Tele Style DIY GUITAR KIT Assembly Instructions
FINISHING THE BODY AND NECK
Although the overall tone and playing characteristics of the instrument will not
be affected, a high quality finish is a real source of pride to the builder.
Both the neck and body of your Electric Guitar Kit will have to be sanded with 180 / 240 and
320 grit sandpaper to prepare for finishing.
FINISHING
First you will need to decide whether you would like a natural finish or a
coloured finish on the body. For a natural finish or stain, go directly to "Clear Coat".
NECK
Before application of finish, the fingerboard should be masked off to prevent
finish from adhering to the fretted surface.
- Spray all exposed surfaces evenly. The neck of your Guitar has been
sanded level so it should not be necessary to sand between coats unless
runs, orange peel or drips appear. Use the same procedure that you followed
on the body – again, two or three coats should do the job. The final cut and polish takes place
about one week later when the lacquer has cured.
COLOR COAT
The
acrylic lacquer
made by the automotive industry is particularly
well suited to your needs. In addition to providing a full range of colour
choices, acrylic lacquer is extremely durable and resistant to cracking.
Choose your colour from the many available shades (including metallic
options) used for automobile touch up work. A spray can will make your job
much easier and will produce great results.
Begin each spray stroke in the air on one side of the body and continue until you reach the air
on the other side.
Overlap each stroke by one half, and every other stroke spray crosswise, then
length wise. This technique will provide an even colour distribution.
Although lacquer dries quickly, and successive coats may be sprayed in a
short period of time, attempts to spray too much in one coat can result in runs
or bubbles in the finish. Spraying should not be attempted on excessively
humid or rainy days.
- One or two coats of colour should be enough. It should not be necessary to
sand between coats unless there are drips, runs or bug feet (!) to be levelled.
All exposed surfaces should be dead level and have a nice satin gloss.
