Decorating the uke : Can we use lacquer?

ukulelee

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I recieved a cheap concert with the name "Okana" (what?) as present last year. It's made in China with laminated willow wood. It came with Aquila strings, which is too "barking" and noisy. Changed to martin strings and the sound becomes crystal clear and sweet.

I really like this uke but the outlook is rather plain and pale, without satin nor gloss finish. I don't like the wood grains too.

Here's the problem: I'm planning to apply some colours on it, can I simply use lacquar (yes, lacquar for furniture) ? Will it destroy the wood or the sound?

(P.S.: the crazy thought behind is: "How about if I paint it green?")
 
It's your uke and you can do anything you'd like to it. That said, I think it looks okay as is. A bit plain but it's nicely bound and whatnot. If you laquer it that will mess up the bindings. Also, even though it's got a matte finish, it probably does have something on the wood so laquer may not adhere well.

I'd just play it!

John
 
I use Krylon, it is awesome.
I also love this guys stuff on how to do it right
http://www.paintyourownguitar.com/
3concertcompare.gif

the one on the left is one I did a Looong time ago
 
I'd try putting a thin coat of shellac on it first.
 
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