How To Do Fabric A Finish On Your Guitar Body... Part 1

[@mr.esabsurditiesatrocities1805]

You had me at the glow in the dark Halloween fabric. And that skull fabric would make an awesome Camp Shirt.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I need to go to the fabric store and see if they got anything super cool before y'all buy it all

[@timothypotter2137]

I love that orange tele on the right in this view.

[@ErGoyoTV]

I still got my aloha shirt waiting to end it's life like this... but I do see myself entering a fabric shop with long gray hair and black T-shirt looking for tone fabric. My old lady glasses hanging from the neck I think will help. GREAT VIDEO man, no questions! This is the Oracle. Thanks

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for watching my friend, remember to keep it classy in the fabric shop :)

[@aradondarmelious5819]

This is really cool. Gonna help me do a better job with the zebra stripes I'm doing on a repaired Strat

[@runningwithscissors0911]

Thanks T Toast! I see how the foam roller really does the job. Great tip and thank you for this video.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You bet!

[@rayfabris2512]

great channel 👏 for information about guitar building education and shared.👍👍👍👍👍

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks so much Ray

[@seanvanmolle7836]

Definitely gonna try this

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You should

[@mr.esabsurditiesatrocities1805]

Love the Norm Abram style open.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

One of my heroes

[@twothreebravo]

3:40 I'm real proud of your line too. :D

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I heard that and I was like.., that didn't sound right hahaha

[@craigising]

If you're planning on trying this I'd suggest you use a pure cotton, which is a better tone fabric than, say, a cotton blend or polyester. Some people swear by silk, but I find it's a bit lacking in the mids.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You would be surprised at how many people don't know that HAHAHA

[@happyads]

Hey Matt great video I'm gonna give this fabric top a blast myself, now I'm drooling at paisley fabrics mmmm paisley,, I've been stripping, painting, modding and rebuilding electrics for years now, done a few bookmatched veneers too, so I'm gonna enjoy the challenge. Here in Manchester UK we call them mini rollers..! But not anymore.. Now it's a weenie Your channel is awesome, your enthusiasm infectious and your builds super cool. Can I make a request..? Please do some sparkle paints jobs??

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi happyads, I like your style, thanks for watching, I think you will find that the fabric tops are really easy and look great. Glad you are on board with the new terminology hahaha. Metal flake paint jobs are so messy but that might be a really fun video deep dive.

[@Mr.Peach90]

New drinking game every time he says Winey roller you drink a beer lol

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I think a better drinking game would be drink every time I say "... okay, so"

[@Mr.Peach90]

Lol I don't want alcahol poisoning lol just kidding Matt lol I do it to

[@brianjoyce4435]

Going to try doing a Day of the Dead Esquire. Great videos!

[@TheElrondo]

That's a double thumbs up! I hope you show the whole process to the finished body in the next parts. Keep going bro.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I'm going to try and speed through this series, did you check out the blog post?

[@TheElrondo]

Texas Toast Guitars WTF is a blog post 😆😆😆😆 I'm 64 years old... EDIT: Found it in the description 😊 EDIT 2: Boy, that's a lot of words for an old german grandpa 💀

[@davidhoxit4274]

Man I love what your doing...and the best part, the beer break!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Glad to hear you are enjoying the videos my friend... there are always a few minutes for a beer or two

[@scottman-cl4jm]

Im doing this on my next Uke build. Thanks Matt You Rock****

[@TexasToastGuitars]

More skulls!

[@miaouew]

Nice Vernon Reid style Hamer body blank and neck in the background.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Good eye my friend, that is our version of the Hamer Californian

[@miaouew]

@@TexasToastGuitars Cool I love seeing recreations of some of the more obscure but killer models being made by talented US builders and not Aliexpress.

[@smollande]

lol a reputation as a lovin man .. great video thanks for sharing!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

HAHAHA You bet my friend

[@justinrichards1660]

3M makes these little plastic scrapers that are somewhat thick that would work perfect for once the fabric is down to use to get it smooth.. Used to use them at a prior job for applying tape and they were awesome. I'll see if I can get a link for them for you to check out.

[@justinrichards1660]

Best part is they are extremely cheap and durable m.skygeek.com/3m-051128-09206-hand-applicator-pa1-b-blue.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwpKveBRAwEiwAo4Pqm7Enjd36GTeDg3toFCPUiGHx6FGlq_RFDs7l2mynuM5VrGwT4WWG6xoCppYQAvD_BwE

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Looks like a cool tool, thanks for the link Justin

[@rtwolfrt]

When purchasing 'weenie' rollers, 'med' rollers in Australia, get the shortest frame possible, more control, and you can hang it on the side of a 4L pot, and use a thin offcut a little wider than the roller, angled in the pot as a make shift roller tray.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I'll check it out

[@ChappoCrothers]

Hey Rhys. You’re Aussie too yeah? I’ve been struggling to find what products to use that can be purchased here. What sealer did you use? And did you do a burst over that fabric? Do you know what kind of paint and clear coat is needed to adhere to the sealer properly?

