Chemically Coloring Mahogany Strat with Potassium Dichromate

[line6man]

Well, after several false starts, life, and other intervening complications, I finally made some progress on this thing.

The edges aren't as dark as they look in these shots; the camera was getting tricked by the sunlight in the background. They're actually about the shade of coffee. It's a transparent tobacco stain. It's also a bit wider around the edges than I planned, but what the hell. It's still purty. Now comes the waiting until buff/polish.

Is that a BBQ grill, indoors?

 

[Cagey]

While I suppose that's technically "indoors", that's actually the garage. But, yeah. That's a barbecue in the background. It's a Char-Broil commercial infrared, which works pretty well.

 

[DangerousR6]

While I suppose that's technically "indoors", that's actually the garage. But, yeah. That's a barbecue in the background. It's a Char-Broil commercial infrared, which works pretty well.

Toss that body on the Baaaaaahr-Beeeee......Char-broiled strat.... :laughing7:


But seriously, looks....

 

[Cagey]

Thanks. It's not what I had originally planned, but I'm happy.

 

[anorakDan]

It's a shame to have to screw a pickguard over that beautiful finish. Wow! Great looking finish, Cagey!

 

[pabloman]

That looks great Cagey! Be proud for sure.

 

[Cagey]

It'll be a pretty pickguard, but it is going to cover more of the burst than you'll see. We'll see how it looks in some better light.

 

[bagman67]

Bravo, Cagey - I've long been wondering where this voyage would take you.  Was this shot with your new HVLP spray rig (which I believe I spy in the background)?

 

[Cagey]

Yep, that's a handy little tool. Simple device, very little mess (overspray), excellent finish, easy cleanup. It also doesn't weigh much, take up much room or require a lot of power. On top of all that, it's not terribly expensive. I got mine from these guys, who not only have the best price but include a gun cleaning kit and an additional metering needle. I bought a 1mm needle as well, since I'll be shooting mostly lacquer. Even with the 1mm needle you can get a little crazy if you open it up, so I certainly wouldn't want to spray something that thin with anything larger.

I'm very pleased with the thing and would highly recommend it if you're thinking you'd rather do spray vs. wipe/brush finishes.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

I like it. Mahogany grain is nice and I like the way you get a a taste of it, but barely. Very classy looking.  :icon_thumright:

 

[hannaugh]

Tagging this thread.  I might want to use some of this stuff at some point.