Resources
A comprehensive hub for lutherie knowledge and resources
A Brief History of Finishes on American Guitars, by Jeff Jewitt
Finishes used on fretted instruments like guitars, lutes, and violins play a key role in the performance and quality of the instrument. While there are countless debates on whether finishes detract or add to the sound quality, the main purpose of a finish is to protect the instrument and add to its aesthetic appeal. Without finish, a wooden instrument would react more quickly to changes in humidity and eventually self-destruct. Plus, a finish deepens the color of the wood, and adds depth and luster which makes it visually more appealing and more playable.
Selecting a Finish, by Jeff Jewitt
Before you start your next furniture project, consider a finish's appearance, its method of application, and its durability.
Well Oiled with Adamson
Discover the art of achieving a flawless wood finish with Stewart Adamson, winner of the Henry Flack award for best finish at the Woodworker Show. In this detailed guide, Adamson demystifies oil finishing, presenting it as a simple yet highly effective alternative to traditional methods like French polish and spray finishes. His approach, perfected through years of crafting classical guitars, lutes, and balalaikas, addresses common finishing challenges and provides a step-by-step procedure adaptable to various woodworking projects. The article emphasizes the importance of meticulous surface preparation utilizing advanced abrasives like 'Micromesh,' originally developed for the aerospace industry, to yield ultra-smooth, scratch-free surfaces. Adamson also highlights the aesthetic benefits of oil finishes, such as a natural satin sheen and easy maintenance. Whether you're working on a delicate musical instrument or any woodworking piece, this method promises exceptional results without the hassle of weather-dependent conditions or complex setups.
UV Cured Finishing for Guitars, by Brian Howard
As a lifelong wood finisher and former contractor for small guitarmakers across North America, I've honed my skills with various sprayed finish systems such as Conversion Varnish, Epoxy Urethane, and Nitro. Yet, transitioning to UV-cured finishes posed new challenges despite my experience. Anticipating a shift in industry standards, where shops may soon rely solely on CA repairs and water-based systems (which are suboptimal for guitars) or transition to UV curing, I present this guide to navigating high-quality and suitably thin UV-cured guitar finishes.