[@WickedFesterBand]

Cool! Can't wait for part 2. You're putting ideas in my head!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Going to try and speed through these stay tuned

[@WickedFesterBand]

Thanks! You do amazing work!

[@BoudreauGuitars]

It is cool! Thanks for this video 👍

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I just wanted to get in on the fabric top video craze :)

[@michaeladamcaira9174]

That's a great design,Hey Matt,that guitar on the wall,the deep set neck,that's nice work

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks man, that is a reproduction of a Hamer Californian... having a good time with that one

[@michaeladamcaira9174]

@@TexasToastGuitars ,nice,you don't see them to often ,great guitars

[@JeezVince]

Really cool, can't wait to see what you choose to do with the sides.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Going to try and speed through this series

[@JeezVince]

Btw, it would be amazing if you guys could speak a bit about your tools and equipment in a serie! Cheers!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We are working on that very thing right now called the 50 tools you need...kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioich3uMar6NnZI

[@aandc2005]

Matt looks great!!! Good job!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks homes, going to do comfort carves on yours

[@aandc2005]

@@TexasToastGuitars sweet thanks!!

[@geoffcowan2384]

Nice fabric! I used epoxy, but I wasn’t that thrilled with it. Next one is Titebond for sure. Thanks for the tips.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Keep watching and I'll show you a few more tricks brotherman

[@geoffcowan2384]

Texas Toast Guitars deal!

[@electroKrunch]

Great vid, Matt! Gonna watch the series ;)

[@TexasToastGuitars]

don't forget the blog... www.texastoastguitars.com/single-post/2018/10/16/How-We-Do-Fabric-Top-Guitars

[@josephrayle752]

I brought a guitar body with me to JoAnn Fabric. It was kind of surreal for both of us.

[@74dartman13]

You took the word right outta my mouth! Badass!👍😎🎸🎶

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That could be a Meatloaf song... wait

[@74dartman13]

@@TexasToastGuitars 😂

[@paulblackman3936]

Hi Matt, I have a question you might be able to answer. I have a guitar with an all over fabric covering that the customer wants removing! How would you approach it?. Its an LP copy with a bolt on neck.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Paul, I've got to assume that your customer wants to remove the fabric because of some tone thing. Since it is an LP copy with a bolt on neck I would recommend building a new body. That way you can use nice mahogany and maple. Who knows what it is going to look like or even be once you get that stuff off of there. I know that isn't really an answer but it is how I would approach it. Let me know if I can help

[@paulblackman3936]

@@TexasToastGuitars Hi Matt, it's not a tone thing he is just bored with the camo effect. The body is really heavy and from checking out the control cavity looks like solid Maple. I told him that if I had to remove it with heat or chemicals then sand back to smooth it might take it down some in dimensions, then have to adjust neck break angle to compensate, it's a shed load of work. To be frank, he was a fool to buy it in the first place, but hey, work is work!

[@paulblackman3936]

@@TexasToastGuitars Thanks Matt, I will bear that in mind

[@bradford4570]

I've always wanted a leopard print guitar, I gotta try this one day

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You should Brad

[@davethepius]

I've learned that a Dremel tool comes in handy for cleaning up pickup and control cavities, as well as neck pockets if you use a body that's already routed.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We have lots of little moto tools floating around, they come in handy for sure

[@bobsiburton861]

Finally, art at affordable prices👍

[@backplomer]

Hi mate, luv your vids, much appreciated, one quick question if possible, I noticed you sanded the first coat?? Is there a sand through issue or is there more than one coat before sanding, tia 😃✌️

[@KRamone27]

Excellent job on this, can lacquer sanding sealer be used as a substitute for Simtec ?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I have not used it

[@anthonybeers]

do you guys ever do like denim micarta tops? I've been dreaming of making a black and blue denim micarta telecaster.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I haven't but it sounds cool

[@kevinbowers512]

Been watching your videos a few days now and starting to get this crazy idea I could actually build a guitar but I do have a couple questions. How does one go about doing the body contours or reliefs and how does one go about making chambered body guitars? Also can everything be done with a regular router for the most part? Enjoying the videos! you've about got me talked into giving it a try but I need just a few more ingredients before I try to cook something up!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Those are fairly deep questions, if you keep watching maybe I'll do some videos about that stuff

[@kevinbowers512]

Texas Toast Guitars thanks!!!

