View Full Version : Lacquer Toners
floody_85
15th February 2014, 09:06 PM
I've searched for this but can't find a definitive answer. I'm almost up to finish stage on a few guitars and I need to do a white blonde translucent finish. I can only get white water based toner but I usually use NYC lacquer. Is there something similar in auatralia that I can add to clear to get the trans white finish I'm after?
I've seen some suggestions of automotive acrylic but I'm not sure that's an ideal product for timber.. If worse gets to worse ill use the water based toner with water based clear. I am hoping to avoid this as I've never managed to get a very good finish with wb
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Asquared
21st February 2014, 04:45 PM
Here is a very quick reference that may assist: http://www.stewmac.com/tsarchive/ts0124.html
I was sure that Dan Erlewine posted a video or Trade Secrets item on the StewMac site in the last few months describing how he finished a tele with a blonde finish but I can't find it. My recollection is that Fender used to apply a white semi-transparent coat over the sealer coats then spray clear with a bit of tint to get whatever level of off-white is desired then clear.
I haven't tried this but you could mix some white pigment powder with the lacquer or sanding sealer and apply as a base coat. I got some from and artists supply shop - they had a range of colours. By being careful with how much you add you should be able to dial in as much or as little opacity as you want. Then clear coat with lacquer.
I have Dan Erlewine's guitar finishing book at home - I'll see if I can some more clues there and post another reply.
Andrew
floody_85
21st February 2014, 04:51 PM
Here is a very quick reference that may assist: http://www.stewmac.com/tsarchive/ts0124.html
I was sure that Dan Erlewine posted a video or Trade Secrets item on the StewMac site in the last few months describing how he finished a tele with a blonde finish but I can't find it. My recollection is that Fender used to apply a white semi-transparent coat over the sealer coats then spray clear with a bit of tint to get whatever level of off-white is desired then clear.
I haven't tried this but you could mix some white pigment powder with the lacquer or sanding sealer and apply as a base coat. I got some from and artists supply shop - they had a range of colours. By being careful with how much you add you should be able to dial in as much or as little opacity as you want. Then clear coat with lacquer.
I have Dan Erlewine's guitar finishing book at home - I'll see if I can some more clues there and post another reply.
Andrew
Thanks Andrew. I have that book too, it's a great read.
My problem has more been resources in Australia. I can't find what I need to tint the lacquer. I'll give the pigment powder a go
gyropilot
23rd February 2014, 01:58 AM
The pigment you want is Titanium Dioxide. Commonly available. Add to your base coat, colour to your specs, add a clear coat. Done.
Geoff