Finishing your instrument

ukuleleCraig · Feb 3, 2014

Ive noticed that there is much chat/info in regards to the various aspects of building the instrument, but not much 'detailed' chat in regards to the finishing processes? It may have already happened in a past post? Would be great to get various tips, tricks, knowledge from the time served builders on this subject. Products used? Internet resources? Vid clips? - most Luthier clips are mainly about the builds.
I ask these questions as a someone you once was...

Timbuck · Feb 3, 2014

Now you've done it !.....Finishing ..the hardest part of building

..The cause of many a prospective luthier to retire to the mental hostpital

ukuleleCraig · Feb 3, 2014

Timbuck said:
Now you've done it !.....Finishing ..the hardest part of building ..The cause of many a prospective luthier to retire to the mental hostpital

lol - Well i hope i have opened a can of worms! I do think its an important topic that seems to get left out. Its actually seeing your wife doing it that got me thinking and researching products. There's a vast amount of knowledge base that frequent our forum - so hopefully we may get some great ideas learned from years of hit and misses? Maybe some of the hospitalised Luthiers could come out of retirement just for this one thread - i for one would push their wheel chair around the garden.....

Michael N. · Feb 4, 2014

Tons of info on finishing. No shortage on that front. It can range from virtually no equipment required to a full blown spray and extraction set up. I tend to go for the very simple 'natural' finishes, so it's either French Polishing/Spirit Varnish or Oil Varnish. You can't really get much more minimalist than those.

ukuleleCraig · Feb 4, 2014

Michael N. said:
Tons of info on finishing. No shortage on that front. It can range from virtually no equipment required to a full blown spray and extraction set up. I tend to go for the very simple 'natural' finishes, so it's either French Polishing/Spirit Varnish or Oil Varnish. You can't really get much more minimalist than those.

Great start Michael, but that only scratches the surface (pardon the intentional pun) Im also hoping that we get on this thread more detail on the application and products/brands used. Maybe some photos, vid links etc?

Moore Bettah Ukuleles · Feb 4, 2014

This has really been covered to death here, even just recently. Try the search function on the forum for lots of info.

Chris_H · Feb 4, 2014

and you ask the question without much info about how the answers might relate to you, just general finishing info... Choose your poison... Just because someone would choose one method, it doesn't mean much to you, even if they know 'best'....

ukuleleCraig · Feb 4, 2014

Moore Bettah Ukuleles said:
This has really been covered to death here, even just recently. Try the search function on the forum for lots of info.

Hmm.... Not exactly the feedback I was expecting. I am indeed new to this Chuck, but wasn't everyone? Should I then just concentrate on reading the past few years data banks and never post a thread? Don't get me wrong, because I do respect you and your work - but haven't most areas been covered? Even when old topics arise, new ideas can arise too..? I know it must be hard for long established Luthiers to hear the same old, but there are new Luthiers who would like to discuss such subjects without sieving through the past (although I do agree past threads are important to check out too)

hawaii 50 · Feb 4, 2014

ukuleleCraig said:
Hmm.... Not exactly the feedback I was expecting. I am indeed new to this Chuck, but wasn't everyone? Should I then just concentrate on reading the past few years data banks and never post a thread? Don't get me wrong, because I do respect you and your work - but haven't most areas been covered? Even when old topics arise, new ideas can arise too..? I know it must be hard for long established Luthiers to hear the same old, but there are new Luthiers who would like to discuss such subjects without sieving through the past (although I do agree past threads are important to check out too)

I think what Chuck and Chris H. are saying is this is not a one paragraph subject...and there is all kinds of info if you use the search on the UU...

or if you had a specific question...I am sure they will help you

if I were a builder though I would get advice from Chuck...he is a master,and one of the most helpfull on the UU Lithiers forum....

My 2 cents

ukuleleCraig · Feb 4, 2014

Chris_H said:
and you ask the question without much info about how the answers might relate to you, just general finishing info... Choose your poison... Just because someone would choose one method, it doesn't mean much to you, even if they know 'best'....

Again - not expecting this. I have no poison, only love of Ukes. I ask the questions to learn what others have done, and are doing. Your last comment - 'Just because someone would choose one method, it doesn't mean much to you, even if they know 'best'...' But It's a discussion forum, someone's method will mean something to some viewers...?

ukuleleCraig · Feb 4, 2014

hawaii 50 said:
I think what Chuck and Chris H. are saying is this is not a one paragraph subject...and there is all kinds of info if you use the search on the UU...

or if you had a specific question...I am sure they will help you

if I were a builder though I would get advice from Chuck...he is a master,and one of the most helpfull on the UU Lithiers forum....

My 2 cents

I do thank you for your input. And as I already said, I do respect Chuck very much, I've asked his advice before, and will in the future. I do understand his point and agree to a large degree

Steveperrywriter · Feb 4, 2014

Some kind soul -- forgive me, I can't recall who -- put up a link to a dedicated search engine for UU.
Give it a try: "Finishes" offers several pages of discussions:

https://www.google.co.uk/cse/home?cx=006086160372685481724:y43bmh-bwgc

Kōāpa‘a · Feb 4, 2014

Michael N. · Feb 4, 2014

I think you need to narrow down what it is that you need to know regarding finishes. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. As I always advise: pick one and learn how to do it to a good standard. After that you can always experiment with others but you always need one that you can fall back on. Personally I think it best to start with a finish that requires very little in the way of equipment: a padded or brushed on finish. Less than £10 in equipment.

