Finishing information

[newmando7]

Hello all,I am very far from finishing scratch built number one but while I am building I am also looking for finishing information.My how to build a bluegrass mandolin book is good but I am looking for something a little more in depth as I have no knowledge of finishing.I hope you all have some good tips or maybe some books that will help me along the way.Thank you in advance

[ShaneJ]

Here are some threads I've bookmarked. Maybe they'll be a good start for you....

Laquer to French Polish (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=7&t=18816)
Solvents for French polish (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=7&t=17473)
Sunbursting (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=7&t=25151)
Finish on a waterbase stain (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=7&t=16836)
Finishing steps, what are they? (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=7&t=24994)
KTM-9 (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=7&t=27650)

Also, here's a good tutorial/pictorial on French polishing from Milburn Guitars:
French polishing tutorial (http://www.milburnguitars.com/fpbannerframes.html)

Hope that is helpful! Good luck on #1! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[newmando7]

Thanks SJ that is great info.Yes number one will be a great thing.I wanted to start from scratch and learn the whole process.Every step has been a learning curve but I am really enjoying it.Thank you for the bookmarked info I will read and learn.Anybody else with book info or any info would be much appreciated.

[Stephen Perry]

In the violin world we generally think about finishing systems:

1. Wood treatment (if any), e.g., UV aging or the application of an antifungal or baking.
2. Sealer
3. Ground
4. Color application
5. Clear overcoats
6. Intermediate and final leveling

These all work together.

In the mandolin world, I rather like the in-the-wood staining when done nicely.

I prefer the softer varnishes in appearance. Maybe they help the sound. They do on violins.

I wonder about the minimal focus on treatment, sealer, and ground in the mandolin world.