You guys have no idea how much I appreciate all the discussion and knowledge transfer. It has given me confidence that I've never had when it comes to woodworking.
While shopping for #0000 steel wool, I ran across the wipe-on version of the MinWax Poly High Gloss.
Since I'm a maniac with aerosol, I picked this stuff up. I've been practicing my spraying with a small chunk of Alder off on the side that I've finished the same as the actual body.
Here's what I've done since I my last post:
Wiped on 1st coat of Poly, waited 3 hours, then lightly sanded (more of a light rub with #0000 wool), cleaned the piece, then wiped on 2nd coat of Poly, waited, then a bit of a rub with #0000.
The piece was dry to the touch after 2 hours, and it has a nice shell on it. It's not as glossy as I was expecting, but I think I can bring out a shine later...maybe? (advice welcome)
Anyway, I let it sit overnight, and I'm thinking about hitting the 3rd Poly coat with the spray. Like I said, I've been spraying a small piece of Alder off on the side, and it has a shinier finish than the actual body with the wipe-on Poly.
QUESTION: I have the bass body hanging from a thick wire in my workshop. I've been applying the wipe-on Poly by unhooking the piece and holding it by the pickup cavity, then wiping on the Poly, then re-hanging the piece, then finishing the wipe-on. Obviously, this technique will not work with spray. If I hang the body and spray, I'm afraid of runs.
My practice piece is pretty small and doesn't require a great deal of spray.
Any tips on spraying the body - is it OK to do while hanging straight up?
Here's the updated process/layers (top-to-bottom)
Sanding: #0000 Steel Wool
MinWax Poly (wipe on) 2nd coat
Sanding: #0000 Steel Wool
MinWax Poly (wipe on) 1st coat
Watco Teak Oil
Sanding: 220/400 (Sanded sides 120/150/220/400)
MinWax Sanding Sealer
Sanding: 220
MinWax Sanding Sealer
Sanding: 80/120/150/220
Bare/new Alder (1.75 inches thick)
Thanks,
Steve