NGFD

[AniML]

If you were expecting this to be about a new lady, move along.. It's...

New Grain Filler Day

I just got a bottle of Timbermate

to grainfill this 1-piece Swamp Ash body (prepped with S&S):

Then, it will be finished with this:

which I am hoping turns out like this:

and then it will be fitted with an aged white pickguard, cut off Tele bridge, and maple / maple neck.

Cool thing is, it will be very unique... I cannot find another Tele anywhere on the web done in Inverness Green

 

[jeremy]

Re: NGFD

i like that color!

too bad youre covering up that grain though

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: NGFD

Cant' wait to see it finished. All these cool tele builds are killing me.

I'd maybe opt for a black bakelite guard over Inverness Green, but aged white might look nice too.

 

[guitarkid]

Re: NGFD

Wow! That is going to be a sweet Tele! Can't way to see the finished product!

 

[AniML]

Re: NGFD

i like that color!

too bad youre covering up that grain though

The grain is nothing spectacular, though it is nice. I thought about a trans finish, but opted for the Inverness nitro. And I don't think trans green generally works as well as trans blue or red

 

[zenmindbeginner]

Re: NGFD

Use the timbermate with your bare hands... just plop some down and get to rubbing.

The whole credit card or cheesecloth thing is ridiculous compared to what the human hand can do.

Timbermate is water soluble until it cures and cleans up rather easily. There is a bit of stink to it (epoxy).

I just hand rub it on and use a not so damp sponge (big yellow kind like tile setters use) to sort of clean off the excess after it develops a skin. Just repeat as necessary until you are all done.

It's easy as pie to add more grain filler but sanding it off is not as fun... sanding grain filler is a PITA, so just put enough on to get in the pores and then clean off the excess and repeat until satisfied. A light sanding between a few of the coats isn't a bad idea. I like to use sanding sponges because they conform to the contours well. You can use a sanding block to make sure all of the flat areas are completely level after using the sanding sponge.

Get some sanding sealer and use that as a primer over the freshly sanded and grain filled body wood. Make sure that the guitar is as smooth as glass at that point before you apply the Inverness nitro lacquer

You will also need a can of clear to go over the Inverness Green after you are satisfied with the color job.

I've used Ohio Valley, ReRanch, Colortone and Behlens... let us know how the Gracie's works and good luck!

 

[AniML]

Re: NGFD

Zen - thanks for the tips.

I did a swamp ash build a couple of years back and used oil-based MacFadden's GF and swore never again. It was very hard to get a good level fill made a heck of a mess and it pulled out easily. As a result my guitar does have some pin holes, but it is my favorite guitar nonetheless. This is my first time using Timbermate and have read far more positive than negative.

I've got the Inverness on its way along with 2 cans of clear. I'll also be making a run to the local paint or auto parts shop for some white lacquer primer.

The body already has 2 coats of sanding sealer and have planned for 1 or 2 more coats following grain filling

again, thanks!

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: NGFD

That's gonna be suhweet!

 

[tonechaser]

Re: NGFD

I've always had good luck with Timbermate. Works well and easy clean up. Does smell kinda funny though. Dies relatively well with Trastint or the like but then it really smells.

 

[DarkMatter]

Re: NGFD

Nothing says tele better than swamp ash. The color is sweet too.