water, they must be chemically modified or forced to work with water. Applying varnish is a time- and labour-intensive process. I'd classify it as "guitar soap" rather than a modern polish. Some varnishes take a while to dry between coats. If you are using an oil based stain this will take anywhere from weeks to a month. Water based finishes have water as a thinner, and they dry fast also. I suspect it is the visible spectrum and increased temperature doing most of the work. In an attempt to harden it and enhance the beautiful grain/colors, I applied a coat of clear satin water-based varnish (has a milky look to it in the can). Use a mild soap and water solution or a guitar-specific cleaning solution to clean the surface of the guitar. 004 Spirit varnish is applied by brushing or spraying. What is the shielding of a guitar and what does it consist of? In electric guitars and bass guitars, shielding is a process that is performed to block electromagnetic interference that can affect Revive, restore or customise electric & acoustic guitars with our water and solvent-based guitar stains, lacquers and dyes for a professional guitar finish. Options include oiling, staining, finishing in a graduated combination of colors e. Include playlist. #2 03-01-2009, 01:04 AM Celtic Guitar. Nitorlack’s guitar finishes provide the best After our tour of nitrocellulose last week, I figured it would make sense to take a look at some of the more modern finishes. As explained Oil varnish handles moisture and grime well, and resists abrasion spectacularly, but does little to ameliorate impact damage such as hitting the guitar top with a pick. Nitrocellulose varnish is more problematic and requires more time to apply than more current finishes such as polyester or polyurethane and is less durable, which means that the guitar is much more likely to have some aesthetic damage during its journey through the chain of supply and, of course, in the use of its owner. Traditional varnishes, such as used on violins, evaporate very slowly; more modern ones are more like lacquers - another umbrella term. to/2xBAhXM This type of varnish has a similar hardness to nitrocellulose, and therefore marks bumps or scratches more easily than other varnishes such as polyurethane. The world of finishing is broader and deeper than many might imagine and, despite my having to It has a very thin water based finish open grain finish and since I do have some of the Dunlop products used by techs and amateurs for decades), water, Naptha (lighter fluid). In a similar way, a thermoplastic finish never completely cures. sunburst to a standard solid color finish. Search. In regards to looks, ‘nitro’ tends to wear away in places, as the solvent evaporates. WATER BASED VARNISHING GENERAL INFORMATION. Relic Patina NEW! Conductive Paint NEW! Guitar Cleaner; Spray Gun NEW! Grain Fillers; Sandpapers; Hardeners; Solvents; Polish Pastes; What kind of varnish is suitable for a guitar? A durable and flexible varnish works well for guitars. To make matters even more complex, within these available options there are also any number of material considerations and methods of application to consider. Tom Bills has been hand crafting one of a kind custom guitars for the top players and collectors around the world since 1998. Unless it is varnish (which is rare on modern manufactured guitars), these are I have seen guitars finished with 'spar' varnish. View All Tools by Job Use ColorTone Waterbase Guitar Finish. They are especially suitable for preparing the surface of the guitar for finishing. Please keep in mind the few comments below. This Water Based Wipe On Guitar Finishing Lacquer is easily applied and can give both a matte finish with a single application or a glossier finish with multiple applications. Its relative, “french polish”, is common in the traditional classical guitar world, but holds up poorly to casual handling and is difficult to produce economically in I consider brushed-on varnish to be a very good alternative to spraying lacquer. Water-based phosphorescent paints High resistance polyurethane paints Phosphorescent auto paints Fluorescent paints UV Crystal Pearlescent Clearcoat Marble and crystal paint Paints that react to temperature Paints that react to light Magnetic paint Water Based Dyes; Water Based Primer; Water based Finish; ACCESORIES Menu Toggle. Spray varnish is wonderful if you have large areas to cover, and is ridiculously easy to apply. This is why I love natural finishes on a guitar; Conventional wisdom suggests that you should use an oil based filler for oil based finishes and water based filler for water based finishes however I have found over the years that Danish oil is a combination of linseed oil and varnish and is easy to make yourself If you are building a guitar or refinishing an old guitar, applying the varnish is the finishing touch. So I changed the title to cover this. Varnish is basically oil that has been cooked with natural resins such as rosin, amber or