Hello,
I posted this question in the Luthier's section on TB, but I also wanted to see if anyone at The Outpost had any opinions...
I am building my first bass guitar and I am a bit stumped when it comes to the finishing aspect. Not especially craft-worthy, I have done quite a bit of research which has allowed me to get this far. Please overlook my lack of tech-speak when it comes to this craft. I'm getting there.
In a nutshell, I am shaping and finishing a body out of a 1.75 inch thick 2-piece slab of Alder - a nice cheap introduction to bass building - I wanted to keep the finish natural to expose the grain, knots and other characteristics of the wood. I intend to use MinWax Clear Gloss Polyurethane spray to finish.
I've read many articles and I own a few books on building, but I'm constantly seeing unbelievable results from people who have used their own slants/interpretations on proven finishing techniques...which leads me to a couple of questions.
First, a synopsis of what I've done so far:
After shaping and routing, I started sanding. Using a block, I started with 80, then 120, then 150, then 220. I then put 220 on an orbital sander and continued. I got the surface very even and smooth, where you couldn't really feel the grain.
I then put on a light coat of Sanding Sealer and let it dry - The top and back looked beautiful, the sides got darker than I hoped - the body is a Telecaster guitar slab shape (no body/comfort contours). I lightly sanded the whole body down with 220, and it got substantially lighter.
I put a second light coat of Sanding Sealer on and the top/back looked great. The sides are still too dark for me, so much so, that I went back to 100 grit and removed the SS and went through 120/150/220 to get the sides back in good shape.
All along, I kept small samples of Alder off to the sides and experimented with them. One of the finishes that I really like on the sample is Teak Oil. It just glows the most beautiful amber, and I'd like to use it.
Finally, my questions:
1. Will the Teak Oil co-exist on top of the 2nd sanded coat of SS?
2. Is it "safe" to use Teak Oil on the sides now that I've sanded them down (after 2 coats of SS)?
3. Spray-on Poly OK on top of Teak Oil?
I've posted a few pictures of the build here:
http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=4322.0I'll appreciate any constructive assistance that is offered.
Steve