first coat epoxy pic

[stuntbass77]

First coat pic's of epoxy on the fretboard; so far so good.

[BigOldHarry]

spray? Hand applied then polished? Which epoxy?

DETAILS! WE DEMAND DETAILS!

[kgrundy]

Lookin great just have a quick question...

When pouring the epoxy how do you keep it on the fret board and from running down the sides onto the back???

[stuntbass77]

I used clear packing tape on the sides. Taped the back and sides of the neck up to the top of the fretboard; also taped the nut slot. I removed the old nut as with the new finish the old nut will sit too low and cause string buzz. I poured System three mirror coat on the middle of the fretboard and used a 2 1/2 inch foam brush to spread it on. First coat is supposed to be thin and I plan to do about 3. Waited about 10 minutes and with a torch about 8 inches from the top of the fretboard went up and down it to release the air bubbles in the finish. Going to wait 24 hrs and then do another coat after some light sanding. I will then wait three to five days and fine sand and polish it with most likely some type of car polish/wax.

[tjclem]

Which epoxy?

[eleonn]

Originally Posted by tjclem

Which epoxy?

(Whispering) psssst psssst TJ... He mention which epoxy on the second line.

[stuntbass77]

Thin coats seems to be the key. Second coat I felt was too thick and I sanded most of the second coat off. After the first coat it should be sanded till all the waves are out of the finish. By keeping each coat thin by sanding at least half the last coat off helps the next coat go on smoother. Not using a radius block; just a flexible sanding sponge and paying much attention to keeping the same radius. The sanding sponge seems to flex to the original radius. If I have learned anything it is keep your coats thin and plan on doing 3 to 5 ( 5 being better ). And keep the neck level; cannot stress this enough.

[erikbojerik]

I would use a hard sanding block for leveling rather than a sanding sponge - I personally use a 3" wide offcut sliced from the edge of a piece of marble tile, VERY flat, and I sand parallel to the strings. I don't think you can get the epoxy as flat as it needs to be using a sponge. Use a radius gauge to check the uniformity of the radius.

[stuntbass77]

Last coat; makes four total. Here are some pic's before I polish. Not worried about making it as shiny as a pedulla board. Just want more protection and a little more mwah maybe. Board seems to retain its original radius due to the fact that I kept the coats extremely thin. There is a easier way I am sure but the results and better than expected. Might even buy and another neck and try getting better at this.