Applying a finish to a bare wood 8 string lapsteel

[mikeshipman]

Hi, I have a bare wood reso, plywood body and hardwood neck, I’d appreciate any advice on how , and with what, to apply a finish (base coat/ top coat) I will go for plain black. I’m in the UK. Many thanks, Mike

[pete1951]

The first thing to do ( if you don’t want the wood grain ‘grinning ‘ through the finish is to fill the grain . There are several different types,but you have to choose one compatible with your finish.

The easiest way to get a smooth finish is to spray the paint on, if you have never done any spaying this could be a challenge.

StewMac ( the guitar people) have a very good set of videos on line.

If you don’t want to get special instrument spray you can use spray intended for cars. These are usually acrylic based , come in many colours and also have cans of ‘filler’.
Pete

Is this one you have made? Might be good to post some pics?

[pete1951]

Here is the first part.
Pete

[mikeshipman]

Thanks for that Pete, I will look through that for their advice.
Here is the guitar, I bought it a few years ago from the Hudson Guitar Co in the USA.

[pete1951]

I might remove the neck and finish it clear ( with a black head veneer) Though that’s just my idea of what it should look like, all black would also be fine . The StewMac video shows how best to mask the head and neck .

I would also install the frets/ fret markers and dots ( though not any that cover screws fixing the neck to the body)before finishing, there are bound to be a few minor knocks that will need a quick sand) . Many finishes need a long time before they are really hard, so working on a recently sprayed guitar is not good.

Pete

I’m guessing the small screws through the finger board are just positioning screw and the finger board is in fact glue on?

[pete1951]

You may have noticed my ‘ 5 string bass’ thread. I don’t want to spend much time or money refinishing it so will use odds and ends of spray paint I have in stock. Some of it might be relevant to the 8 string . The StewMac way is the way to get a perfect finish, but the rest of the bass is a little ‘distressed’ so I may cut corners!
Pete