Are You Making These Common Mistakes with Your Guitar Finish?

• Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Finish
• Mistake #2: Not Sanding Properly
• Mistake #3: Failing to Clean the Surface
• Mistake #4: Rushing the Drying Process
• Mistake #5: Applying Too Many Coats
• Mistake #6: Ignoring the Grain Direction
• Mistake #7: Not Protecting the Finish

Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Finish

The first mistake many guitar players make is using the wrong finish for their instrument. There are many different types of finish available, including nitrocellulose lacquer, polyurethane, and shellac. Each finish has its own unique characteristics, and it’s important to choose the one that works best for your guitar.

Nitrocellulose lacquer is a popular choice for many guitar players because it creates a very thin, transparent finish that allows the natural wood grain to show through. It’s also very easy to work with and dries quickly, which can be an advantage if you need to apply multiple coats. However, nitrocellulose lacquer is not as durable as some other finishes and can be prone to cracking or chipping over time.

Polyurethane is a very durable finish that can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. It’s also very resistant to water and other liquids, which can be an advantage if you play in humid or wet conditions. However, polyurethane can be more difficult to work with than nitrocellulose lacquer and can create a thicker, less transparent finish that obscures the wood grain.

Shellac is another traditional finish that can create a very beautiful and unique look on a guitar. It’s made from the secretions of the lac bug and has been used for hundreds of years to create a variety of finishes. However, shellac can be very difficult to work with and requires a lot of skill to apply properly. It’s also not as durable as some other finishes and may require more frequent touch-ups.

The key to choosing the right finish for your guitar is to evaluate your needs and preferences. Think about the type of music you play, the conditions you play in, and the overall look you want for your instrument. With a little research and experimentation, you should be able to find a finish that works well for you.

Mistake #2: Not Sanding Properly

Another common mistake guitar players make is not sanding their instrument properly before applying the finish. Sanding is a critical step in the process of finishing a guitar, as it helps to smooth out any imperfections in the wood surface and creates a good base for the finish to adhere to.

When sanding your guitar, it’s important to start with a coarse grit sandpaper and gradually work your way up to a finer grit. This helps to remove any rough spots or scratches and create a smooth, even surface. It’s also important to sand in the direction of the wood grain, as sanding against the grain can cause damage to the wood fibers and create an uneven surface.

After sanding your guitar, be sure to wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris. This will help to ensure that the finish adheres properly and creates a smooth, even surface.

Mistake #3: Failing to Clean the Surface

Before applying any finish to your guitar, it’s important to thoroughly clean the surface to remove any oils or contaminants that may be present. Failing to clean the surface can lead to poor adhesion and create a rough, uneven finish.

To clean your guitar, start by applying a small amount of mineral spirits or denatured alcohol to a clean, dry cloth. Wipe down the entire surface of the guitar, paying special attention to any areas that may be particularly dirty or greasy. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying any finish.

Mistake #4: Rushing the Drying Process

One of the most common mistakes guitar players make when applying a finish is rushing the drying process. Allowing each coat of finish to dry completely is essential to achieving a smooth, even finish. If you rush the drying process, you run the risk of creating bubbles, streaks, or other imperfections in the finish.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times between coats of finish. In most cases, you should wait at least 24 hours between coats to ensure that each layer has dried completely. You should also avoid applying the finish in humid or excessively cold conditions, as this can slow down the drying process and create problems with the finish.

Mistake #5: Applying Too Many Coats

Another common mistake guitar players make is applying too many coats of finish. While it may be tempting to keep adding more coats in an effort to achieve a deeper, more lustrous finish, doing so can actually have the opposite effect.

Each coat of finish you apply adds thickness to the surface of your guitar. If you apply too many coats, you can create a thick, plastic-like surface that obscures the wood grain and creates an unnatural look. It can also make your guitar heavier and affect its tone and resonance.

In general, you should aim to apply no more than five or six coats of finish to your guitar. This will be enough to create a smooth, even surface without adding too much thickness or weight.

Mistake #6: Ignoring the Grain Direction

When applying finish to your guitar, it’s important to pay attention to the direction of the wood grain. Applying finish against the grain can cause the surface to look uneven and create problems with the finish.

The grain direction of your guitar’s wood is easy to determine – simply look at the lines and patterns in the wood. When applying finish, be sure to follow these lines and apply the finish in the same direction as the grain. This will help to create a smooth, even surface and avoid any problems with the finish.

Mistake #7: Not Protecting the Finish

Once you’ve finished applying the finish to your guitar, it’s important to take steps to protect it from damage. A good protective coating can help to prevent scratches, dings, and other types of damage that can occur during normal use.

One way to protect the finish of your guitar is to apply a coat of wax or polish. This will help to prevent dirt and grime from sticking to the surface and make it easier to clean. You should also take care when handling your guitar, keeping it in a case when not in use and avoiding placing it in areas where it may be knocked over or bumped.

Conclusion

Finishing a guitar can be a challenging and rewarding process. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a beautiful, long-lasting finish that enhances the look and sound of your instrument. Remember to choose the right finish for your needs, sand properly, clean the surface, allow sufficient drying time, and protect the finish from damage. With a little patience and care, your guitar can look and sound its best for years to come.