thebrig Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 I've just completed a couple of self-builds. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=145030&st=0"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=145030&st=0[/url] And I now want to build an "All Black" precision. Is it possible to paint/spray a neck, and if so, what is the best way to go about it? And is there any way I could darken the fretboard. I know I could have one made with an ebony board, and get it finished in black by someone like Warmoth, but it would cost the earth. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 Yes. There's no reason why you shouldn't spray the neck. IMO instruments with matching necks look much better. Just mask off the fingerboard and spray the rest like you would a body. [url="http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Finishing_supplies/Colors,_tints,_and_stains/Black_Fingerboard_Stain.html"]Stewmac do a black fingerboard stain[/url] but unfortunately won't ship it outside of the US. However reading the description, it looks like it's based on a leather dye so it might be possible to find a suitable alternative for sale in the UK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bass Doc Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 Rustins do an ebony wood stain - should be able to find a DIY store that stocks it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 Have you used the Rustins product on a fingerboard? IME normal wood dyes and stains don't have sufficient durability for the level of use a guitar or bass fingerboard gets. Having said that the last time I tried to use a mainstream wood dye in this way was over 20 years ago so they may have got better since then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bass Doc Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 Good point. Last time I used a similar product it did need a few applications to 'take'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted July 16, 2011 Author Share Posted July 16, 2011 [quote name='BigRedX' post='1305511' date='Jul 16 2011, 09:45 AM']Yes. There's no reason why you shouldn't spray the neck. IMO instruments with matching necks look much better. Just mask off the fingerboard and spray the rest like you would a body. [url="http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Finishing_supplies/Colors,_tints,_and_stains/Black_Fingerboard_Stain.html"]Stewmac do a black fingerboard stain[/url] but unfortunately won't ship it outside of the US. However reading the description, it looks like it's based on a leather dye so it might be possible to find a suitable alternative for sale in the UK.[/quote] Thanks, I've just found a supplier in the UK [url="http://www.theidentitystore.co.uk/productdetails.asp?ID=804&subcatID=91"]http://www.theidentitystore.co.uk/productd...amp;subcatID=91[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 Interesting. If you stripped a body could you use this to stain it black? A bit 1970s MFI flat pack perhaps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted July 16, 2011 Author Share Posted July 16, 2011 [quote name='Paul S' post='1305558' date='Jul 16 2011, 10:36 AM']Interesting. If you stripped a body could you use this to stain it black? A bit 1970s MFI flat pack perhaps.[/quote] I've just ordered a bottle, when I receive it, I will experiment on various types of wood to see what kind of results it gives. I like the look of the black stained bodies on Warwicks, so if it does the job, then I might go down this route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Good stuff - please do report back as I am very interested to hear how this works out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Any update re this? Interested to hear how you got on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 In my experience, staining wood black is tricky and you will need a lot of applications to get it properly dark, especially with maple. The rougher the sanded finish, the better the stain will absorb into the wood, but obviously you don't want to have it too rough for use. Also unless you're using some special stuff, the stain offers no protection, and this will have to be done with oil/other finishing product. Have fun experimenting and hope it turns out well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrig Posted August 8, 2011 Author Share Posted August 8, 2011 [quote name='Paul S' post='1331869' date='Aug 8 2011, 11:36 AM']Any update re this? Interested to hear how you got on.[/quote] Yes, I've just finished trying it out. It certainly gave a very dark finish, almost black in fact. BUT, on the board, which is probably oily, the stain just won't dry out, so I ended up removing it. It stained the back of the neck OK, but it would certainly need a top finish to seal it. In the end, I decided to paint the neck with spray cans, which turned out quite nice. The board which is already a bit darker than usual, I will try the olive oil method to darken it. Apparently it works quite well, and would take just a few minutes to re-apply, every so often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Thanks for that. Olive oil method? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blademan_98 Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Has anybody tried this for an ebony effect? [url="http://www.axminster.co.uk/chestnut-chestnut-ebonising-lacquer-prod19772/"]Axminster Ebony Spray[/url] I came across it when I was looking for something to treat my 5er board with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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