Alternative for Glue Size?

[guitardoctor]

I'm looking for an alternative for glue size (10 parts water / 1 part PVA wood glue). Preferably thinner based bacause I will be using thinner based wood stain. I'm wondering If I could use sanding sealer instead. But I've read in some forums that it's not advisable. Thanks guys.

[antiphile]

I'm trying to work out why you want to use glue size. But irrespective, you can use a 1:4 mix of PVA glue and water as a sanding sealer after using a 1:10 mix of PVA glue to water as a size.

I've used mineral turps (and oil-based) coats over the top of a PVA-based sanding sealer (after making certain it has properly dried and set of course) without any problems.

Cheers
Phil

[dr4g0nfly]

Have you thought about using Scotch Glue as a size, 3oz in 2 pints of water - let it soak for a day (24 hours) then warm gently to hand hot (nowhere near boiling). You would be better with an old fashioned double glue pot but a pan inside a pan will do.

You don't say what wood you'll be working on, so you might need to adjust the thickness a little either way for your specific need.

[guitardoctor]

I will be using basswood topped with hard maple or mahogany topped with hard maple. I'm quite hesitant on using water because it might soak up the wood and make the tone of the sound dull. I'm not sure about this and I don't want to waste a fine piece of wood. What if I'd use a clear lacquer based spray paint on a can as a substitute for glue size?

[gyropilot]

I spray thinners based stain and lacquer 99% of the time, and in your case would just use a clear lacquer (satin) instead of glue..... I have also found that thinners based lacquer (I prefer Pylon chemicals Ti Tech- though I also use stylwood and others) will coat nicely (maybe due also to the fast dry time) over acrylic paint (folkart) painted on instruments.... (Harps/guitars/etc)

Cheers

Geoff