How to Finish a Homemade Guitar
Putting the final finish on a guitar you have made yourself is an important step. Not only is it the final stage that makes your guitar ready for use, but getting it wrong can make a well-made instrument look cheap and shabby. You can apply a flawless finish on your prized guitar yourself, regardless of which type of finish you decide to use.
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Instructions
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Mask off the areas of the guitar you don't want to get colored, such as the neck joint and the pickup cavities, using masking tape. Stick the strips of tape down firmly and flat. Any creases or ruts could cause the finish to pool and create lumps.
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2
Clean the guitar thoroughly with the cloth, ensuring that it is completely free from dust and other particles which can cause problems with the finish sticking to the wood. Use the can of compressed air to blow away such particles.
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3
Paint the stain onto the body of the guitar with a brush, wipe it on with a cloth or spray it from a gun. The method of application is up to you and your own personal preference. Apply it lightly and sparingly to avoid pitting and pooling on the surface of the body.
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Build up layers of the stain until you've developed the depth of color you want. Up to 10 or 15 coats is standard for most guitar bodies.
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Allow the stain to dry on a hanger for at least two weeks to let the stain dry properly. Check the details on the stain label to double-check the recommended drying time.
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Apply the lacquer in the same way as the stain, in multiple thin layers, allowing each one to dry in between applications. You can paint or spray on lacquers, but spray gives a smoother, mirror-like top coat.
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References
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