Need help : How to get glossy finish?

[reez_rock]

Hi Guys,
I'm currently working on a PRS copy project guitar.

Need some advice. Hope some gurus here can help

Guitar has a satin finish at the moment. I want to get a gloss or high gloss if possible on it. Any method that doesn't require any heavy tools?



Thanks in advance

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_get_a_high_gloss_finish_on_a_guitar
Sorry, no personal experience...
I prefer matte finishes.

 

[reez_rock]

Thank you for the link.

But I'm actually looking for a more specific methods. Like what type of lacquer and how should i apply it.

Cos I understand if it's done by pro guitar workshop or luthier, they will use some rotating machine to apply it. Like what they show here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92YWLyqwjYI

I saw some carpenters apply lacquer using some brushes for furnitures. Does this work for guitar?

 

[bluelime]

Sorrry to sidetrack. but whr did u get the prs body and neck ? Interested too. hehh

 

[reez_rock]

haha...you won't find it man...My advice is to get a PRS copy(something like dillion) and "sacrifice" it.

Btw, Guitar Workshop at bras basah sells some interesting korean made PRS copies. Tried it be4, not bad sounds and built like epiphones. pickup upgrades will be sufficient

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

You might find what you want at StewMac? You don't have to order from them, but they give lots of information on the types of lacquer. You can research what you want from there and get it at a local hardware shop.

Edit: The machine is for professionals. It's like how not every household will have a drill press and a router machine. I use a brush to apply thinner to remove lacquer. It should be essentially the same, except you have to be much more careful with the lacquer-make sure even coats are applied and sand off excess. Buffering is the most important-it makes the lacquer shine.

 

[faekildare]

Gloss is not due to laquer type. It's just the buffing process.
You can achieve the same thing by buffing Brasso on Laquer.

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

So any kind of lacquer can be used?

 

[reez_rock]

Gloss is not due to laquer type. It's just the buffing process.
You can achieve the same thing by buffing Brasso on Laquer.

Thanks on the input. But what if there isn't any lacquer on the first place?

anyway, this is the guitar that i'm working on. Got it from a bro here.

Thinking of doing some minor upgrades like
zebra pickups(most probably duncans)
locking tuners
knobs

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

Remove all the hardware. The fact you wanna change pups and knobs make it easier. Desolder the pups, knobs and selector switch. Make it as bare as possible. You should even unscrew the neck if it is possible. I would recommend using those type of lacquer where you can paint one, not those spray one. Spray one, technique must be swee one. If not, the lacquer applied will be uneven.
Since you're gonna change the tuners, remove the tuners and then tape the neck at the nut at the first fret/nut with masking tape. Apply coats to body and headstock as you see fit. I think you also need to leave it to dry between coats if you want those high gloss finish, and it's quite a long time to dry.
Nice inlays, by the way.