Hi All,
Here is the deal. I am currently in the finishing stages of my Les Paul build. (after 3 and a half years!) Although I am doing all the actually work, I have accessed the help of a professional luthier to ensure that I don't screw it up too bad! (this guy has done work for many professional players in our area)
His sequence of events in regard to grain filling is somewhat different from what I have read about and would like a bit of advice....
We have stained the mahogany back and neck (a beautiful dark cherry) and then sprayed a single wet coat of clear lacquer. We will then be grainfilling with an oil based filler, using a credit card to remove the excess, and letting it sit for a day. Then we will be carefully sanding any excess filler. Now, I know this is significantly different from the accepted method of either filling before staining or wiping the grain filler off with mineral spirits before it completely sets up. At this stage though, I have nothing but confidence with this guys knowledge and approach but have just one question. Clearly this creates a massive issue in regard to sanding through the lacquer into the stained wood. Has anyone done this and just how difficult is it to pull off without sand throughs? I am will to go inch by inch slowly to ensure I am "careful" but was curious as to just how hard this is going to be. (clearly any edge area is going to be particularly picky) Also, in the event of a sand through, what are my options? I have plenty of the dye left over I used for the body. Is there any chance of recovery if things go a little sideways?
Anyone pull this off before? Basically I am nervous as hell (as I am sure you can tell) and would just like some opinions!
Thanks all!
I will be posting pics when I am FINALLY done!
Greg A