kholmes
Hey, I'm busy building a solid top and rosewood back acoustic steel string. What are the forums thoughts on a seal coat of , say Novathane for the inside? I'm thinking, - if the outside is sealed it is impervious to humidity, but the inside is not. Will that not create warpage/stressesor whatever?
kholmes
Thanks Zohn, will leave the inside naked ? Any thoughts on Novathane matt as an outside finish. I was thinking that matt would help hide some amateur build flaws!
Airguitar
If you want to go real serious on your finish then use old school nitrocellulose laquer. it actually breathes. that way it absorbs moisture even through the finish. very thin coats is the way to go to keep the top and back flexible and allow more vibrations and hence more tone to emanate from your woods.
MikeM
Airguitar, there's no "oldschool" nitro in South Africa. It's all far more akin to nitro based sanding sealer if you look at the solid content of the paints. I've heard of a smaller company that makes something that'd be similar to real nitro, but I don't know which company or the paint's track record. Considering the negatives, it's really not worth a non-pro shooting nitro.
I'd wait for Alan's opinion as he has experience with local products..
Airguitar
I guess StewMac is the only reliable source of nitro.
Yes it's harder to shoot but mainly because it requires thinner coats and longer drying times between coats.
Definitely for experienced users only but also definitely superior in the quest for tone.
AlanRatcliffe
Plascon WL6 used to be OK, but the last batch I got was off - wouldn't cure properly. I have another batch I must still try though. BTW - I've had people tell me that Plascon have stopped making it and others then order it for me successfully...
To be honest, no manufacturer anywhere does the proper old-fashioned nitro. The plasticisers in any modern version have changed over the old stuff. Makes 'em easier to apply and more light resistant - which are both good things.
