Thank you so much for doing these videos. I was struggling to do this with tinted lacquer. This is the way to go. I'm in the process of doing a swamp ash strat following your technique.
Big D I've told you this before but, I'll say it again.....you are my favorite luthier period, don't get me wrong I like ol' Dan over at Stew Mac ya know but, you are my favorite luthier your tangible and practical just like I would do it or anyone else would do it and I learn a lot from that.
Another awesome video Big D! I did a similar one but added blue in the center on a flamed maple LP styled body! Those color combinations are beautiful. Keep inspiring!
I did a burst on a alder watching your videos and it came out perfect thank you, Id like to know will i be able to lock in the colors using just tru-oil or using sanding sealer first its a must ?
Hey bro. If you are using a DSLR to take the final photos of the body with the built in flash, you can remove the glare entirely by getting a hot shoe mounted flash that you can pivot and direct toward the ceiling, thereby bouncing the flash off the walls and introducing zero glare on the finished body.
A circular polarizer and a single-ply of toilet tissue in front of your flash element will go a long way in softening the look as well. (before you drop the coin for a stand-alone flash)
I'm having trouble with the sanding sealer part. I got my coats on waited 20 minutes between each and let it dry 24 hours like you did but then when I went to steel wool it to remove the orange peel by the time it was smooth it was removing the dye in places. I had to go all the way through it otherwise it still looked orange peel to me, I just couldn't get it smooth. Anyways, I had to re-sand the entire thing and start over, waiting on some more turquoise dye to come for the back in the mean time because I ran out after getting the blue burst on the front done a second time. I don't know if I just didn't build up enough sanding sealer each coat and it became uneven or if I should try just doing one thicker coat and sanding that. Or maybe I'm just expecting it to be very smooth when it won't be?
Hi ya D, Question? When running in a circular motion aren’t you nervous about putting scratches in the wood that may show up later after final process. Thanks!
I have my floor tom sanded down planning to do something exactly like this but more universe themed. How do you think it would come out on some nice maple?
This is great 4909 is the money shot amazing I just ordered a flame 1/42nd thick maple veneer /glue /Angeles leather die red orange and brandy I kno u think brandy is really light but thinking of doing the back with it ,anyway do u have any tips for me I got veneer glue bought a sander with 100 and 220 grit a drimmel with all kinds of sanding tips exacto knife set small files clamps can you or anyone give me any tips I have some woodworking experience but I have no staining or luthiery skills l love your work thank you
I have a mahogany body guitar I like the sound, but I like the natural ashwood color please tell me how to change real mahogany to be like natural ashwood thanks in advance friend 🙏
Just love your videos man, so amazing. I had a question. I know this was an older video, but do you still believe in the minx sanding sealer/minwax wipe on poly combination. I have two bodies I am about to start using dye on and like you were saying, I don't really want to get into all the spray stuff. The guitars are for my own use but I do want to try to get the best topcoat as I can. Keep up the amazing work, watch your videos...probably ALOT...lots of inspiration here.
I have been watching your channel and subscribed. I have been enjoying your projects. I want to finish a guitar body I bought. I have a basement workshop. I know I will need to use the shed to lacquer this guitar for the fumes but how bad are the VOC's from the die? Will I be able to do that in my basement? I want to know before I order the dies.
Hi, very nice video and explanations. I have a question concerning this sanding filler. the spray bottle which you are using, how do you call that and where did you get it. I saw this several times, but when I do a search on google I don't find any.
Do you use the same dye or stain all the time, or does it depend on the color you want, or the wood you are working with? Can you recommend a good stain company?
Hi, I'm following your tutorials since a while and I tried to finish my guitar with this wipe-on-poly as well. Did you use it like it is, or did you mix it with something else. I ask, because I'm unable to get a smooth cover on it. The wipe-on-poly starts to dry within a few seconds and than it gets a consitence like a glue. So my results are a lot of stains and uneven cover. What I'm doing wrong?In your video it looks almost like putting oil on it.
The more I watch your videos the more I really want to stain my guitar. I had to fill in 2 small nicks with a wood filler I made of Elmer's Wood Glue Max "stainable wood glue" and saw dust of the wood. My concern is that these few spots will be obvious after staining. How do you fill in nicks when staining and do you think the areas I filled in will stick out like a sore thumb?
where are the stains? You can always paint with a color on the spots and thensand it back and then do the stain. I have done that trick before and it sorta can make a diff.
