Do I Recommend Crystalac, Centurion, Or Solarez For Top Coating A Guitar?

Of all the products I have recommended for clear coating an electric guitar, which do I recommend as the best? The answer will surprise you.
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Centurion 1800 Series 2K Poly: centurionwoodc...

[@johnletourneau3688]

Well said Chris and lots of great information. Some folks get so hung up over "the best" that they fail to realize that all products have strengths and weaknesses. Choose the one that works best for your situation. I have used both the Solarez and Bright Tone products based upon recommendations on your channel and have also achieved good results with both.

[@Mossy5150]

Really emphasizing the point about Solarez being 100% solids; using a product like this as your grain filler/sealer gives you a fantastic starting point to level sand once and not worry about shrinkage under your top-coat. These kinds of chemically/UV-cured products make such a strong starting point for a high-gloss spray-on clear product.

[@matthewfanning3350]

Very clear Chris I totally understand the products this time

[@JohnK-id1zj]

Another great video helping steer me in the right direction, thank you!

[@HighlineGuitars]

Glad to help!

[@Kevlanco]

Thanks for making such detailed video! Have you tried applying solarez on top of any rattlecan acrylics like duplicolor or krylons? I purchased a pint of brush on solarez to try on a project I can’t wait to finish up, but I’m stuck now on what the base coat under it should be. The basswood body doesn’t like taking the stain enough to clear coat over it as is, so I think I need to spray some color. I’ll do a test on some scraps but I’m thinking of trying some duplicolor and sealing with the solarez sealer before the solarez ICBINL

[@pipedreamfretworks]

Thanks Chris. Super helpful as always.

[@amirgad4635]

Another great video. Do you use tack cloth during the level sanding between coats/scuff sanding process? I'm asking because Britetone recommend not to use it in order to avoid adhesion issues. I think I also noticed it with another waterbased poly product in the past. Just wanted to know if you had any experience with it

[@HighlineGuitars]

I don’t use tack rags with water-based products.

[@lammeys]

Do you still use the Centurion? I can no longer get the 1800 series. They switched to the 2800 series, which is 1k and 2k. It also has less solids, than the 1800. You mentioned not having to sand between coats, but I have witness line issues if I don't. I don't have a buffer like yours. This stuff has been a challenge, but I'm committed to using water based products. But I was just curious if you still recommend the 2800 series Centurion.

[@HighlineGuitars]

I haven't used the 2800. I still have a couple of gallons of the 1800 andI'm hoping they'll bring it back. If they don't, there are other products like Renner that I may try instead.

[@lammeys]

@@HighlineGuitars What is it you don't like about 2800, besides less solids? I'm interested in the Renner. What do you know about that product?

[@HighlineGuitars]

@@lammeys I never said I don't like 2800.

[@lammeys]

@@HighlineGuitars But you mentioned you would change brands, if they don't bring back the 1800. You must have an opinion on the 2800, to not consider it. I started out using the 1800, after viewing your videos, but could no longer buy it. The 2800 seemed like it would serve the same purpose, especially since it was 1k and 2k. That seemed favorable. So, I painted a bunch of drums and guitars with this stuff, and found out, it doesn't stick very well. I'm peeling this stuff off in sheets. It was supposed to be a sealer and topcoat, but it doesn't seal worth snot. I'm kind of freaking out, with projects being returned to me. I value your opinion, and I need to be steered in the right direction.

[@HighlineGuitars]

@@lammeys I have never used 2800. I know nothing about it. I have no opinion of it. Sorry.

[@Rick12499]

Why would my black stained finish look cloudy? Getting a mirror shine, but the black underneath the Solarez is cloudy. Any idea? Thanks!

[@HighlineGuitars]

No idea.

[@fat-hand]

Thanks Chris. Always insightful helping one know what they don't know they don't know lol. Question: The Solorez grain filler smallest qty is 4oz. Is that enough for one guitar - 2 coats (body and neck)? Do you use 220 sand paper between?

[@HighlineGuitars]

Yes and yes.

[@gbish6906]

Hey Chris, have you used any of the recent generations of Emtech products? More specifically the EM7000HBL?

[@HighlineGuitars]

No. I tried EM6000 and EM7000HBL years ago. Both were too soft for my needs.

[@Rockingoodman]

Bonus fitness video. Cool.

[@robertturner1550]

What do you recommend for polyester finish? You videos are great thanks for sharing.

[@HighlineGuitars]

I don't recommend polyester.

[@stephaniemurphy7883]

Hey Chris me again. Can you use ICBINL over stain and can you french polish over ICBINL sealer/grain fill. thanks again!!

[@HighlineGuitars]

I think it’s a yes to both questions, but you should definitely test first. I have never French polished over ICBINL before.

[@Voartist]

I thought I watched one of your videos on grain filler and you were using Solarez. It looked almost like a gel. I am refinishing a guitar with nitro and I know you don't use anything but water-based finishes. I called Solarez to find the grain filler product. Unfortunately the person I spoke to was unfriendly and kept interrupting me. He kept telling me they don't have a grain filler, just a resin-based sealer and once you put the sealer on you can't add color. I repeated what I want to do and he repeated his story. I definitely will be adding color. Did I get it wrong that it was your video and if it was your video were you showing sealer or grain filler? What was the product? If it was filler, will it fill in some deep cavities where I knocked off some wood? I have Timbermate wood filler and have been pleased with it. But I would like to review other options if you can provide me with the information. Thank you.

[@HighlineGuitars]

On the website, it's labeled as Grain Sealer Filler. The stuff you probably saw me use was a preproduction sample that had glass micro balloons in it. I don't know how it is currently formulated as I haven't purchased any in more than a year. You absolutely CANNOT add color to it. If you do, it won't cure. This isn't the sort of product that will fill voids where wood was knocked out.

