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I want to learn to do a genuine satin finish.............
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 5:18 pm
by Kevin in California
I'd like to open up a discussion on how to produce a factory quality satin finish...
I'm not talking taking a gloss down with steel wool (at least I don't think that is what I want).
What do the factories use and how do they accomplish it?
Inandate me with all your experiences and wisdom guys (and gals if you are out there).
Kevin
Re: I want to learn to do a genuine satin finish............
Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 8:51 pm
by Tom OBrien
Hi Kevin. I plug away on my silly projects in the company of giants who really know what they're doing. One has been professionally finishing pianos for 30 years and he's helped me produce the kind of satin finish you see on many black Steinways.
He has used steel wool and still does on smaller parts, but most of the time he uses a white power flattening agent that he mixes in with the lacquer. This results in a milky looking lacquer, but it dries clear. Here is a link to a Behlen product that is similar to the one used in my shop:
http://www.meritindustries.com/lvf.htm. What Sly buys comes in bags, not in cans, but I suppose it's similar stuff.
You can get any type of sheen using the flattening agent – anywhere from dead flat to slightly off gloss. I've finished two guitars in flat and satin finishes and intend to do more. The results can be quite nice, and I think better than what's produced using steel wool.
I've used steel wool and paste wax on necks, but never on entire guitars.