I assume you mean nicks instead of stains? To be specific this is on a Gibson 335. One of them is 1/8" wide (pretty deep so unable to sand out), 3.5" in from the bottom, and 2" from the left of the jack. The other is 1/32" wide (fairly shallow so I might be able to sand out), 1.5" from the edge, and 1.5" from the bottom of the f-hole. The larger nick is on the right side and the smaller is on the left side. Would it be safe to stain a small section (using a Q-tip) on and just slightly around the larger nick to see how it takes or would I end up having to sand too far down to get rid of the stain if it doesn't look right? I messaged you on your "discussion" tab about tinting Shellac a few days ago as that is what I was originally planning to do. However I really like the depth you get with staining. That is a great idea about the paint (maybe stain, then paint, sand back, and then finish stain so it might even out more?). I am extremely indecisive about the color at the moment though... I'm contemplating about traditional or non-traditional. I do want something different than others out there so I'm leaning more toward non-traditional.
Thanks, that's a very useful video and it's amazing to see what came out of that rather bland-looking initial piece of maple! Did you manage to sell the guitar with that colour scheme? Fretboard looked a bit dodgy, though... :)
I plan on doing the the back, sides, neck and headstock in black and a "prs" style front. I know I won't use much of the color for the front since it's JUST the front but I was more curious about the black being enough
What is crazy is that in the first video I watched from this channel, most recent than this, he talked that this is a poor man finish, using dyes rather than the paint pistol with a compressor. But no way you can give a finish so detailed than that type using a paint pistol. Pistols are a good helper for solid color paintings, but detailed one? Not at all.
It was nice to see the process at regular speed. It makes you appreciate the effort in finishing a guitar. Beautiful!! Thank you.
thank you for the comment!
***** And BTW, I think you need to call it "The Joker"!!!
You’re Definitely UA-cam’s Best Luthier!!!👍🤘🏼
This wood grain looks like clouds, so beautiful. I love the colors.
You're awesome, D... Whether I/we like it or not, no denying your creativity.
That deep blue looks cool, like a galaxy or nebula, nice job man.
Thank you so much for doing these videos. I was struggling to do this with tinted lacquer. This is the way to go. I'm in the process of doing a swamp ash strat following your technique.
Wow. Looks like clouds with sun rays in the center. Very awesome. Cheers! Chris.
thank you!
Awesome video. I like how simple this was and turned out killer.⚡️⚡️⚡️🔥
This one turned out beautifuly. Thank you for the full video, it helps to see the whole thing.
Thank you for all of your help, I was able to complete a couple beautiful guitars
Thank you for showing the who process so much fun to watch.
Really a cool look. Never would have guessed that combo would work. Always learn something, thanks and Merry Christmas.
A lot of work put into this vid. I appreciate your efforts. Thanks!!
Big D I've told you this before but, I'll say it again.....you are my favorite luthier period, don't get me wrong I like ol' Dan over at Stew Mac ya know but, you are my favorite luthier your tangible and practical just like I would do it or anyone else would do it and I learn a lot from that.
The purple has a cats face in it. Stunning
Jesus it Looks Awesome and u make it look so easy ,,,,,,,,,i want that guitar
Another awesome video Big D! I did a similar one but added blue in the center on a flamed maple LP styled body! Those color combinations are beautiful. Keep inspiring!
Oh my goodness! That is beautiful! I'm learning so much, thank you.
Beautiful job on that Derek,what a great figure on that top!!Cheers
BigD great tutorial. Much appreciated 👍
wild wood tops can be amazing!
that looks amazing!!!! using the steel wool really got the colors popping!!!! I would that paint job on one of my guitars!!!! great job
I did a burst on a alder watching your videos and it came out perfect thank you, Id like to know will i be able to lock in the colors using just tru-oil or using sanding sealer first its a must ?
Looks AMAZING!! Good work!
Hey bro. If you are using a DSLR to take the final photos of the body with the built in flash, you can remove the glare entirely by getting a hot shoe mounted flash that you can pivot and direct toward the ceiling, thereby bouncing the flash off the walls and introducing zero glare on the finished body.
+projectgoatse i need to get an external flash! Once I have a little more space I will have a place to do photos. Thanks for the tip!
