Spray The Finish - StewMac T-STYLE Assembly Instructions Manual

Spray the finish

There are many finishes and application methods to choose
from. In creating these instructions, we're using ColorTone
Aerosol Guitar Lacquers. These aerosols are a fast way to
build a quality finish.
Using a clear satin topcoat is recommended, because satin
doesn't require much sanding or buffing the way gloss does.
If you choose to spray a glossy finish, it will involve more steps.
For help with that or any kind of finish, see our book, Guitar
Finishing Step-By-Step (#5095).
Use scrap wood to make a spray handle. Put a hole in this
handle and bend a thin metal rod into an S-shape to hang
the body and neck during spraying and while drying.
A brushed-on finish like tung oil, waterbase lacquer, or
shellac works great too. Any of these finishes will seal and
protect the wood from dirt and moisture.
The best advice for finishing: practice on scrap!
Test your finish of choice on scrap wood first, so you can see
what you'll get before applying it to your guitar.
Use warm lacquer, not cold. Professional finishers spray
heated lacquer because cold lacquer spatters, requiring
extra sanding. Warm up your aerosols before spraying by
placing the cans in a sink of warm tap water.
When spraying, keep the spray parallel to the surface of the
guitar for even coverage as shown below.
The right way to spray: Move in a straight line, so the distance
from the work stays the same. This gives you even coverage.
Keep your
wrist flexible
The wrong way: Swinging in an arc moves the spray closer and
farther from the work. Center coverage is heavy, edges are light.
Stiff wrist
6
Spray schedule with ColorTone Aerosol Lacquer
This finishing process can be completed in as little as three
days, followed by a week of curing. Remember that patience
is the key to a successful finish job. Don't rush it! Spray the
lacquer using light passes to prevent runs.
Day 1
Body: Spray 1-2 coats of aerosol Vinyl Sealer on the body,
waiting 1-2 hours between coats. Next, spray 1-3 coats of
TV Yellow, waiting 1 hour between coats.
Neck: Spray 1-2 coats of Clear Satin lacquer, allowing 1 hour
between coats. Follow this with 1-2 coats of our Aged Clear
lacquer for a warm maple color. Wait 1 hour between coats.
You will be spraying over the entire neck, including the frets.
Finish will be removed from the frets during the leveling and
dressing process after it has cured. The nut has been taped
off to keep it unfinished.
Allow the body and neck to dry overnight.
Day 2
Body and Neck: Spray 3-4 additional coats of Clear Satin, 1
hour apart.
Allow to dry overnight.
Day 3
Body and Neck: Lightly sand the body and neck with 400-grit
paper to remove any finish spatter or dust.
Spray 3-4 additional coats of satin clear, 1-2 hours apart.
Allow the finish to cure for a week in a cool, dry room. Around
70° at 50% humidity is recommended.
After the finish has dried for 1 week, go over the entire
instrument lightly with Light Duty 3M Scotch-Brite Pads or
0000 steel wool for a nice satin appearance.
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