I am attempting to finish a Saga bass guitar kit, which comes with the neck and body already sanded and sealed. I am wanting to copy the Fender Sage Green Metallic, and the only available product I can find is PlastiKote Car Color in Sage, along with their Car Color Clear Coat.
The instructions in the manual that comes with the kit are: 1-2 coats of color (sanding not necessary if no drips/runs), 2-3 coats clear, cure one week, lightly sand #400, wet sand #600, rub out with Dupont White Rubbing Compound, polish with Mirror Glaze #7, polish with guitar polish.
My first attempt at this on scrap poplar wood did not go well - I sanded through to the wood with the #400, and all I could muster was a dull sheen.
The manufacturer's instructions on the spray can indicate 2-3 medium coats of color, 1 mist coat of clear, 1 wet coat of clear, cure 1 week, then use rubbing compound and/or polishing compound - no mention of sanding, although these instructions (I am assuming) are for auto bodies and not wood. At this point I'm not sure which to follow.
Most of the finishing schedules I see on the web and in books deal with nitro - any suggestions on a finishing schedule for auto lacquer? Thanks a million!!