Thread: "Conjurer" New Metal Series Build

Hi Bob,

I have grainfilled many necks and this is no issue at all. The neck timbers don't have figure like the top .

Some update pictures just taken......






Next updates will have some lacquer in there I reckon . Cheers, Jon

i've found sanding sealer or shellac is good for grainfill - if you are lacquering it i wouldn't go much past 400 - polish it too much you might have adhesion issues -

Well all I can say Jon, is bugger. That is really starting to pop now, all that time spent sanding is paying off as it is looking magic now.
Cheers Bob

this is coming up trumps - have you thought of going on with the sanding to maybe 1500 or more and do an oil based finish like tung or danish polished with carnuba wax -
no grain fill just let ot ne what it is - polished wood

This was suggested Ray,
But note Jon is only going to grainfill the neck and this is not figured blackwood.
Cheers bob

Looking great, mate.
Hurry up and finish her so it gives me something to drool over next time I'm up your way.

Geeez that looks good!!!

G'Day Jon,
I am hanging out for photos.
What did you decide to sand down to.?
Cheers Bob

Gday Bob,

I have sanded to 600 grit which I think is plenty for a lacquer finish. A few finishing touches in the next couple of days before the first coats of lacquer hit this weekend.

Cheers mate,

Jon

Hey Folks,

Got the first 2 light coats of lacquer on yesterday and the figure has certainly been revealed. I am using Motospray automotive Acrylic Lacquer in pressure packs.

From experience, what I like about this method are looks great, more flexible finish not prone to cracking, takes a lot of coats get a build happening so less prone to ending up with too thick a finish, will not "yellow" over time, cure time can be a few days, convenience of pressure pack, the fumes and overspray of excess paint particles are much less then when blowing out of a compressor (where you need a dust free zone, drop sheets etc).

What I don't like..... you can't mix up colours like you can when prepping your own paint, may be more expensive, you tend to end up with heaps of cans to chuck out, you can't make up "washcoats" or other paint/thinners ratio mixes, may take more time, more coats and more rubbing back to achieve desired result.

First picture of the top is a bit dark but it was hanging up drying last night and I had a small lamp shining on it.....I thought it looked really cool so snapped the pic. At this stage there has been no rubbing back of finish......just the 2 light coats to seal the build (and highlight any sanding blemishes).....I can now rub back to flat and get a bit of lacquer/grain fill happening as I start to build the finish.....I usually shoot 2 coats then leave for a few hours and then shoot 2 more and then leave overnight before shooting more or rubbing back the next day.

The Blackwood and the Brazilian Walnut just look amazing I reckon. I love timber !





Cheers, Jon.

real nice velvety curly blackwood there Jon

Now that blackwood is coming alive Jon.

I'll do a kevin rud (asks his own questions then answers them)

What stands out on this blackwood?....Unique character!

Very attractive lookin piece there. I think I might use blackwood for my next project.

Oh, forgot to ask.

I've been thinking of using acrylic lacquer (auto lacquer) for a while now but dont know too much about it.
Looking at your project, I guess you can spray straight over bare wood? Apart from the pressure packs, have you used it with your own compressor/spray setup? Does it take the same amount of time when drying (as NC lacquer) before you can rub out the finish?

Again....love that blackwood.

Mick