[@aandc2005]

Only thing using tightbond 1, 2 or 3 is that is dried kinda dark which makes you fabric look darker...I was going to use a clear clue and on a white base coat...but I need to find one that doesn't bleed though which tightbond doesn't...

[@TexasToastGuitars]

The darker the fabric the better

[@thedustykeratometer8570]

The magazine Family Handyman suggests first de-fuzzing your roller with the sticky side of some tape to prevent or cut down the “boogers” as you called them.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

It's a good way to go

[@trueevilturtle]

Hey matt i was thinking of doing a full fabric wrap around the front back and sides of the guitar, have you done a full wrap and are their any issues i need to watch out for?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We have done a few, they are pretty labor intensive. Watch for where the fabric ends and starts up again. I recommend binding

[@monkeesfan1965]

How would you do this with a pre built semi hollow?

[@donschlottmann3702]

Do you glue to bare wood or did you put down simtec before glueing the fabric

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We glue directly to the wood

[@LeGrillQC]

Do you need to have a thick fabric or you can use a bandana thin fabric ?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Only you can decide

[@m1dodger]

Can you give us the part numbers for the coatings?

[@Nonexistanthuman]

I got an advertisement for a fang shui obsidian bracelet. You guys dont wanna know the bs I just watched but it was pretty hilarious. Glad I can watch the video now!! But forreal though if you watched that ad LOL!!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Some of those adds are strange

[@dunawayguitars7494]

Is there a place to buy fabric for guitars or will any fabric do?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I like JoAnne

[@markhoffman3100]

Matt...I want to do the front, back AND sides. My blank is already routed and I've done the front and back. Do I add sides now or sealer first. I'm also wanting to add binding. Does binding come after all surfaces are sealed?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We do the top and back first quick round of sealer then the sides and more sealer, enough to do binding and then do binding

[@jonahguitarguy]

I love that fabric Matt. This really is easy and everyone that tries this needs to follow your method to the letter.😀 I tried epoxy and it just didn't work at all.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Epoxy is a total bummer

[@kiwifloors]

Sup "Matt" Keep going with the awesome work i am learning how to create a guitar also and test try like how you covered your guitars "Hint". When your putting the fabric on the body you could use a piece of plastic / eftpos card to smooth it out saving using your palm to smooth it out, peace out! from NZ cheers Matt!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks dude

[@paulcartwright2386]

Hey, does this work with silk as well as it does with cotton?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

No

[@VIPSTYLEUSA]

I have a question can you apply 2k clear coat directly to the fabric or do you have to use polyutherane sealer.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You certainly can do it I just don't know if it will work the same as the sealer

[@paul1060]

does the glue saturate the material and make it blotchy / dark spots?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I'm not going to say that is will always do or not perform the same from one fabric to the next. You should test all of this stuff out and make sure it will work on your project.

[@saddamali666]

Do you think this glue would work with mermaid sequin?

[@edwindenhertog7849]

Hi Matt! I love these fabric tops and I'm thinking of giving it a shot myself. One problem: No Simtec in the Netherlands.... Could it be done with epoxy resin? Thnx man!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I just talked with them and they told me they would ship overseas. I have not used epoxy so... I'm not sure if it would work. I'm not sure it wouldn't either. You might need to blaze some new trails

[@edwindenhertog7849]

@@TexasToastGuitars ok, thanks Matt!

[@lynnritchie70]

This fabric me LIKEY!!!!!

[@aandc2005]

Matt where is your main source of those cool fabrics?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

JoAnn

[@aandc2005]

@@TexasToastGuitars ok thanks

[@jamesjeffries8888]

So how do you fabric a pre-cut body with?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We have a few videos about that

[@thomasnewton9818]

Can fabric be used on a contoured surface like on the top of a Les Paul?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You bet, it flows around contours really well

[@drdoomecj]

Will the glue stain white fabric?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

White fabric isn't my favorite

[@drdoomecj]

@@TexasToastGuitars it's white with a black print

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@drdoomecj I would recommend doing a test bit, usually the white gets really... see through

[@drdoomecj]

@@TexasToastGuitars I did several test pieces with various glues, titebond 3 had the best results with White fabric as far as the 5 wood glues I tried was

[@lynnritchie70]

My kid plays a buttload of sports and he has some sublimated baseball jerseys that I am thinking would be awesome for this. Have you ever tried polyester?? That is what they are made of cause you can't sub onto cotton very easily.

