CLEAR FINISH KIT SPRAY

KIT transparent guitar finish

1- PREPARATION OF THE GUITAR

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

2- APPLICATION OF THE TRANSPARENT PRIMER – NITORLACK PRIMER

• The undercoat is the layer of varnish that will build the base of the finish, providing a uniform surface.  We recommend a minimum of 2 sprays for a good undercoat 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 level and the pore of the wood is completely closed.

3- GLOSS OR MATTE FINISH- NITORLACK LACQUER

• The application process of the finish is the same as for the base coat. We apply layers of finish sanding between them with P800 leaving to 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 that we have applied and let it dry for 2 to 3 weeks to polish and get the maximum shine
• In the case of a matte finish, the last coat will be the final finish and cannot be sanded or polished. Only let dry 48 – 72 hours.

5- POLISHING

• Sand with a gradual process with 1200-1500-2000 grit sandpaper until all the imperfections of the application disappear.
• 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 already obtain a mirror finish.
• Finish the polishing with MIRKA POLARSHINE 5 and the BLACK sponge. With this last process we will obtain an extra shine.
• Clean with a cloth the remains of polish and the guitar will be 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 finish with Nitorlack, depending on different factors should have a total of 6 to 10 coats in total, counting background – color – finish, with a minimum of 3-4 coats of gloss finish. This will give a thickness of approximately 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 you have not finished an instrument before, it is advisable to apply 9 to 12 coats, so you will be sure not to sand or polish the finish too much, 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 layers 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 that respects the vibrations of the instrument and protects 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 places. 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.