Deft/Minwax Nitro Gloss: Brush-On?

[Silence Kid]

My plan is to use the stuff in the title to coat a stained/otherwise unfinished mahogany body, for protection. I don't plan on performing any additional grain filling, and aim for a result that still feels more or less like natural wood. I plan on knocking the finish back to dull, rather than using satin Deft/Minwax (which I believe do not contain nitrocellulose lacquer.) Leaning toward Minwax at he moment if I can locate it.

I understand the difficulties with the brushing approach entail greater drying time and more sanding to level the finish (at least if I was aiming for a perfectly level glossy surface, which I am not; though I don't want to necessarily feel brush marks either.)

Has anyone done anything like this who can offer pointers or talk me out of it for any reason? BTW, don't really want to make this a poly vs. nitro thread- If you say it makes no difference then I might even agree with you, but would like to limit this discussion to brushing on nitro lacquer.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Deft/Minwax Nitro Gloss: Brush-On?

There is no good reason to brush on nitro lacquer IMO; the results would be inferior to spraying, and there is nothing that I can see to gain from it. Only for small repairs would you benefit by brushing it – not on a guitar body.

It is so very easy to spray and obtain outstanding results; that's a huge part of the draw of lacquer that made it such a popular finishing material. What are you hoping to get by brushing it? Brushing it over a large surface is more work, and takes more finesse for good results. You need to always stay on top of its consistency, and your brushing technique really has to be perfection. Deft sells brushing lacquer, but I don't really see a reason not to spray instead.

As for knocking back a gloss material vs. using a satin material, there's no real reason to split hairs between the different finishes of Deft. That stuff is pretty far removed from "pure" nitro anyhow. It doesn't yellow, it doesn't check, it's very modern in formulation, it takes forever to dry (and sometimes will *never* fully dry if it wasn't applied thinly enough). If you want a satin finish, just use the satin. I have no problem with Deft as a general purpose lacquer (it actually comes with excellent spray tips, and it's available all over the place), but I do not use it when using nitro for the classic way it breaks in on a guitar. It won't behave like that. And...why else would you use nitro on a guitar if not for that, or for the ease of spraying it?

Where are you in CA, man? If you're anywhere near L.A., I can totally help you with this if you need help. I have done a ton of refinishing in my workshop. I am not a pro, but I can certainly show you a few things that will really help you get good results the first time. I would hate to see anything ugly happen to that nice old G&L, especially since it was your dad's.

Also, remember that by definition stain *is* a finish; it's dyes that offer no hard finish protection. Stain *will* protect the wood from the elements. So it isn't necessarily a pressing need to protect the guitar from environmental damage.

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Deft/Minwax Nitro Gloss: Brush-On?

Thanks; I heard a lot of those concerns about Deft so was hoping I could grab some Minwax. The lesser mess/room/equipment of brushing appeals to me, but more that I've seen (alarmingly) good results with brush on car painting (or at least roller painting) that came out quite nice; not even kidding, they beat a Maaco paint job. I know it's not an apples to apples comparison, but it gave me thoughts to know people who did that.

I was advised on another forum to see if (a drop of) water beads on the finish or if it is absorbed. It seems to bead, but then again to my inexperienced eye water "seems to bead" on wood that I know to be unfinished, at least to a degree. If I know what's on there is protective then I'm fine not doing a thing.

I actually have access to a spray booth and facilities; but they are five hours away/out of state, which would ironically be good for lacquer. I don't have time to go out of state long enough to finish the guitar. I'm in north OC (Anaheim/Yorba Linda/Fullerton/Placentia; no one really knows who doesn't live here.) Thanks for the help again, and the offer for further help.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Deft/Minwax Nitro Gloss: Brush-On?

I have never used Deft, but the complaints I hear are too long of a dry time and is too soft.

Minwax, by the way, is Nitrocellulose. I have had good success with the Minwax rattles cans and you can also buy it by the quart/gallon.