Guitar amp cabinet finsih

[rockadile]

Hi all,
I know this could be in the musical instrument section, but its more of a cabinet finish in my eyes.

Can anyone provide advice on a finish that suits a guitar amp cabinet that will be subjected to transport and generally being knocked around a bit.
I'm looking for a transparent gloss finish. This is a home workshop project, so no professional facilities for finishing.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Cheers!

Cab1.jpg

[dinosour]

Not a finishing expert, but it would use a finish that is repairable/ touch up with out too much work and I personally would not use a gloss for this application.
Hope you get some more real expert opinions. All the best with the project

[Fluddman]

Looks like a Tweed Deluxe or a Champ cabinet - why not finish in tweed or tolex?

Any gloss finish is going to get scratched the first time you take it to a gig.

Cheers

[aldav]

We're not talking fine furniture here (no offence intended) so something tough and easy to apply is the way to go. What about a water based polyurethane, you could use gloss but, as others have suggested a satin or even lower gloss might be better. For the best result sand to 240 grit, raise the grain with a sanding sealer (even water will do for this), light sand to 400 grit, dilute the finish 10 to 1 with water and wipe on with a clean cotton cloth. Two or three coats with a light sand between coats should do.

A light sand does not involve using any muscle and consists of a maximum 2 passes with the paper.

[old1955]

Welcome to the forum.

[rockadile]

Thanks all, I'll go with the wipe on poly after staining.

[rockadile]

It's a 10" champ cab and want something a little different, so going with stain and clear finish. I'm not too bothered about it getting a bit of mojo from being knocked around.
Cheers

[China]

Rustins Plastic Coating

[jack620]

I finished my Fender Princeton 5f2 clone with water-based poly.

[aldav]

Just a thought, if you're using water based poly make sure you use a spirit stain, not a water based one. Big mess otherwise.

[ciscokid]

I finished this 35 watt black walnut V-front with oil and wax. While I do not lug it around, should it get scuffed the finish is easily repairable.

vfront8.jpg

vfront3.JPG