KIT: COLOR FROM BARE WOOD

Complete kit to paint your guitar from scratch

Tutorial

1- PREPARATION OF THE SUPPORT

• Sand the wood with P240 and P400 grit sandpaper. The wood should be free of imperfections and stains.
• The objective of this first step is to obtain a perfectly smooth surface without defects or roughness in order to proceed with the application of the first base coats.

2- APPLICATION OF WHITE OR TRANSPARENT BACKGROUND – NITORLACK PRIMER

• The undercoat is the layer of varnish that will build the base of the finish, providing a uniform surface. We will choose white for solid finishes or clear for transparent finishes that show the wood grain. We recommend a minimum of 2 sprays for a good undercoating process.
• Sand with P800 grit sandpaper between coats. At least 3 to 5 coats are recommended. We will apply the product until we see that there are no imperfections, it is perfectly leveled and the pore of the wood is completely closed.

3- COLOR APPLICATION

• Apply coats of color sanding between coats with P800 and let dry 24 hours between coats. It is recommended to apply a minimum of 2 coats until a uniform finish is achieved. Be especially careful when sanding the first coats of color to avoid peeling.

4- GLOSS OR MATTE FINISH – NITORLACK LACQUER

• The application process of the finish is the same as for the base coat. We apply finish coats sanding between coats with P800 and letting dry 24 hours between coats. It is recommended to apply a minimum of 3-4 coats.
• In the case of a GLOSS finish, once we see that the finish is completely uniform and the guitar is finished to our liking, it is important NOT TO SAND the last coat we have applied and let it dry for 2 to 3 weeks in order to polish and get the maximum shine.
• In the case of a matte finish, the last coat will be the final finish, it cannot be sanded or polished. Only let it dry for 48 – 72 hours.

5- POLISHING

• Sand with a gradual process with 1200-1500-2000 grit sandpaper until all application imperfections are removed.
• Try to sand in a straight line without exerting too much pressure so as not to make deep marks that will be difficult to remove with polish. It is advisable to apply a few drops of soap to the water to facilitate the sanding.
• Apply a few drops of polish on the surface of the guitar and on the polishing sponge.
• It is recommended to polish at 1500 to 2000 rpm without pressure to avoid overheating the finish. Check the heating regularly during polishing.
• Perform a first polishing process with MIRKA POLARSHINE 10 and the WHITE sponge. We must obtain a mirror finish.
• Finish the polishing with MIRKA POLARSHINE 5 and the BLACK sponge. With this last process we will get an extra shine.
• Wipe off the polishing residues with a cloth and the guitar is finished.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Shake the sprays vigorously for 3 to 5 minutes before application. Apply on a witness surface before applying it on the guitar.
• A Nitorlack finish, depending on different factors should have a total of 6 to 10 coats in total, counting base – color – finish, with a minimum of 3-4 coats of gloss finish. This will give an approximate thickness of 150 microns (0.15 mm) depending on how much sanding is done, how much lacquer is applied in each coat and what thickness of finish is desired.
• If an instrument has not been finished before, it is advisable to apply 9 to 12 coats, so you will be sure not to sand or polish the finish excessively, leaving parts with “bare” wood. As more experience is acquired with the product and the finishing method, fewer coats will be necessary and finer finishes can be achieved.
• If you accidentally get a “drop” or “drip” during application, allow the finish to dry for 24 hours and level by sanding with P400 sandpaper, preferably on a hard sanding block. The drip can also be “cut” with a razor blade, a faster method and one that avoids the accidents that can be caused by excessive sanding. To familiarize yourself with the process, it is advisable to test on discarded wood, in order to evaluate for yourself the characteristics of the process of finishing a guitar with “Nitorlack” guitars.
• It is also advisable to use a “witness” surface on which to apply the coats of lacquer at the same time as on the piece to be finished. A paper glued with masking tape to a rigid support (wood, thick cardboard) is a suggestion. Thus, measuring first the thickness of the paper with a caliper and then measuring the resulting thickness of the successive layers once dry, you will have a fairly accurate idea of the thickness of the layer to be applied and thus be able to have a better idea of its thickness. A thickness of 150 to 180 microns (0.15 to 0.18 mm) guarantees a fine finish, which respects the vibrations of the instrument, while protecting it, avoiding excessive thicknesses.
• Always apply thin coats. Let dry 24 hours and sand between coats. Apply in crossed coats to distribute the product well. Apply with an approximate distance of 15 to 20 cm.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

• Apply in ventilated or extracted areas. Wear protective gloves, clothing, goggles and mask. Wash thoroughly after handling. In case of contact with eyes: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses when present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Highly flammable liquid and vapors. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye damage. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.