***** No problem, keep up the good work. :D
A circular polarizer and a single-ply of toilet tissue in front of your flash element will go a long way in softening the look as well. (before you drop the coin for a stand-alone flash)
Great job!
Wow that top went from bland to amazing real quick!!!
Amazing? You mean Incredible.
I'm having trouble with the sanding sealer part. I got my coats on waited 20 minutes between each and let it dry 24 hours like you did but then when I went to steel wool it to remove the orange peel by the time it was smooth it was removing the dye in places. I had to go all the way through it otherwise it still looked orange peel to me, I just couldn't get it smooth. Anyways, I had to re-sand the entire thing and start over, waiting on some more turquoise dye to come for the back in the mean time because I ran out after getting the blue burst on the front done a second time. I don't know if I just didn't build up enough sanding sealer each coat and it became uneven or if I should try just doing one thicker coat and sanding that. Or maybe I'm just expecting it to be very smooth when it won't be?
Use steel fine wool after you lay the sanding sealer
Looks great! 👍
Hi ya D,
Question? When running in a circular motion aren’t you nervous about putting scratches in the wood that may show up later
after final process. Thanks!
I have my floor tom sanded down planning to do something exactly like this but more universe themed. How do you think it would come out on some nice maple?
U did an amazing job on this body. Very good tutorial. thanks BigD. Can you give me the info to order tops and bodies for my new project.
I just did a vid on buying a quilted maple top: ua-cam.com/video/0M9S80U9Q0M/v-deo.html
This is great 4909 is the money shot amazing I just ordered a flame 1/42nd thick maple veneer /glue /Angeles leather die red orange and brandy I kno u think brandy is really light but thinking of doing the back with it ,anyway do u have any tips for me I got veneer glue bought a sander with 100 and 220 grit a drimmel with all kinds of sanding tips exacto knife set small files clamps can you or anyone give me any tips I have some woodworking experience but I have no staining or luthiery skills l love your work thank you
Hey D at the end when your using steel wool to flatten. What kinda pressure are you using? Light? Heavy?
Is this the same guy that did the relic Jack Daniels telecaster? That guitar was baddass!!!
+Kim Cornell that's me!
Great video. Can you apply 2k polyurethane clear coat over dye?
I have a mahogany body guitar I like the sound, but I like the natural ashwood color please tell me how to change real mahogany to be like natural ashwood thanks in advance friend 🙏
Was this wood from Kimball Hardwoods? You mentioned prices of the wood being quite a bit cheaper here than what is currently on their ebay store.
Awesome job, how many coats of ploy would you apply if you were planning on buffing this out with a big shop buffer?
Thank you for this master class. Is there any product like that wipe on that gives a glass effect like we find in fenders?
I love tru-oil, you can buff it out to a nice shine.
great underlay xD
What's the sealer contraption you're using?
Hey big d is there a way I can contact you I have some questions
My biggest question is can this be done without the black base coat
Just love your videos man, so amazing. I had a question. I know this was an older video, but do you still believe in the minx sanding sealer/minwax wipe on poly combination. I have two bodies I am about to start using dye on and like you were saying, I don't really want to get into all the spray stuff. The guitars are for my own use but I do want to try to get the best topcoat as I can. Keep up the amazing work, watch your videos...probably ALOT...lots of inspiration here.
Thanks for watching an older video! I still use a combo of stuff. I am really liking velvet oil these days.
Really love this one.
thanks buddy!
I have been watching your channel and subscribed. I have been enjoying your projects. I want to finish a guitar body I bought. I have a basement workshop. I know I will need to use the shed to lacquer this guitar for the fumes but how bad are the VOC's from the die? Will I be able to do that in my basement? I want to know before I order the dies.
+Allain Roy dyes are fine inside. Lacquer not so much. Most vids are in the basement
Hi, very nice video and explanations. I have a question concerning this sanding filler. the spray bottle which you are using, how do you call that and where did you get it. I saw this several times, but when I do a search on google I don't find any.
+Udo Bekemeier preval sprayer
Do you use the same dye or stain all the time, or does it depend on the color you want, or the wood you are working with? Can you recommend a good stain company?
Angellus Leather Dye,man. This is the brand.
Do you need to buff or sand the poly smooth after it’s dry?
Was it the Kelly Green or straight green?
