Surface finishing with hand applied clear coat anyone?

General The Pub
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I’m starting to experiment with water based clear coats for a guitar finish. Has anybody had any experience applying clear coat by hand, possibly using mica or metal flake powders in the lacquer? I’m hoping to get some depth effects by using multiple coats with just traces of mica or flake.
Or is it a waste of time and I better find someone with a spray gun?

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Just my 2 cents from a guy that has quite a bit of experience with wood finishes and automotive finishes. If you value the guitar, you would probably be best served to follow the tried and true methods of finishing the guitar. A lot of Guitar refinishers use automotive type finishes, because they are hard and durable. The only hand applied clear coat that I would personally attempt would be a laquer finish . that can be sanded between coats and at the final coat to level it out. I’m not a guiutar guy, but I have a suspision that water based finishes might really dampen the resonance of the guitar because it’s a relatively soft finish. Where as a hard finish would have the opposite effect and brighten the resonance. But, what do I know I’m just a wood worker with some experience restoring cars.

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Thanks for your concern, but the clear coat i’m using was developed for guitars in particular. It’s supposed to let the wood resonate. the other option i considered would be polyurethane coating but i can’t just use that in my basement without stinking the house out. Both options have their pros and cons but they’re both supposed to be tested finishes for guitar bodies and with some work you can get a glossy surface.
I’m preparing some test pieces to see how it goes with the mica powder and how to prepare the wood. Just dye it to have the grain structure shine through or use a filler first and use a dark first coat.
I have a suspicion the metal flakes won’t float evenly in the clear coat once it’s applied. But the mica should do.

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I didn’t know that they made a water based finish that are designed for guitars.The mica will probably disperse more evenly than mettalics, so long as the substrate is smooth. Things have changed a lot in paint technology in the past 20yrs.