Clearcoat Over Enamel Based Paint?

[Bluetic]

Any suggestions for a Non-rattlecan clearcoat over enamel based paint? I have tried Minwax poly before and it eventually peeled off like snake skin. Then I tried Deft Lacquer and it cut into the paint and got the "crackle effect". I'm not sure if the Deft Lacquer is Nitro or not. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

[Southpa]

I have tried Minwax poly before and it eventually peeled off like snake skin.

You didn't scuff the underlying finish enough to allow the poly to adhere properly. Peeling can also be a result of incompatibility between whats underneath and the poly.

Then I tried Deft Lacquer and it cut into the paint and got the "crackle effect".

Underlying finish wasn't allowed to cure and / or lacquer topcoat was laid down too heavily and / or incompatibility between lacquer and whats underneath.

Believe me when I say I've been there myself.

http://projectguitar.ibforums.com/index.ph...2716&hl=Southpa

If you start with one type of finish you should finish with that type of finish. I've been told that you "could" mix n' match but only under the condition that the underlying finish has been totally cured. I'm talking about waiting a good 6 months before changing over. I've been working with rattlecan acrylic lacquers and have learned you could get funky things going on even between different brands of acrylic lacquer.

Enamel is not the best choice for a guitar finish. But I guess if you've laid down enamel already you should try to find a suitable enamel clearcoat. I've used gloss enamel paint before and found that a clearcoat wasn't necessary. But it took quite a bit of effort to polish and even then the finish dulled somewhat after a couple months.

Just to add, read this:

http://projectguitar.ibforums.com/index.ph...=1892&hl=enamel

Edited May 20, 2006 by Southpa

[Bluetic]

Yeah, I agree with enamel not being a good finish for a guitar. I have a friend doing a refinish and chose acrylic end enamel paints. He asked me to clear coat it for him. I told him of my past nightmares with enamel and told him I would do my best. I did some more reasearch after posting. And discovered that Sherwin Williams makes an Acrylic Lacquer clearcoat for Auto's. I think we will try that.

Any comments or feedback there?

Thanks again.

Bluetic

[Racer X]

Go to your local auto parts store. You can buy clear engine enamel, in gloss. I use it, frequently, to clearcoat headstocks, and necks, as I have not had much luck with laquers. Seems to work just fine, to me.

[Bluetic]

Is it rattle can?

[Racer X]

Yes, it is.