Finishes
1. Hand Rubbed
Our hand rubbed finish is a polyurethane/oil blend that was developed and used by Sam Maloof. A favorite of Z.S.Thomas, this finish works well with all of our woods. The oils give a warm glow to the wood and makes the grain and figure "pop out".
After the polyurethane blend application, a beeswax/orange oil mixture is applied, and the surface is polished until a mirror-like shine is achieved. This finish is prised for its "close to the wood" appearance. It looks and feels more natural than any other finish, simply because it is.
Our hand rubbed finish is a polyurethane/oil blend that was developed and used by Sam Maloof. A favorite of Z.S.Thomas, this finish works well with all of our woods. The oils give a warm glow to the wood and makes the grain and figure "pop out".
After the polyurethane blend application, a beeswax/orange oil mixture is applied, and the surface is polished until a mirror-like shine is achieved. This finish is prised for its "close to the wood" appearance. It looks and feels more natural than any other finish, simply because it is.
2. Nitrocellulose Lacquer
This finish is a favorite of most guitar builders because it leaves a super-glossy protective finish on the wood. Scratches and chips are easily repairable in a lacquer finish.
This finish is a favorite of most guitar builders because it leaves a super-glossy protective finish on the wood. Scratches and chips are easily repairable in a lacquer finish.
3. Polyester
A polyester finish is essentially a thick coat of plastic that covers the wood. It does a good job of protecting the wood, and a polyester finish can create the deepest, most glossy and reflective finishes. However, when viewed next to more traditional finishes such as lacquer or oil, polyester finishes look cold and less attractive. Also, if damaged polyester is virtually impossible to repair back to its original condition.
A polyester finish is essentially a thick coat of plastic that covers the wood. It does a good job of protecting the wood, and a polyester finish can create the deepest, most glossy and reflective finishes. However, when viewed next to more traditional finishes such as lacquer or oil, polyester finishes look cold and less attractive. Also, if damaged polyester is virtually impossible to repair back to its original condition.
4. Base coat / clear coat
In the past I have used a base coat / clear coat system. Used extensively in automotive applications the base coat contains your color pigments and the clear coat (2k urethane) goes over top. It's an attractive finish, but most would prefer nitrocellulose.
In the past I have used a base coat / clear coat system. Used extensively in automotive applications the base coat contains your color pigments and the clear coat (2k urethane) goes over top. It's an attractive finish, but most would prefer nitrocellulose.
5. Single stage
Single stage paint is another automotive finish. It works well for laying down solid colors. However, the absence of a clear coat can make the finish less glossy and reflective.
Single stage paint is another automotive finish. It works well for laying down solid colors. However, the absence of a clear coat can make the finish less glossy and reflective.