Q: I would like to use the shellac and wax finish we learned during the uke building class on a classical guitar I built, but it’s Indian Rosewood and the pores look a bit open. Do I need filler first? A: The finish you used on your ukulele is a very thin, open pore finish. [...]
Q: I read somewhere that the first sunburst finishes were produced by hand. Can you describe how this was done? A: I can and have. Many years ago (1983, if I recall) I described the process at length in an article for Vintage Guitar Bulletin. That piece later became part of a small book or [...]
Q: I stained a guitar red/brown using water soluble dye. After the stain was dry, I dry brushed dark brown water soluble dye around the edges, fading toward the center for a sunburst-like finish. Clear lacquer coats finished the job. Will the dyes bleed into each other over time and become unattractive? A: No. Water [...]
Q: I’ve looking at a restoration issue in some of the old Chicago bungalows where what I assume is varnish has almost coagulated on the surface of the wood trim. On most of the woodwork it’s acquired a nice patina and I’m trying to figure out how we could smooth the surface without removing the [...]
Q: A friend told me that he used nitrocellulose sanding sealer on wood, and then finished it over with an automotive two part clear coat. Does this seem possible? To me it just sounds like the two different systems will not go together. A: You are correct in worrying about incompatible systems, but as luck [...]
Q: I learned the hard way that a thin plastic cup I had could be dissolved by lacquer thinner. Can you tell me what kind of plastic container will not react and how I can tell a container is made of a safe plastic? A: Nalgene, nylons, polyesters, acetal, polyethylene and polypropylene all have decent [...]
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