Shellac cut question

Z

Zaxxon

New member
I've been wanting to refinish a guitar neck for a close to bare wood feel, and thought I'd try something like what's described in this article:

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/sanding_your_guitar_neck_for_a_smoother_feel

The author basically says it's 50/50 alcohol and shellac.

Should I assume that he's meaning pre-mixed shellac, like Zinzer? I am going to be using flakes.

The article below explaining cut ratios says store bought shellac is 3-4 lb cut. So would I be going for a 1 1/2 to 2 lb cut to mimic the mixture from the premier guitar article?

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Onlin..._Repair/How_and_why_to_mix_fresh_shellac.html

The author of the first article also says he uses rubbing alcohol to cut his shellac. I don't know the intricacies of the differences or similarities between alcohol types, but was just planning on using denatured for my mixture.

The neck is from a Peavey Predator, that I will sand the poly off of. I know the shellac will not protect as well as the poly, but I am willing to assume the risk if the finish is more satin and raw feeling, being it is an inexpensive guitar.
 
Re: Shellac cut question

Shellac will wear pretty quickly but it's super easy to recoat

I've never used flakes but I've cut zinsser bullseye down with isopropyl and denatured
 
Re: Shellac cut question

ive finished a couple of axes in shellac using flakes.
50/50 is ok, but if you want a real nice job and are prepared to be patient, do more coats and use a thinner mix.
 
Re: Shellac cut question

If U want a really fast + natural feeling neck , sand off all that finish where there is hand contact . next wet all open areas with water + De-whisker till they dont raise several times 320g. . Apply approx. 20 coats of Formbys or Old English lemon oil ( heated to very Warm is good - no need to Boil. hand rub 15 - 20 Coats . i do ALL of my own guitars like that - laquer will slow your hand up when U sweat , it will Speed up when oiled
 
Re: Shellac cut question

Thanks for the info Knucklehead, yes, that's the feel I want on the neck. I've been looking all over trying to decide which approach I should take for that kind of result. You've had no warping issues? How long do you wait inbetween coats?
 
Re: Shellac cut question

Never 1 warped neck in over 30yrs. of that method . Next coat right after the last one is finished . You can keep coating until it doesn't drink any very fast . then for the rest of the guitar's life ~ 1 or 2 coats a year . The maple Necks I use are usually pretty hard as well . Use Shellac on top somtimes but not on the Back ( Myself ~ it's Oil Only
 
Re: Shellac cut question

Oh and Keef dont sweat warping with Micawber either - All worn off


BTW , I'm talking about practicing, Gigging + Recording guitars - real world axs
Not collectible ~ only 50 made specimens ( most likely like the ones Me + Youy play
 
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Re: Shellac cut question

Shellac doesn't feel sticky? How about in humid climates?
I've been using Birchwood Casey oil/wax blend for maple necks. No warping yet.
 
Re: Shellac cut question

Remember shellac is digestable so it will wear, that's not all bad but keep it in mind. Read up on french polishing

and thank this little bug

lac-beetle-french-polishing-800w-800x600.jpg
 
Re: Shellac cut question

Mincer said:
Shellac doesn't feel sticky? How about in humid climates?
I've been using Birchwood Casey oil/wax blend for maple necks. No warping yet.
Click to expand...

Arizona , Mincer - but usually as sealer or hybrid incorporating <- Oh , actually been doing more Aqua coat + Polycrylic type of incorporating lately more on the water-B side when not mohawk, sherwin or other standard vinyl +/or lacquer . Need to get some Deft clear water finish (not the urethane one, the Acrylic to try ~ as well )
 
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