Vintage tinting

[landwomble]

Hi all.
If I had a new, modern maple neck like a gloss Squier, and wanted vintage tinting, could I spray tint over the top and polish back, or does it need to be sanded back to the wood and done from scratch?
Cheers

[PlungerModerno]

Depending on the thickness and type of finish applied - I suppose it could work. If it's a very thick finish I'd want to get rid of most of it (unless it's a solid colour - in which case I don't mind thicker finishes.

[brensabre79]

Much depends on what clear coat is on it - likely to be poly - and how that reacts to the vintage tint - which are usually nitro.

In many cases its fine to go over, although I'd sand back a bit to give the tint coat something to hold on to. BUT if it reacts you'll have to sand it right back and start over.

Also, unless it's a combined tint & laquer you'll probably need a clear coat of laquer over the top of the tint - again there may be a reaction depending on what you use and what's on it.

Finally I can't stress enough the importance of curing/drying time between coats of nitro. There is no quick shortcut!

[Grangur]

If the wood is stripped of lacquer then wash the bare wood in tea. Tea will stain the wood. Then re-apply the lacquer.