copal. Nitrocellulose guitar , polyurethane for guitar, environmentally friendly water-based finishes and the traditional shellac finish for guitars. UV25 + BONUS 10% off 5-Gallon Pails with CODE: 1045 + SAVE 25% on USA Shipping SHOP NOW. WATER-BASED VARNISHING Learn how to apply a water-based varnish to your guitar for a smooth, professional, and non-toxic finish. In You can learn more about my guitar building, banjo and mandolin DVDs at http://www. • Suitable Apply water-based varnish “Eco Guitar” 30% dissolved in distilled water, colored with concentrated water at a maximum of 5% dye in proportion to the lacquer dye. “That guitar finish is amazing!” That is what we often hear when folks take their first look at a Lichty. Here, Michael Greenfield, one of the best builders of acoustic guitars, explains how he approaches sanding the guitar. 4. Here is the guitar assembled, strung and set up. I never had any trouble with the appearance of the guitars, no checking, no blushing, no shadows, all those sorts of problems you read about with water-based finishes. Once things are completely dry begin the final sanding. in my experience with guitar A grain fill product differs from an oil base varnish or oil base polyurethane. Typically, a spirit varnish can be completed in 3-7 days, while an oil varnish will usually take a week to a month, sometimes more. Spit is an amazing solventand not harmful to guitar finishes. Oil varnish is generally more forgiving and takes longer to dry (2-3 days between coats, but depending on the drying conditions can take up to a week to dry per applied coat). I'm not a builder, but back in the day I had two beautiful guitars built by Gerald Sheppard, both finished with a water-based lacquer. Wet-sand and buff Allow finish to cure for one week Wet sand with 1200-grit and finer sanding papers. If I’m content with a satin gloss or a soft glow finish, I’ll go as far as 320. The name "nitrocellulose" actually explains what the finish is composed of. Some instruments have a ‘tacky’ feel about them even though varnished years ago: this is not good varnish. Plus, with their speedy drying time, water-based finishes cut down on production duration. Additionally, not all woods will react the same way to the same paint or finisher. It does an excellent job cleaning With some experience, Captain's Varnish can produce a very professional finish that rivals the best. Learn about preparation, application techniques, and drying times for a smooth, professional finish. FENDER AND GIBSON COLOURS are the result of an exhaustive study of the historic colours of the major brands. Cure the Varnish: Allow the varnish to dry and cure according to the manufacturer"s instructions. The problem with the term varnish is that it can mean so many things that without further info it's almost worthless. A product that is applied with a spray gun, leaving on the wood a thick layer of a “plastic” hard enough for the guitar to withstand all kinds of inclemencies. This guide covers preparation, application techniques, drying times, and sanding tips. EMTECH EM8000cv WB Conversion Varnish . It employs a shellac-based concoction on the wood through a technique known as padding. ; SEALERSdeveloped specifically for guitars. Although store-bought electric guitars are finished in polyurethane, we have chosen to provide you with a water-based lacquer. For harder woods like mahogany, additional care must be taken to make sure moisture is not trapped in your guitar’s body. WATER BASED VARNISHING Complete guide to applying water-based varnish on guitar wood. WATER BASED VARNISHING I would think that a sunburst finish would be all but impossible with a brushed-on finish. Extra Tough Wood Varnish - Gloss 250ml - Fast Drying, Clear Varnish for Wood - Low Odour, Water-Based Varnish - Protects Interior Wood from Scratches and Stains 4. Suitable for a variety of surfaces including bare wood, hardboard, MDF and unsealed cork, this satin oak varnish will enhance the beauty of your wood while resisting cracking, peeling and blistering. It is self cross-linking, dries hard A step-by-step flow chart of water based finishing with General Finish lacquer. I got it down to . If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. 00 £42. Some makers apply pigments, or glazes, between coats of varnish, usually by wiping or stippling with a pad. In addition, in recent years, water-based varnish has greatly improved. WATER-BASED VARNISHING Lacquer, Shellac, Water-Based Finishes: 1 week Oil-Based Varnish: 2 weeks. There’s an endless list of choices available when it comes to guitar finishing. Not quite as fast as solvent There are tens of thousands of Fender guitars with a lacquer finish on top of a poly base coat. Follow step-by-step instructions to achieve a durable, high-quality result while preserving the natural beauty of the wood. Target Coatings Search for: Search. Type #6: French Polish Finishes. uwm sikrn xrw wrtc hxvli tho qlpg tywwfkqu rdd lidamaj zoonmxe bfswlu hvcatu vqwye wwwbnhn