How to achieve a flat black open-grained finish?

[takeout]

I have an ash body, to which I'd like to apply a finish similar to this ESP:

I've heard of using black dyes on ash; I presume that goes on first, then topcoats of some sort that don't get buffed out?

*I've used the Search function, but couldn't put together all of the pieces to achieve the above.

 

[smart51]

I'd be tempted to use a black aerosol from a car parts shop. It will give you a coat so thin that the texture of the wood will show right through.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I have an ash body, to which I'd like to apply a finish similar to this ESP:

I've heard of using black dyes on ash; I presume that goes on first, then topcoats of some sort that don't get buffed out?

*I've used the Search function, but couldn't put together all of the pieces to achieve the above.

That's not a difficult finish to do.

First, they have exaggerated the grain of the ash by sandblasting the body, then cleaning it and sanding the surfaces flat. That's what makes the grain texture so unusually deep. You don't have to do that. Ash has a nice deep grain as it is.

Then, spray it with opaque black. The paint of your choice. I'd recommend a polyurethane for simplicity and durability. Put on 2-5 coats, enough to get it full opaque, with a little bit of thickness on the surface. No need for any clear top coats, just opaque black paint.

After it's cured, lightly level sand it to make the surfaces fairly smooth. Then scrub it with 0000 steel wool. That will give you a satin black finish, which may be what you want. Satin sheen will make the black lighter shade, more toward dark grey. If you polish it up finer with rubbing compound, the black will look blacker, but with a little shine. You can stop wherever you like for the look that you want.

 

[Rôckhewer]

First, they have exaggerated the grain of the ash by sandblasting the body, then cleaning it and sanding the surfaces flat. That's what makes the grain texture so unusually deep

You can also get that deep grain by hand.
Use a small wire brush and work just the dark grain. It is softer and will give way. Once it's at the depth you want... sand the brush marks off the surface.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

You can also get that deep grain by hand.
Use a small wire brush and work just the dark grain. It is softer and will give way. Once it's at the depth you want... sand the brush marks off the surface.

Yes, that's true. And that may be what ESP did on that guitar; ran a roller-type abrasive brush over it.

I did some sandblasted ash bodies many years ago, and it was a real mess.