This book is about finishing electric and acoustic guitars and similar instruments by hand. Finishing methods described here make use of simple and inexpensive tools and supplies. No expensive spray equipment is needed. The emphasis is on finishes that can be safely and successfully applied by first time instrument finishers. Background information about the various finishing materials is provided, along with detailed descriptions of each material's durability, ease of application, and safety during application. Typical finishing schedules used for musical instruments are presented. Details of sealing, pore filling, coloring, and clear coating are presented in individual chapters, and make use of traditional materials like shellac and oil varnish, as well as modern materials such as waterborne finishes and epoxy. Coloring options include directly dyeing the wood, use of wood stains, and application of solid colors. Much information is provided about how to spot and correct finishing mistakes as early in the process as possible. Although the focus is on hand methods, inexpensive approaches to machine buffing and polishing are also explained. A final chapter about finishing techniques that are unique to instruments, like finishing over decals and artwork rounds out the information. Hand-Applied Guitar Finishes is a must-have for guitar makers building from scratch, kit builders, and folks putting together electric guitars from parts.

This lavishly illustrated book has over 230 pages and contains more than 340 full-color photos and drawings. Features of the book include:

• Background information about commonly-used finishing materials and their ingredients
• Both USA (Imperial, English) and metric units of measurement are presented
• Makes use of inexpensive tools and equipment
• Descriptions of simple jigs and fixtures for holding instruments while finishing
• Information on preparing the shop for finishing
• Compatibility of different finishing materials is discussed
• Commonly used instrument finishing schedules are presented
• Commonly made beginner mistakes are pointed out, with information on how to avoid them
• Detailed application information for multiple finishing materials is provided including:
• Two different sealers
• Four different pore filling materials
• Different coloring options including paint, stain, and dye
• The use of barrier coats between incompatible materials
• Top coats, including shellac, finishing oils, waterborne finish, and oil varnish
• Multiple ways to level-sand and polish finishes are presented
• An entire chapter is devoted to French polishing
• Glossary of finishing terminology is included
• Includes a comprehensive index

Hand-Applied Guitar Finishes was written by R.M. Mottola. The most prolific writer of articles on guitar design and construction, he was a long-time contributing editor and technology editor for American Lutherie, the widely-read journal for stringed musical instrument makers. He also maintains the LiutaioMottola.com guitar making information website.

Online Annex

Looking for the Online Annex of Hand-Applied Guitar Finishes? It is here.