Here is How I am Finishing That Box

[Ed Sallee]

Some of ya might have seen these boxes before in different stages of their build. I did a thread on the beveling process.

I've been eyeballin' this stuff on the top shelf at the (not so) local woodworker's supply joint.... and bit off and got some. Behlen's Stringed Instrument Lacquer. Heard it was good and the guy in the store had a guitar hangin' on the wall that he just finished with it and explained real good what to do. So, I thought I'd share here.

I'm no finishing expert, just having fun... I do like finishing with the rattle can lacquers and after two coats....what a difference this stuff is.

This picture is about 20 minutes in to the 2nd coat. Directions say to do 3 coats an hour apart, which I did tonight..... After 24 hours, sand with 600 and do 3 more coats..... repeat process until you have 9-12 coats. Wait a week and buff out with rottenstone or automobile rubbing compound (that's what the guy in the store used on his guitar)....

If ya'all want, I can take a picture after the 3 coats over the next couple of days.... or wait until it's done and put together... up to ya'all.

[John Keeton]

Ed, I want the whole enchilada!! Print the whole book - right here!

Last time I was at Woodcraft, I saw some of the Behlen's and wondered how it would work. It will be educational seeing it happen live - well, nearly.

[Jim Kountz]

Im curios to see how this turns out Ed, looks really nice so far. I wonder how it would be on turned pieces??

[David Christopher]

Ed, the boxes look good...you are going to love the Behlen's, its easy to worh with and it looks great....I sand with 400 then use coarse, medium, fine compound then swirl remover and finally wax...the finished product will allmost slip out of your hands

[Ed Sallee]

Will do, fellas.... but it'll drag out for a while, as I do have the time to let it sit for the recommended week afterwards....

I can already tell a definite difference in this lacquer and I like it so far....

[Mike McCann]

Ed

how is the smell with that. Do you have a booth or how do you vent?

[Ed Sallee]

It's a strong smell. I vent by opening 4 windows in my shop, opening the door and a floor fan pulling out the door. It all settles down rather quickly - I close it all up after about 5 minutes when I'm through spraying..... gotta keep the heat and humidity out too.....

[Jeff Mohr]

Looking good...I think a progression thread is in order.

[Ed Sallee]

I went down and wet sanded with 600 grit. Cleaned everything up first with a cotton cloth, then with a tack rag. This picture is after six coats. It definitely looks better in person. The lighting in the shop isn't great for pictures.

I am not paying too much attention to the inside of the small boxes.

[John Keeton]

Ed, are you using water to "wet sand?"

[Ed Sallee]

Yes on the water.....