Acoustic Guitar Construction

I recently contacted Pacer Industries direct in an effort to clear up my personal concerns relative to the compatibility of Zpoxy finishing resin and nitro solvent base lacquers (which is my choice hands down for guitar finishing). While I am now confident Zpoxy will dovetail nicely with my current finishing process -- I believe the response from Pacer does raise questions about the prudence of using top coatings that do not etch/burn-into the Zpoxy

Hello Ken,

Your original email stated: Is there any data or information available relative to the compatibility of Zpoxy finishing resin and nitro cellulose solvent based lacquer? When applied over Zpoxy does the nitro chemically etch the Zpoxy or simple lay on the top of the surface? I would ask the same question about "dope" which is commonly used in model making. I am owner of Kenneth Michael Guitars and this question comes up on our Acoustic Guitar Construction forum -- it would be very helpful to relay information directly from the Zpoxy manufacturer. Thank you in advance, Ken Cierpilowski

We contacted our main hobby distributor, FTE, they had these comments on your inquiry: Quality Solvent based Lacquers create a chemical bond when sprayed or brushed over Zpoxy Finishing Resin. (Spraying being more intense) They create this bond to a greater degree over PT-40 Finishing Resin, (when the final coat of resin has been sanded or rubbed with steel wool) than they do over the 5, 15 or 30 minute Zpoxy formulas. Nitrate Dopes act in a similar way, but Butyrate dopes are not quite as effective.

We hope this assists you in the use of our products

Regards,

Mary K. Robles

Good info. Thanks.

So when the guys who use Zpoxy refer to it are they referring to the PT-40 finishing resin?

PT40 is ---- Pacer Technology's Zpoxy Finishing Resin

And yes not to be confused as:

There are other "Zpoxy" epoxy products, those however are designed for structural and assembly purposes.

Thanks for getting that info Ken! It's great news.

I personally would like to see this product in a perfectly clear version -- I'll be writing Pacer again to see if that is possible. It is my guess the amber tint is to mask the natural (ugly) yellow hue of dry epoxies.

I have read where users of Zpoxy experience slow dry and no dry situations -- too much hardener is the cause -- I plan to use small glass viles for accurate measuring.