post-lacquer ding

[fanlee]

Hi.

I have had a lacquered ( Hard Shellac ) guitar body hanging for 3 months. When i took it down to start rubbing out I discovered a shallow ding about 10mm ( just under 1/2") across.

the top is highly figured wood stained with water soluble dye, and I very much want to avoid attacking the area with steam.

How would it look if I built up the depression with clear lacquer?

Is there a better way or is steaming the way to go?

Thanks,
Rob.

[Simo79]

If the ding hasn't marked the wood in any way and you only found it by feel then there would be no issue filling it with lacquer. I've used this method a few times on some deep gouges and dints before and it comes up really well.

Simo

[ubeaut]

If it's Hard Shellac then you should be able to fill it with full strength Hard Shellac.

[fanlee]

Thanks guys, - here we go )

[fanlee]

...er...just to make sure common sense prevails...I scuff the area mask the surrounds and apply full strength hard shellac.

I presume in thin layers with a rag or brush. (I don't have spray equipment)

Is that in the ballpark?

Thanks Rob.

[ubeaut]

Sorry for the delayed response.

If I was going to do this I would first try to recreate the ding in a trial piece and try the steam thing, other alternative is to put a drop of metho into the ding and light it. you may need to do this a couple of times but it should fix it. Drastic I know but have used this on numerous occasions on fine antiques where the steam thing was not able to be done.

Definitely try it on a trial piece though.

If filling with hard shellac is your choice then do not mask. get an artists paint brush not one of those toy things but a fine natural bristle brush from an art supply shop. make sure the shellac is well stirred or shaken, dip the brush in and put a drop (or 2 if necessary) into the ding. let it drip in don't paint it. The shellac should self level. You may need to do this a couple of times to fill the ding. Once dry very carefully sand with 1200 grit or above to level the infill, using a couple of drops of paraffin oil for lubricant. This will give you a more controlled cut with the abrasive and will stop clogging of the abrasive paper.

Best of all sell it with the ding and make up a really fantastic story to go with it. Like: "Tommy Emanual was trying it out and accidentally banged it into the side of a chair that was presented to your family by king Henry the 8th for service to the crown. The ding is worth more than the guitar but I'll sell it to you for anly 10% above the original asking price."

Cheers - Neil