[@Voartist]

@@HighlineGuitars thanks Chris. The guy I talked to never did tell me about the filler. I never planned to add color to it. Just fill the wood, let it dry and then put a vinyl sealer over it, then add color. I'll make sure I can do all that. Might give them another call.

[@HighlineGuitars]

@@Voartist You said and I quote, "I definitely will be adding color."

[@Voartist]

@@HighlineGuitars And I specified to the first guy I talked to, "I definitely will be adding color AFTER I fill the grain." But the first guy told me only about the finish coat and that I couldn't add color after the finish coat. I understood that but he couldn't get off the finish coat when I kept telling him "GRAIN FILLER". The second guy said that I CAM put color coats on top of the "I can't believe it's not lacquer" GRAIN FILLER coats. But they're out of it anyway so I'm going to use my Timbermate. By the way they knew who you are. You must do a lot of business with them. On my next project I'm going to go back and review your videos for finishing with water-based products. Thank you.

[@guitartube5822]

Because the Centurion is water based, does it not present the same explosive fume issues as “standard” 2K? I have the full PPE so that aspect of the safety part aside…

[@HighlineGuitars]

The catalyst by itself is flammable, however, when mixed into the water base and sprayed, it is no longer flammable.

[@scottunger8228]

What would you recommend for acoustic guitars Chris?

[@HighlineGuitars]

The same three products.

[@scottunger8228]

Thank you! Much respect!

[@laurielindquist3907]

I don’t have a gun, so have tried the bright tone using a foam brush. It didn’t level out and had bubbles. What kind of brush should I use? And do I need to “scuff” my design with a greenie or what grit. Thanks! I’m Gonna have to buy me that t shirt you’re wearing :)

[@HighlineGuitars]

You’ll have to ask Crystalac. I have never used a brush.

[@barchetta3]

Question about Solarez ICBINL as grain filler. Would it make sense to use it on alder with quilted maple top? I recently did an alder body w/ QM top and used the Crystalac BriteTone…only complaint is when it shrinks the grain on both the alder and QM does show through. Would a coat of Solarez fix that? Follow up..,would you still put sanding sealer over the Solarez before the Crystalac clear?

[@HighlineGuitars]

I've done just exactly that. Worked fine. I would recommend the sanding sealer between the ICBINL and the Brite Tone.

[@barchetta3]

Is one coat of Solarez sufficient?

[@HighlineGuitars]

@@barchetta3 The number of coats depends on your ability to level sand without sanding through.

[@barchetta3]

Follow up question on this…would it work to use Spray Max 2K over the Solarez ICBINL?

[@timseverson5578]

Hey Chris. According the Manufacturer, Centurion has a 18 month Shelf life, and they only sell it in Gallons. How many guitars can you finish with a gallon of finish??

[@HighlineGuitars]

10-15

[@simontucker8364]

Hey Chris, can I use crystalac britetone over a solid black paint and if so which type of paint is suitable for this

[@HighlineGuitars]

Mix black CraftNque into Brite Tone for your paint.

[@simontucker8364]

@@HighlineGuitars thanks Chris

[@waynegram8907]

What do you recommend using to put a clear coating on guitar fretboards or do you need to remove all the frets BEFORE you apply a clean coating on the guitar fretboards? Tony Iommi from black Sabbath would add a clean coat product on his fretboard to make it easy for sliding your finger which I want to do to all my guitars but don't know which clean coat to use on fretboards, what do you recommend using to not damage my maple, rosewood, et fretboards?

[@HighlineGuitars]

I use the same water-based clear coat products I describe in this video. I spray right over the frets and steelwool the finish off the frets after each coat has dried. Usually 3-5 coats.

[@flo-bezee9547]

What is a lockdown?

[@jugheadjones5458]

Can you mix chameleon pearls in the crystalac for a color base (color shift is my goal)? And do you scuff sand between coats for adhesion?

[@HighlineGuitars]

I usually don’t scuff between coats as long as I spray within an hour or so. Don’t know about mixing that stuff.

[@jugheadjones5458]

@@HighlineGuitars thank you.

[@netterstyl]

Good luck with the UV-cure/hybrid cure Solarez, folks: The best - and the worst - in one can. The best: polyester. (Super hard, ultra-clear finish on the order of epoxy that _won't yellow_ like nitrocellulose will, and won't fracture.) The worst: It is nigh impossible to successfully apply without special equipment (like Taylor has). It is a nightmare for a one-off guy to get a viable, flat finish with that material. Sure, it's great for surfboards (its main intended purpose), when you can literally pour it on in the shade, and then take the board out into the sun and let it UV cure instantly. But applied thinly on guitars...no way - unless you're a large manufacturer like Taylor, etc. - then it's _the_ finish of choice. And btw, you CANNOT thin this (thick) stuff with ANYTHING - doing so makes it all upset and wonky and changes its behavior and characteristics, and your nightmare turns into an even worse nightmare. Having said this, it's a pretty good material to have around for repairing/touching up _small_ places, due to it's instant UV cure and relative thickness. I've done it several times in inconspicuous places. But a word of EXTREME CAUTION: You must use great care to protect your eyes when using a UV-cure lamp (rather than sunlight) to cure it. You can't let the light from one of those lamps meet your eyes for even a few seconds. (Imagine looking directly into the bright midday sun for just a few seconds, and you should understand.)

[@HighlineGuitars]

Are you using the polyester resin or the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Lacquer?

[@edadpops1709]

ICBINL is a fantastic grain filler ,it doesnt take much brush it on and wipe off as much as possible, uv cure , sand and repeat,great on Mahogany or walnut.never tried adding color to it though .Chris would know.