unfinished body question

scrodzilla · #1 12-21-2008, 12:56 PM

I've had an unfinished maple Warmoth P-bass body sitting in a box for a while now and think it's about time to do something with it. I bought it with the intention of either leaving it bare wood and allowing it to get gross or simply shooting it with a coat of flat black and letting it relic itself. It has a pretty nice looking tight grain and I'm now considering staining it black. What would be the best clear coat option after the stain? I don't think I want to use poly because I think it will yellow too much. I'd like the surface to be satin-finish and tough as nails. Some have suggested a few coats of satin-finish lacquer. I've re-lacquered necks and headstocks before and know it can be a pretty durable finish. Any suggestions?

hbarcat · #2 12-21-2008, 02:33 PM

I always use this and it is even tougher than nails and it won't fade. I'm going to be spraying a couple of basses tomorrow with it.

PPG Deltron DCU2002

https://buyat.ppg.com/refinishProduc...a-c506ee3951d6

scrodzilla · #3 12-21-2008, 03:09 PM

This seems like it would be cool, but I really don't want to do anything high-gloss. I worked in a body shop owned by my dad as a kid, so I'm pretty familiar with this stuff but figure there probably aren't many satin-finish products for automobile applications, right?

knuckle_head · #4 12-21-2008, 03:34 PM

Satin won't stay that way no matter how good the paint is.

I like how basses shine themselves up in time if they are matte to start with, but that's me...

Conversion varnishes are available in a matte finish (they behave much like lacquers) as are other two-part polyester/catalyzed clear coatings. These would be your best options

scrodzilla · #5 12-21-2008, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

Satin won't stay that way no matter how good the paint is.

I like how basses shine themselves up in time if they are matte to start with, but that's me...

I agree with you. I definitely won't mind if some spots get "shined up" a bit, such as where my hand or arm rubs it...I don't even mind when the finish wears off completely (which is why I was originally considering sraying only one coat of flat black on it and letting nature take its course. MOJO!), but I know I don't want to start with gloss.

62bass · #6 12-21-2008, 05:11 PM

You can also take a gloss finish down to satin very easily with steel wool and a few minutes work.