[@scottestes7768]

Bahahaha!!! I bought a dress for a girlfriend once that was made from that fabric!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Sexy! This is fabric I have had since the old shop so... at least 7 years old

[@greenhandle]

Which Simtec sealer do you use. i see they make a bunch and i'm wondering which one is best for spraying topcoats?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We use the EZ sanding sealer. It works with lots of different top coats. Give them a call, they won't let you down

[@greenhandle]

thanks and thank you for the parts link for your binding jig video. everyone should watch that vid.

[@dougdeeper2537]

This may go without asking, but if I found a fabric pattern I liked, could I send it to you for possible use when you build me a guitar?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Of course, send me an email and lets kick it around

[@gerthalberg9735]

Hi Matt, would it be possible to use “tweed” or would it be to much texture in the fabric?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That sounds cool but I don't know. Lets try it

[@pettermele682]

Hi Matt Great video :) I'm building av V with fabric top (first time), but got som problems along. One; the fabric edges after routing is not sharp, but get fluffy (very small, short treads sticking out). I have fairly sharp bits, and it looks OK at first, but next day they are "fluffy". Two; used double sided tape to attach template for cavities, when pulling template of the fabric loosened from the wood... Have tried to follow youre instructions as well as I'm able to :)

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Sounds like not enough sealer

[@memor5514]

¡man i feel like an ass for being hard on the content you guys are great! thnx for sharing your knowledge

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I guess I don't follow? Thanks for watching hope you stick around and enjoy the videos

[@memor5514]

i left some comments before were i was hard on the video you guys posted but i was quick to judge the channel like what you guys are doing i am an ametur luthier and i always appreciate people who share their techniques thats what im saying

[@pskemster]

Tite bond wood glue the industry standard with weenie roller. If it isn’t broke don’t fix it! Lol bad ass as always!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I'm going to make some Weenie Roller Operators Union t-shirts

[@payday1963]

Maybe use a dry weenie roller to flatten the fabric after gluing down??

[@TexasToastGuitars]

There is probably a wienie roller attachment for just this process? Hmmm maybe I could start making something like that

[@nsjguitarsakascotsman6989]

Not sure if it's been covered (unintended pun) but is there a secret to getting a nice edge on an already complete guitar body that's all routed out including the shape? Cheers Ok so you answered that in vid no 3 lol

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Glad you got the answer Niel

[@pskemster]

Wondering if a dry weenie roller wouldn’t help you in smoothing out the creases! 🤘

[@TheGearhead327350]

I was thinking the same

[@Dreamdancer11]

How about a fretboard made exclusively from layers of fabric drenched in resin....just throwing an idea there....

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Sure man

[@danielwalter7106]

Use vintage speaker cloth! Something recognizable. Good stuff, doesn’t stretch.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I think there are other people who do that

[@scottdunn2178]

Somehow I think gluing Marshall check-front, or salt-and-pepper grille cloth on your guitar would have Spinal Tap written all over it. 🤣

[@steveredenbaugh9058]

Yeah, Weenie Roller!! I was feeling a bit Inferior when you said you had a Lot of Extra Wood to work with..... but then you said you had a half inch of Wood that`s gonna need to be cut, then I was`nt feelin` so bad... but there IS a concern about getting a Circumcision at your Age...

[@TexasToastGuitars]

If Mrs Texas Toast ever asked to make it hurt I have to punch her in the eye. Yeah sure, everyone knows I'm terrified of her overhand right

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

Wait until the morning after, his weenie roller is rock hard...

[@scottdunn2178]

Alternative Title; how to glue a blanket to your guitar. Don't miss part 2; tying pillows in front of your speakers. 🤣

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You know so much... lets hope you share your vast knowledge with the rest of the world someday

[@scottdunn2178]

@@TexasToastGuitars Good Lord lighten up... you guys have no sense of humor. 🙄

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@scottdunn2178 Like I said... one day you will share your gift.

