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Streaks in my Clear Coating


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Hey, my guitar is SO close to being done, I can just smell it :D The first 2-3 coats of clear/sanding went really well on the headstock. The last 3 have been getting these weird streaks almost immediately after I apply the coat. I sand it down again smooth, but they don't seem to be going away. I am ready for my last coat, maybe second last, and am wondering if there is a sure fire way to get a smooth clear coat?

I am using a sponge brush, perhaps that could be the reason? Should the last coat be very thin, because these last few coats have been quite thick, so maybe thats what it is.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. If I messed up big time somewhere, lemme know B)

clearcoatproblem2.jpgclearcoatproblem1.jpg

I'm so close, this headstock is the LAST thing to do on the neck, here is the completed body, wired with Van Zandts and ready to rock!

stratbodycomplete1.jpg

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I suspect that you let the left over material on the sponge brush dry a little between coats. You end up with some horny edges on the brush which makes the striations when you brush on the next coat. Add another coat with a NEW brush and let the clear settle into the striations. Make sure the surface is as level as possible. How to avoid it next time? You can keep the same brush soaking in the clear or just buy a big bag of them and toss each one when finished with it.

Nice looking body (the guitar :D ), btw!

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Damn...I think you're totally right! The end is a little hard, I have been leaving it in the clearcoat, but not always. I'll give it a good was with mineral spirits and get it back to its normal self.

I hope thats what it is, it would make life alot easier B) I've been reading alot at reranch and stuff over the last hour, and noticed that the final clear coat isn't the end at all! I had no idea you had to wet sand with 400-2000 paper, then polish...which is great news if I can't really fix this problem.

I just sand it down and polish it smooth anyway :D It's just the headstock, so I am not worrying at all about precision, I'm having fun anyway.

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All is well. I did two more coats with a clean brush and it went on 90% better. I then sanded it down after waiting a day (I know it should cure longer,..but its a headstock on a crappy Mexican strat) I have yet to polish it, I'll do that later. The custom Mexican Strat is now done for now...I think it looks pretty good :D

stratfinished1.jpgstratfinished2.jpg

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