[RocNap]

Hi all, I am going to bleach a piece of Mahogany crotch veneer to lighten it… then dye it to bring out the awesome figure in grain and give it a sort of 3D look.

The question I have is just what grain filler to use… there are just too many brands out there to choose from! I want to bring out the grain… but don’t want to darken the whole piece that I just bleached. I want the figure to “POP” while leaving the rest sort of an orange color (see "My Photos") from dying it.

Thanks
RocNap

 

[Treeoflifestairs.com]

I have very limited experience with bleaching wood but I found that it worked unpredictably. I used the same bleach on the same species of wood with varying results. I don't know if you have any extra pieces of your work piece but my best recommendation is to test a couple out, and if possible, with the same piece of wood as your finish piece.

 

[Rick Mosher]

I think I would have picked a lighter veneer to start with to eliminate bleaching a beautiful mahogany crotch.
Here are three to consider:

Avodire

Cerejeira

Satinwood

As far as a filler, if you are going that light I would think you would want to use a clear filler. If I was doing this I would:

1. Bleach

2. Neutralize and sand

3. Dye Stain proper color

4. Polyester sealer to fully fill grain

5. Sand flat

6. Topcoat with a 2k Urethane.

If you don't have access to a spray booth then I would build with Rock Hard Table Top varnish instead of the polyester or look into some of the clear fillers available. CrystaLac is a WB product that Rockler sells, I haven't used it but it may work for you just be sure to do samples whatever you decide to do.

 

[RocNap]

"a lighter veneer)

Hi Rick.

Thanks for the info… in the near future I will defiantly be using some of the wood you have suggested!

The reason I am using the Mahogany crotch veneer (besides getting it for free) is it will become a full faced pick guard for a Gibson SG… built in 1961 Gibson used a mahogany that is rather rare today… and the mahogany veneer done this way really matches the guitar.

I agree about bleaching the Mahogany… but it will not be as light as the picture, right now the veneer I have has darkened so much (left untreated near direct sunlight) it is a lot darker than rosewood, and the guitar is more of a light maroon color. The grain does not show well because the pieces of veneer are so dark. Otherwise it would be finished the way it should be.

the pictures I posted to "My Photos"are taken from a stores web site (Woodcraft) and not the wood I am using. the Veneer is REAL dark and bleaching is the only way I know how to bring it back from almost Ebony to some kind of Mahogany color.

I have posted pictures of the guitar to show color of the Mahogany in "My Photos". The black faceplate will be replaced by a slightly larger pick-guard done with the Mahogany Crotch wood.

Thanks
RocNap

 

[RocNap]

Extra pieces

Hi Treeoflifestairs.com,

Yes I have plenty to test with… I plan to test all the way, because this will be the first time using bleach! Some of the things I usually do just might NOT get along or look very good after using bleach.

Working with wood is like working with people -_- no two are - or act exactly same… even if they are twins... and ether one can be a real pain in the *$$ to work with!


Thanks,
RocNap

 

[Rick Mosher]

Since you're working on a guitar, Stewmac is a great resource for guitar finishes. I believe they also make a WB filler already colored that you could use. They also have forums where you can get guitar specific advice.

 

[RocNap]

!!good website!!

Hi Rick,

!!GOOD WEBSITE!! There are LOTS of stuff on there… it will keep up my eyestrain (reading) for a few hours.

Just by a quick look I could see several things (really like the pic of the SG junior) I could use on my project guitar “Hard Luck BettY”.

I am rebuilding another 1961 SG that is in REAL bad shape :-( . I will be using a similar stile of pick-guard... but it will cover most of the face because a lot of damage.

I have posted it on my website… it will be quite awhile before it plays again... but it will play again ;-)


Thanks,
RocNap