Graphite Finish

[Adam Tracksler]

When I was in art school, I made some rudimentary paint out of laquer and powdered graphite. It had a cool finish that was both shiny and dull - like a pencil drawing. Any thoughts to using this as an additive to a mando finish? Maybe as a first coat and then clear over that? The graphite has a consistency like powedered pigment.

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[sunburst]

That's an interesting idea, Adam. Is there no adhesion problem? It might look really cool on a non-traditional mando.

[Adam Tracksler]

I really dont know, I probably will try it on my IV kit. -- a graphite face, instead of a blacktop.

[grandmainger]

Practical question: Where do you get enough graphite powder? Do you file loads of pencils http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ?

[Bill Snyder]

Powdered graphite is sold as a dry lubricant for things like locks.

[ShaneJ]

Best lubricant for locks, etc. since it doesn't collect dirt. Interesting idea....especially for an emando.

[grandmainger]

Yes, I remember now.

Incidently, any of you ever mix anything in your finish? Stuff like diamond powder (the stuff they use to make metallic car paints)?
I was thinking a tiny bit of shine/gloss/shimmer would make a funky effect...

Mmmhh all these ideas http://www.grandmainger.com/avatars/smileys/smilingface%20(70).gif

[ShaneJ]

How 'bout holographic glitter? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif I mix that in some 5-minute epoxy sometimes to "finish" a bass bug tied for my fly rod. They make some very fine glitter that adds the shimmer without hiding the paint underneath.

[Adam Tracksler]

They sell Graphite powder in art supply stores. it makes an awesome "paint" when mixed with water. With a big wet brush its is really cool.

[Keith Newell]

I dont think graphite will work for the following reasons. If mixed in paint like stated before and sprayed it is encapsulated in the paint and works fine but on an instrument where you level sand and polish it you then remove the encapsulating layer and expose the graphite. This is ok as long as you wear old clothes or dont mind getting your hands dirty while playing it but the exposed graphite will make everything black.
If you shoot more clear over it you defeat the purpose as first stated of getting the shiny then flat look and it becomes gloss black again....just shoot black lacquer then and forget the graphite.
Just my opinian.
Keith Newell

[Michael Lewis]

I think the idea is to spray the graphite/lacquer like a color coat, then clear coats over it. I think it could be an attractive alternative to some other choices.

[Adam Tracksler]

I'm gonna give it a whirl, i will post pix when ive done it.

[dperry]

I would like to see.

[arbarnhart]

On my daughter's butterfly bari uke, I used the ultra fine pearlescent glitter mixed with epoxy as fret markers. Just drill 'em and fill 'em. You wouldn't want to do this on a really nice mando, of course, but for knockarounds for the kids or primitive folk instruments, it is a simple cheap alternative for dots. Yhough I did get a little careless and one of the holes at the 12th fret is slightly off http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif I also used some Krylon glitter finish as an early coat (under a few coats of Deft now). It looks quite nice for a craft project http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif but it doesn't look like something you would want on a professionally built mando.