Hi, I'm following your tutorials since a while and I tried to finish my guitar with this wipe-on-poly as well. Did you use it like it is, or did you mix it with something else. I ask, because I'm unable to get a smooth cover on it. The wipe-on-poly starts to dry within a few seconds and than it gets a consitence like a glue. So my results are a lot of stains and uneven cover. What I'm doing wrong?In your video it looks almost like putting oil on it.
Did you use the brand watco?
Did you use any grain fillers as base?
The more I watch your videos the more I really want to stain my guitar. I had to fill in 2 small nicks with a wood filler I made of Elmer's Wood Glue Max "stainable wood glue" and saw dust of the wood. My concern is that these few spots will be obvious after staining. How do you fill in nicks when staining and do you think the areas I filled in will stick out like a sore thumb?
where are the stains? You can always paint with a color on the spots and thensand it back and then do the stain. I have done that trick before and it sorta can make a diff.
I assume you mean nicks instead of stains? To be specific this is on a Gibson 335. One of them is 1/8" wide (pretty deep so unable to sand out), 3.5" in from the bottom, and 2" from the left of the jack. The other is 1/32" wide (fairly shallow so I might be able to sand out), 1.5" from the edge, and 1.5" from the bottom of the f-hole. The larger nick is on the right side and the smaller is on the left side.
Would it be safe to stain a small section (using a Q-tip) on and just slightly around the larger nick to see how it takes or would I end up having to sand too far down to get rid of the stain if it doesn't look right? I messaged you on your "discussion" tab about tinting Shellac a few days ago as that is what I was originally planning to do. However I really like the depth you get with staining.
That is a great idea about the paint (maybe stain, then paint, sand back, and then finish stain so it might even out more?). I am extremely indecisive about the color at the moment though... I'm contemplating about traditional or non-traditional. I do want something different than others out there so I'm leaning more toward non-traditional.
Love this finish...the burst lines on the horns are still a little pronounced, but overall really cool finish!
....maybe a LifeSavers rainbow top sometime!
most helpful, thank you!
Have you ever ran into issues with the purple dye having a green shiny film over top after rubbing it in some?
Yes, he talked about it. You put it on too thick, you just need to rub it down with steelwool.
Thanks for this! How hard are you pressing when you sand? No breathing equipment?
+satasha77 pretty hard for this.
I can't believe your hands don't cramp up. So I take it you do not need to use a mask with the poly.
Thanks, that's a very useful video and it's amazing to see what came out of that rather bland-looking initial piece of maple! Did you manage to sell the guitar with that colour scheme? Fretboard looked a bit dodgy, though... :)
Desculpa a pergunta, mas qual produto é esse que passa por ultimo esse liquido branco no spray?
Wipe on poly.
with the paint u use can u just buy them at the store or do u hav to order them
you have to order from the link below, you can't get this at a store.
Oh ok thx
would you recommend using dye on spalted maple?
I have done it before its not idea, its very blotchy
Spalted maple is to spongy in spots so it's not good to dye it. It's beautiful the way it is you wouldn't want to hide the fungal patterns with dye.
What's your email? Looking to get my guitar refinished.
Keeps throwing me, thinking "is it a carved top!?"
Man I hate hand sanding, thank God for power tools. Awesome looking stain job though.
would you say 3 Oz is enough to do a guitar?
+Matt Terrell yes for sure
I plan on doing the the back, sides, neck and headstock in black and a "prs" style front. I know I won't use much of the color for the front since it's JUST the front but I was more curious about the black being enough
is it available for sale??
+dblanco77 sure is, send me an email Derek at bigdguitars
What is crazy is that in the first video I watched from this channel, most recent than this, he talked that this is a poor man finish, using dyes rather than the paint pistol with a compressor. But no way you can give a finish so detailed than that type using a paint pistol. Pistols are a good helper for solid color paintings, but detailed one? Not at all.
if you´ve used some "sunset" colors, that would´ve been amazing. Like purple and orange.
That would have been interesting. Next time. This is a fantastic top
Yes, that top is incredible. Keep it up!
thank you!
How much are u gonna put on
Dang due don’t you have an orbital? That makes me tired just watching the sanding...
Personal experience don't use steel wool it will rust
U keep going back and forth with stain
tedious to watch.. a bit of editting would be Nice . Anyway, great effort and result nonetheless
I have done like 50 vids with ffwds this is called out as a master class with no edits.
This guy doesn't stain very well
Does not look good steel wool will rusting time, I wouldn't use it
What are u doing u better fix this shit
That guitar looks terrible