Let's Talk About Water Based Guitar Finishes

[@CJ-rf9jm]

This is stuff thats needed, clear accurate info with newer materials. I wish this info was available a couple years ago when I built up a strat, the finish is what took the longest to get it to where I could live with it.

[@michaeladamcaira9174]

hey Chris,as a fellow luthier i must say I look forward to your videos,you do great work,and your techniques are very helpful, thanks

[@IdahoNick1]

Chris, thanks so much. I haven't had much luck with water based finishes but I now think I know why. I was wet-sanding and now know not to. Also, I don't think I've sprayed enough coats on. Thanks for such a detailed account. I'm going to try to follow your steps exactly.

[@kpapi4355]

Incredibly thankful for this very informative, and good tutorial on this subject, Much appreciated, Keep up the good quality content!

[@pamcarr4003]

Watching this for the 2nd time, man I love that purple color! Thanks for the video.

[@johnnypk1963]

Thx for spreading the word on these products. Both r excellent. Along w all your other vids. Wow. U earned a subscriber.

[@jremil58]

Great as always, Chris! Thanks a lot!

[@robclowers9628]

That finish looks so amazing!! I think this would go great with the Auto Air brand of water based paints made by Createx. Awesome job!!

[@pmcm-ih1ep]

If you shouldn't wet sand because water activates the clearcote then how do you clean the guitar and does that mean you shouldn't get it wet at all?

[@HighlineGuitars]

Standing water could reactivate a water-based clear coat that hasn't fully cured. Once it's fully cured, you can wet sand. However, I recommend dry sanding because it can be done after a week or two of curing. Otherwise, you need to wait up to 6-8 weeks for the cure to finish. Once the finish has fully cured, you can clean it with a damp cloth. Just don't let it sit in a bathtub full of water ;-)

[@pmcm-ih1ep]

@@HighlineGuitars Got it...thanks for the info and for being able to benefit from all your experimenting and experience.

[@Petersorg]

Awesome video! What about wetsanding after the paint/clear is completly cured?

[@marklambert3619]

Thank you for posting I found this very helpful and interesting

[@Dude_Slick]

The whole time I was watching this I was saying no thanks I will stick to my lacquer. then I saw the finish at the end and am rethinking. BTW I just picked up the same purple dye.

[@PNDA235]

Do you by chance remember the name of that color dye?

[@melloshreader]

Would you prefer Crystalac Super Premium or water based Polyurethane for top coat?

[@thomasdoyle4485]

Im trying the CrystaLac Bright Tone clear gloss instrument finish. I keep having problems with fish eye. The process was Keda dye mixed with 93% isoprol alcohol, a seal coat of shellac, grain filled, then 3 more coats of shellac, level sand wipe down with water to remove all residue, let dry overnight, then spray on the Bright tone..... using a LVLP gun and my old craftsman oiless air compressor with water trap and also an inline filter at the gun.... Any suggestions????

[@HighlineGuitars]

Thomas Doyle you should contact Crystals.

[@anthonypmerola]

These videos are incredibly helpful and informative. Can you talk about your spray setup a bit, in terms of safety precautions? I’m making the leap into building my own guitar and I want to make sure I set up a finishing station that is going to keep me safe. Do you need a dedicated spray booth for these types of finishes? Thanks! Subscribed :)

[@HighlineGuitars]

If you're only going to build one guitar, a spray booth really isn't necessary. I do recommend you wear a good respirator that is intended to block paint fumes since even water-based products aren't meant to be inhaled. Find a corner of your shop where you can spray. Put down a plastic sheet on the floor and hang a couple more from the ceiling so you won't get any overspray on the walls. A good HVLP spray system will reduce overspray a lot, but there will still be some to contend with. Also consider wearing a disposable painters jumpsuit, gloves and a headcover. If you plan to build more than just one guitar, a portable DIY spray booth may be in order.

[@shrimptunes3463]

Is it possible to use acrylic artist pigments to make a dyeing solution?

[@HighlineGuitars]

It would be more of a stain-like solution. Dye is made from pigments that have smaller particle sizes than paints.

[@kurdadze123]

Hi Chris, I understand that you do not do wet sanding when sand between coats. But how do you eliminate dust and wood (coat) dust that is produced during sanding and almost sticked to surface without water???

[@HighlineGuitars]

After sanding, wipe the surface with a clean cloth dampened with denatured alcohol to remove any dust.

[@PwnySparklez]

could you use tru-oil over the folk-art ultra dye to get a gloss finish? Would it rub the color off or discolor it at all?

[@HighlineGuitars]

The answer to your questions is probably.

[@prigs750]

Chris, Enjoyed the video. I am familiar with the Crystalac product that you used. Did you dilute the product at all? Are you aware that they make a guitar specific product called Britetone? Keep up the great work.

[@hwmbo727]

Another excellent tutorial, Chris. Thank you! Could you post links to that dye and the crystal lac clear? What spray system and tip size are you using - looks like a turbine.

[@HighlineGuitars]

I added link in the description. I use an Earlex 5500 HVLP spray system with a 1mm tip.

[@kimroberts8684]

Does Crysalac have to be sprayed on? How about brushing it on?

[@MegaGuitarpicker]

I have had very good results applying Crystalac with a foam brush. Trying to downsize and keep shop and garage clean without overspray everywhere.

[@payday1963]

So General Enduro Pre-cat lacquer or Crystalac?? Which do you prefer?? Great videos!! Thanks

[@HighlineGuitars]

Crystalac. I stopped using the Enduro Pre-Cat stuff. Too many fisheyes.

[@payday1963]

Oh no!!! I just bought a gallon based on your recommendations. ;-( Any thoughts on how to prevent the fisheyes??

[@HighlineGuitars]

You may not have a problem. I know many others who used it a while back did and complained to General Finishes. Nothing we could do fixed the problem, but that was over a year ago and they still are selling it. Customer feedback may have forced them to reformulate the product. If it works for you, let me know as I'd like to try it again. It was much cheaper than Crystalac.

[@mwa1252]

I did the same thing. Bought a gallon for $54 :( The results of my first try were disappointing. Guess I'll hold off on the Crystalac

[@mwarnken1234]

you seriously need a lavaliere mic, dude... i can barely hear what you're saying

[@johnaswinney1]

MORE ACTION/DEMOS LESS TALKING

[@dom.mp3]

dude the title literally has "Let's Talk" in it