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Hi
I am planning to spray a soundboard with black lacquer and like to know what schedule other builders are using. Also I was thinking about using instrument lacquer with black pigment mixed in but not sure of the ratio I should use. I sprayed a test piece using approx 1% pigment and it turned out pretty black but not sure if that is enough pigment. Instructions say you can use up to 15%. The schedule I was thinking about using is tape off back, side , and purfling and then spray 4 coats of the black on soundboard, let set 2 or 3 days then tape off soundboard and spray 4 coats clear lacquer on back, sides, and purfling. Let set overnight ,remove tape and spray 4 coats clear over complete body. Let set 3 or 4 days and spray another 2 to 4 coats then lst set 3 weeks and level sand. Not sure if this is the right mixture. Also wonder if I should be putting on more coats of the black. Appreciate any information anyone can give me on this subject.

Thanks

15% is a maximum. Do not exceed that or you could have problems. I usually figure that based on the solids in the coating and not the volume of the coating as sprayed. How much pigment you need to add depends on what type of pigments you are using and how you want it to look. For opaque colors I like Mixol pigments, for transparent shades I use Solar-lux.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

I've only done one in black, acrylic waterbased lacquer (not ideal for black due to inevitable effects of acrylic). Anyway, I first used aniline dye on the top, shellac sealer, then 3 coats of lacquer tinted with Colortone opaque black pigment (40 drops/oz). Worked very well.
(Orig thread with pics is here ........... viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=15583

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Dave
Milton, ON