[@joelhines7449]

I got my paisley stuff at Joan's, haha

[@TexasToastGuitars]

and I did too, I like your style Joel

[@xylonguitars]

thank you for sharing! You've done George Thorogood proud! 😎

[@TexasToastGuitars]

howhowhow

[@remyr5749]

Ha Ha..dusty old guitar makers wandering around JoAnn's. That was me today. Lot's o raised eyebrows. At 45, this might be my new singles spot!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Lots of foxy ladies go to JoAnn

[@jvin248]

If you wrap that glue filled roller in plastic and maybe put it in the fridge/freezer you can reuse it say the next day or two (long term it will dry out in there). Or warm/hot water wash it out and dry it for next time. Then your investment in rollers will last.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We like to line up a bunch and get several bodies worth. The cost per WR goes down then... kinda

[@xh4r744]

Part 2?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Should be Monday or Tuesday

[@timothywilliams345]

Too cool!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for watching Timothy

[@Bob_at_OZDiggzguitars]

Matt be settin' me straight, Right Ken Boudreau? (snicker) Matt, is it possible to do sides also?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I try to keep y'all on the straight & narrow :)

[@butteredbiskit3497]

I bet fiberglass resin would be the best to use.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Cool dude, use that

[@butteredbiskit3497]

@@TexasToastGuitars the titebond seems to work good for you but do you have issues with your router doing good roundovers? I know that glue doesnt sand well either.

[@Cobra-ky9bt]

A cotton fat quarter is enough to cover a Les Paul with a bit to spare.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That sounds right to me too my friend

[@narbonneguitars9331]

dude a full leather strat or lp that would be bad ass

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Send me an email with your ideas and your budget Jim, we can make that happen. One of the guys at the shop. John, is a leather worker and he makes lots of cool stuff. His wife used to make saddles so she is even better at it than him. We can get you fixed up for sure

[@narbonneguitars9331]

i am a luthier my self an twenty year..funiture maker ...worked the uphohstery room for two years when i first started ...that would look bad ass a black biker leather guitar body...its something i could do my self ...i also have been fine artist my whole life an leather work is one of my favorite mediums .... i stumbled on your channel through recommendation ... i carve an desighn guitars an artisticaly reilief carve .... i also dont use not one power tool i use planes chisels an rasps... i am a cheap but also its a hobby so i take joy in giving a guitar a carved top with thumb planes an scrapers...

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I like your style, be sure to send pictures

[@shaneh928]

Sweet

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for watching Shane

[@thadudeman69]

LaRue dillo dust!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That is good stuff

[@daleredding7520]

I have built four electric guitars and had a lot of fun doing it. The first one was made from a discarded rock maple bench top and two others were made from 100 year old black walnut with a flame maple top, turned out nice.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That sounds really cool Dale, do you got any pictures you could send me? I would love to see them

[@daleredding7520]

@@TexasToastGuitars Yes as soon as I figure out how to do it, I am not much of a techy. I will get my son to help me with the pictures.

[@Philipsimojo]

Hey! I use Titebond for all of my major joints! CA glue fixes all of my screw-ups as a gap filler! Hahahaha!!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I like your style Phil

[@justinbouchard]

I might suggest having a second weenie roller, but a dry one. That way you can roll that fabric flat on there instead of using your hands :) Plus 2 weenies is better..wait a second... Anyways...yeah, a dry one....

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for watching Justin, the foam wienie roller is great for smearing glue or paint but as a hard roller to eliminate bumps it doesn't excel. That fabric is really old and has been wadded up in the box for years.

[@justinbouchard]

Ahhh!!! Nice....there is always more than meets they eye when people are doing manual labor :D

[@hizo64HH]

I just want a video where they show what the pizza cutter in the back is used for on a guitar.

[@jrbass62]

I see a pizza cutter on the wall, I'm hungry !! Why all the skulls? You go to that soon enough..

[@MarioinRmd]

@8:58 Aren't we all! Haha..

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Maybe? :)

[@juanokita4401]

Ok

[@JPTBEAUX]

We call it a mini roller

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That sounds really fun

[@naga9247]

… Set Playback Speed 2X ☑️

[@yoheff988]

Fabric as a finish? what's next, maybe a Persian rug LOL

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That is a great idea for the shop... nice and cushy for standing around all day

[@yoheff988]

LOL..You can also try mixed steel nails, you are a good sport LOL

[@jimmpanik3402]

I get it. You're proud of the line. It's a good line but it's not a great line. I mean, I bet you could make a better line.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I don't know what you mean

[@jimmpanik3402]

@@TexasToastGuitars @ 3:37 in the video. You talk about how you're proud of that line.... just a joke

[@johnfrancismusic]

😱😱😱😱😱

[@mattdecker2507]

Titebond definitely doesn't like to come out of fabric. I work for Titebond and I have pairs of pants that I can stand up by themselves cause they're covered in the stuff 😂

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for watching Matt, we love Titebond

[@Terribleguitarist89]

I had a sergeant who used watered down titebond instead of starch on his BDU uniforms haha I'm sure they're still standing up in the corner of his closet.

[@jessefagundes6965]

What is this? Were's the new?