Technical Information and Recommended Use:
Application of Nitortint with a Pad or Cloth:
- Dilution: 15-20% in water, distilled water, alcohol, or solvent. The proportion will depend on the desired intensity. Less dilution requires more coats but offers greater colour control. Remember that green and teal colours cannot be diluted in water.
- Wood Preparation: The wood must be uniform and free of imperfections. Sand progressively (240-400-800), always in the direction of the grain.
- Application: Soak the cloth or pad in the mixture and apply with longitudinal movements (following the grain) or circular movements (for retouching or greater intensity in small areas). Repeat the process until the desired colour intensity is achieved. With this application method, a guitar can be evenly stained, or sunburst effects can be created by layering different colours directly onto the wood.
- Drying Time: Allow at least 1-2 hours between coats of stain and preferably 12 hours before applying the first coat of finishing varnish.
Application of Nitortint with a Spray Gun:
- Dilution: For spray gun application, dilution of 3-10% with finishing varnish (Nitro Finish, Nitorpol Finish, Nitoraqua Lacquer) is required. The proportion depends on the desired colour intensity.
- If using nitrocellulose or polyurethane: Once the stain is mixed with the varnish in the recommended proportions, it is advisable to add 15-20% solvent to the mixture to facilitate application and achieve a more uniform finish.
- If using water-based varnish: Follow the same instructions, but use water or distilled water for dilution in the same proportion.
- Wood Preparation: The wood must be uniform and free of imperfections. Sand progressively (240-400-800), always in the direction of the grain.
- Application: It is recommended not to sand between coats, as it is easy to strip the stain during sanding, resulting in an uneven final appearance. This method is ideal for achieving a uniform colour across the surface and is also the most common when creating sunburst effects with multiple stain tones.
- Drying Time: Depending on the thickness of the applied layer, drying time should range between 12 and 24 hours. This applies regardless of the type of varnish used in the dilution.
Application of Nitortint with Spray:
- We currently offer only three spray stains (yellow, red, and black) designed for sunburst finishes.
- It is recommended to apply a Primer base before staining.
- Sprays are sold individually and, in addition to sunburst use, allow for staining an entire guitar in a single colour.
- You can check the sunburst application tutorial at this link.
- Drying Time: Similar to a spray gun finish, between 12 and 24 hours, depending on the thickness of the application layers.
Application of Nitortint with Preval (Rechargeable Spray):
- Dilution: The Preval spray requires a low viscosity product to properly exit through the nozzle. Therefore, it is recommended to dilute 1 part varnish with 1 part water/distilled water/solvent and then add the stain (3-10%).
- Application: Apply thin coats from a distance of approximately 25 cm, in crisscross directions (first vertically, then horizontally). It is important to maintain a smooth and consistent motion to avoid product build-up in one area. Do not sand between coats and respect the drying times (24 hours) to prevent adhesion and drying issues. This method allows for staining a surface with a uniform colour or creating sunburst effects with multiple stain tones.
- Drying Time: Between 6 and 10 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the stains be mixed? Yes, they can be combined to create customised colours according to each customer’s preference.
- Can they be diluted in water, solvent, and alcohol? Yes, they are universal stains (except green and teal, which cannot be diluted in water).
- What is the difference? Water enhances the wood grain but requires sanding after the first coat and has a slower drying time. Solvent and alcohol provide a more uniform finish and dry faster.
- How much should be added? Typically, between 3% and 10% stain, depending on the desired intensity.
- Can these stains be used to tone varnish? Yes, they can be mixed with varnish between 3% and 10% to add colour or “tone.” This is the same process described above for spray gun application.
- Is it worth sanding NitorTint between coats (spray and spray gun)? It is not advisable to sand between stain coats, as it is very easy to strip the stain, resulting in an uneven finish.
- What should be done if the stain is stripped during sanding? It is recommended to sand the entire guitar again and restart the process. However, to repair a stripped area, a small brush with the same stain can be used to blend the error. Then, apply a new coat of stain over the entire guitar to even it out.
- Is it necessary to apply a finishing varnish after staining? Yes, always. A clear varnish must be applied to protect and enhance the colour depth. At least 3 coats are recommended. For a glossy finish, sanding and polishing ensure a flawless look, while a matte finish is achieved naturally after drying, without polishing.
- Will the type of wood influence the final color obtained? Yes, the stains are translucent finishes that allow the wood to show through. In darker woods the result of the stain will be more intense than in lighter woods. In the samples on the web site the samples are made with ash wood.
Safety Recommendations
- Apply the product in well-ventilated areas or with air extraction.
- Use gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and a mask.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling the product.
- In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water for several minutes.
Alberto A. (verified owner) –
JOAN CARLES BALLESTER CANTON (verified owner) –
Pierre Guitarservice ApS – Dubre (verified owner) –
Excelent..! best product ever.. 🙂
Giedrius K. (verified owner) –
Made my guitar back with it, looks awesome. Quite easy to manage.
Laurent R. (verified owner) –