#1
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using UV cured Polyester, any advice?
We have decided to take the plunge and invest in UV cured polyester finishing. We will be using a 1000 watt lamp from UV3.com, and Simtech coatings. Any advice from other builders out there who are currently using UV cured polyester on acoustic guitars?
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#2
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I've been using UV for 3+ years. There is a learning curve so spray some practice boards (as I am sure you will.) I have found that working to higher grits of sanding will allow you less time on the buffing wheel. I use, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2500, 3000. This stuff is hard so more time on the wheel means more heat. Not good! I use a larger diameter wheel at higher speed with a light touch. Seems like when I think I have a procedure that works, something changes. They didn't tell us that we would have to be chemists to build guitars. I'm always happy to talk to other using this system to compare notes. Overall I like the results. The best compliment I have had is when someone at the Montreal show asked what finish I was using. I replied UV Polyester and they said, "really, I though it was nitro." With a little practice you can achieve that "wet" look.
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Jeff Bamburg Handcrafted Acoustic Guitars in the Heart of the Rockies, Salida, Colorado Website www.bamburgguitars.com www.rockymtnguitar.com |
#3
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My advice would be to save some money and try the chemically cured polyester first. Its virtually the same product just a different method of curing which will yield the same results but 24 hours slower to the buffer instead of 24 seconds. I have been using it for the last 2 years and its THE hardest finish I have ever buffed. Its brutal!
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#4
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Jeff Bamburg Handcrafted Acoustic Guitars in the Heart of the Rockies, Salida, Colorado Website www.bamburgguitars.com www.rockymtnguitar.com |
#5
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I used UV polyester for 6 years and had good results but also with some issues. I and other builders have found delamination problems due to using the UV filler. I would pay attention to that if your filling with UV filler. I have also found that with a UV light there are inconsistencys of the poly curing fully. The best results I have had is pore filling with west systems, then spraying the iso sealer, then the poly top coats. I now sub all my finishes out but if I were to start spraying again I would agree with Tim and use the chemical cured poly. I like the fact that the chemical cured would cure fully. But both ways can produce a great finish. Best of luck.
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#6
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With 25 years as a furniture craftsman (Several in the spray booth) I could always fix nitro...I wouldn't have a clue with this stuff. LOL
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https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-T...56266954411686 http://www.reverbnation.com/jayhowlett http://www.jayhowlett.com Guitars: I'm really happy to have a few nice ones. |
#7
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I thought polyester went out in like the 70s?
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Circa OM-30/34 (Adi/Mad) | 000-12 (Ger/Maple) | OM-28 (Adi/Brz) | OM-18/21 (Adi/Hog) | OM-42 (Adi/Braz) Fairbanks SJ (Adi/Hog) | Schoenberg/Klepper 000-12c (Adi/Hog) | LeGeyt CLM (Swiss/Amzn) | LeGeyt CLM (Carp/Koa) Brondel A-2 (Carp/Mad) |
#8
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You should see my Leisure Suit!
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https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-T...56266954411686 http://www.reverbnation.com/jayhowlett http://www.jayhowlett.com Guitars: I'm really happy to have a few nice ones. |
#9
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Like Tim and Tom said I'd stay away from the UV cured stuff. Simtec also have chemically cured Polyester. I believe the UV exposure offers a bigger safety risk than handling the catalysts and accelerators for a chemical cure......as long as common sense precautions are used. I also believe under curing, or overcooking is possible when using a hand held light.
I use chemically cured Axon Polyester. (a local company for me)
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woody b politically incorrect since 1964 |
#10
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Thanks Jeff, I really admire your guitars by the way. I would really love to see one of them someday. Do you have any in Nashville? |
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#13
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The discoloring from the catalysts is not visible when applied to the instrument. You would have to build the finish to 1/4 inch or more before even noticing it. Even at 1/4" thick, after some time it actually turns a light amber. The polyester I use offers two colors of cobalt, red and the traditional blue. I use the red one and it really reduces the color of the polyester once mixed.
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Joe White ( o)===::: |
#14
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Check your PM inbox... |
#15
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Tags |
finish, gerber guitars, uv polyester |
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