Timbuck · Feb 4, 2014

I applied several coats of Danish oil to my self made Bass guitar neck in 1971...That Bass was played 6 nights a week in a resident gig for two years...and several other gigs over the next twenty years....I still have it and play it occasionally these days and the finish tho it looks old and jaded is still ok after 40+ years and not worn through

ukuleleCraig · Feb 4, 2014

Michael N. said:
I think you need to narrow down what it is that you need to know regarding finishes.

I was merely just wanting to ask what other builders use in terms of finishes and over the years what they have found in relation to the pro's and con's. This was just a general question for debate. I do now understand that opening a debate on topics that have been done many times (prior to my existance here) doesnt go down very well. I will search the databases and internet. I am a Craftsman of over 30 years experience, i am not a total novice.
Thanks for your input Ken - this is the type of feedback i was looking and hoping for. Ps - you were right about the 'can of worms'

shaberd · Feb 4, 2014

I've had good luck following the idea presented here using Tru-Oil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6zmitxywKU

ukuleleCraig · Feb 4, 2014

shaberd said:
I've had good luck following the idea presented here using Tru-Oil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6zmitxywKU

Shaberd i thanks very much for this link - ive just watched it. Its a great clip with some ideas/tips that he has found works for him. This is why i posted the thread in the first place - to get feedback from what people have found. I know Pete Howlett (who's knowledge and clips i respect very much) uses Truoil. Would be great to get his input on finishes.
Anyway - thanks for posting that.

hawaii 50 · Feb 4, 2014

Kōāpa‘a;1473203 said:
Aloha,
Since we are opening the can of worms...below are a bunch of links to recent threads on various forum discussions on finishing. Trying to be helpful by posting a lot of links but it also supports Chuck's point about lots of recent activity on the topic.

Just my 2 cents of perspective...In my experience in dealing with experienced ukulele builders, a little bit of preparation goes a long way. You might get more "helpful" responses from the experienced luthiers if you appear to have put in some effort, (ie: more specific questions rather than general what do you think questions). I am not a full time builder but I am transitioning to do so. In doing so, I have recently contacted many experienced luthiers and found that they are more responsive when I come prepared. On the forums that means spending a couple of hours browsing threads. Think of it as the difference between a conversation and a lecture. Most experienced luthiers respond better to participating in conversations rather than open calls to explain their lifetimes work in a paragraph for someone else's convenience. Participation in forums takes a lot of time. Not trying to put you down or anything just offer some suggestions so you can get the help you are looking for. This approach has worked for me. Take it for what it's worth.

http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?92115-Finishes&highlight=Finish
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?92208-Nitro-satin-finish-what-steps-after-spaying&highlight=Finish
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?92124-Vintage-Ukes-Finish-crazing&highlight=Finish
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?92208-Nitro-satin-finish-what-steps-after-spaying&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?29882-Z-POXY-Love-it-or-hate-it&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?85785-Satin-vs-Gloss-Affecting-Humiidification&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?84711-Shellac-French-Polish-question&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?79674-Behlen-ready-to-spray-nitrocellulos-lacquer-question&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?79508-Lacquer-Watco-vs-Deft&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?79974-UV-Cured-Finishes&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?78830-Refinishing-a-vintage-ukulele&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?81004-HVLP-setup&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?80941-From-gloss-to-satin&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?74928-Gloss-vs-Satin&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?74767-Question-re-finish-crazing&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?74431-Recommended-finish-for-soft-tops&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?68967-French-polish-vs-nitrocellulose-on-vintage-Martins&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?67723-Kanilea-s-Glossy-Finish&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?70344-Questions-about-finishing-top-Kamaka-lili-u&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?73161-Which-lacquer-to-protect-autographed-uke&highlight=nitro
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?73055-Finishing-with-no-ventilation&highlight=nitro

Thanks for all the UU links on finishes...

I agree with you are saying that doing your homework shows the experienced luthiers and me the paying customer what kind of builder(person) you are going to be IMO...
I have a few custom ukuleles and I want to trust my builder 100% before I make an order...and knowing they do not take short cuts helps me a lot...

going back and reading the threads makes me miss Rick Turner..he was one of the most passionate builders on the UU...and he used to say what you are saying above...

Btw I like Nitrocellouse Lacquer and Polyester Gloss finishes the best..for looks and durability...

my 2 cents..

afreiki · Feb 4, 2014

The first act of finishing is sanding. I have found that once I have an unmarred, sanded surface, down to at least 400 grit, then I need to go down the line with polishing cloths (avail. at stew mac and jewelry making places). The 3M cloths are colored, starting with green (400 grit equiv) down to something like 8000 grit equivalent. If you get these, use a sharpie to number the backs 1-5, or you will not be able to tell which to use next. They are washable.

Even if you think your instrument is perfectly smooth, going down to the very very fine grit is essential under any and all finishes.
No matter how small the grit, always go with the grain. If you fill your wood, go through the 320 & 400 grit paper, then polishing papers again. Enjoy the "zen" the process, because it takes a while. Be one with the wood, the feel of the wood, the loveliness of the wood. Love the curves, love the flat.

That is my 2 cents.
Anne

Finishing your instrument

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