...how Do You Guys Do This?

[RobSm]

Hi.

I am at the stage in my first build where the binding & staining need to be done.

What's the best order of attack?

Should I bind, stain & scrape back the bindings, or bind, scrape back the bindings & mask them while staining?

(I've been told NEVER to stain then bind)

I've browsed the tutorials but didn't find this particular subject.

All advice appreciated.

TIA

RobSm

[SwedishLuthier]

OK, some more info is needed. Are you going to use plastic bindings or wood bindings? Do you mean stain the wood or apply a tinted, semi opaque finish? I’m guessing the first but its better to be sure.

I do plastic bindings this way:

- bind

- scrape flush

- sand the whole body with at least 400 grit

- stain the wood

- use a rag to wipe of the dried stain on the bindings

- IF there are any dye left, use a razorblade to scrape of the rest using a light touch and your thumb as a edge guide

- one to three coats of clear depending of how thick you go

- apply tinted finish (opaque or for a sunburst) over the first couple of layer

- when the finish is still slightly soft scrape the bindings once again. If you wait longer it wil chip.

- spray clear to desired thickness

- sand and buff

For wood bindings I imagine that you will have to do it this way:

- bind

- scrape flush

- sand the whole body with at least 400 grit

- one to three coats of clear depending of how thick you go

- apply tinted finish over the first couple of layer

- continue as above

[RobSm]

OK, some more info is needed. Are you going to use plastic bindings or wood bindings? Do you mean stain the wood or apply a tinted, semi opaque finish? I’m guessing the first but its better to be sure.

I do plastic bindings this way:

- bind

- scrape flush

- sand the whole body with at least 400 grit

- stain the wood

- use a rag to wipe of the dried stain on the bindings

- IF there are any dye left, use a razorblade to scrape of the rest using a light touch and your thumb as a edge guide

- one to three coats of clear depending of how thick you go

- apply tinted finish (opaque or for a sunburst) over the first couple of layer

- when the finish is still slightly soft scrape the bindings once again. If you wait longer it wil chip.

- spray clear to desired thickness

- sand and buff

For wood bindings I imagine that you will have to do it this way:

- bind

- scrape flush

- sand the whole body with at least 400 grit

- one to three coats of clear depending of how thick you go

- apply tinted finish over the first couple of layer

- continue as above

Thank you for your clear reply. I'm using plastic binding and will stain the wood for the back & sides & probably just clear the top. (I lucked into a great piece of timber there.) I might put in a bit of a tint in a shellac coat before clear.

Thanks again,

RobSm