Acoustic Guitar Construction

ChuckE wrote:I have to ask what you mean by this? - "to avoid spits and runs with the Nitro, don't extend your finger too far beyond the spray nozzle."

Welcome to the forum Chuck. I'm using rattle cans to spray my guitar. If my finger over the spray nozzle extends too far forward, the paint spray hits the underside of the finger causing paint spits. These spots can be carefully scraped or sanded off after curing but it's best to avoid causing the problem in the first place. This is a first time experience for me using spray cans to finish a guitar.

Ah - i see! Thanks for the clarification.

I'm trying to decide between rattle can nitro and an entry level HVLP with water based (based on kevinca's posts).

Again, gorgeous guitar there - every step of the way!

Here's a test for you Chuck -- find a high end builder that advertises that they use a Water Base finishing system -- Doolin no longer does, he at one time was the poster boy for LMII WB products. While I cannot deny I have seen photo's of nice guitars with WB finishes --- after more then three years of experimenting with WB, primarily Target products brush and spray I have concluded that rattle can nitro is by far the fastest and most convenient way (for me) to apply a quality finish to a guitar. My spray guns, both standard and HVLP are collecting dust on the shelf. Three minutes to spray a coat -- twenty minutes to clean the equipment ( economy of effort does not jibe). Regarding WB I found it bothersome that the coating actually warped the top do to the water content. This my personal view -- and I still contend that a fine instrument can be crafted regardless of what is used for the final finish

Note: I may move this discussion over to the finishing section.

Ken - that is a very good point about the water content warping the top - something i wouldn't have thought of. I'd appreciate if you would move this to finishing, i have a few questions that will undoubtedly lead to more...

Thanks for moving this :)

I am very tempted to go the route of using spray can nitro, but i'm concerned about the spray environment. I don't want to attempt to spray nitro in my garage due to the flammability issues, so i would be spraying out side. The problem there is i live by the coast in california (about 5 miles from larrivees us facility), and the daily weather pattern is marine layer in the morning (with high humidity) up until about 11am, followed by wind until about 5pm. That restricts me to finishing only on the weekends, as i get home from work around 7:30pm. This will take longer, which i'm ok with, but i'm concerned about the effect of the marine layer on laying down the laquer. As a reference, its 11:35am here today, and the marine layer has yet to burn off, and the outside humidity is 75%, which i would say is typical. This weather will hold until about mid july, then i should get less marine layer, but gradually more winds until it gives way to santa ana winds, which means very low humidity - 10% or so, but flying debris everywhere.

So in my case, it may be worth it to spray water based in the garage - which i can keep around 45% RH - and stay protected from wind. It just seems that this would be quicker since i could spray everyday, and i'd have much better control over the environment, which i suspect would lead to consistent results between sessions.

I'd love to hear anybody's thoughts or similar experiences. And of course i'm open to the possibility that this is just my latest case of paralysis by analysis. I'm quite susceptible...

I am not understanding the flammability issues? Can you open the garage door? The humidity is not an issue either you just dust a coat of blush remover (which is really a slow evaporating lacquer thinner) on each coat to keep from trapping moisture. Getting the material on the guitar is a piece of cake -- no matter where you live -- leveling and polishing is the skill needing development -- and that only takes a short amount of practice.

BTW here in Michigan I did my big panel auto paint repairs out doors in the morning with dew on the grass and plants -- calm winds and no dust in the air was the logic. Coat of finish, mist of thinner -- no blushing. Compliments of GMC I attend the Williams Auto Painting School also in Michigan.

I guess the flammability issue would be a result of reading too much on the web about the need for explosion proof fans and such.

Yes i can open the garage door. If that is sufficient airflow then i think i can safely go forward with the rattle can nitro, which is great because in that case it will be both faster and cheaper.

Thanks so much for your advice!