Metalic vs. Solid Finishes?

[migetkotla]

I've completed a number of Warmoth builds but have not yet finished a body with either Metal or Solid finishes.  Because of the laminate top selections I usually end up with a finish that allows the wood texture to show, etc (therefore transparents and clear, etc).

On the Warmoth site it "looks" to me like Metal radiates a more clear and bright shine.  When I imagine what the difference could be, I think back to maybe what a new 70's muscle car might have looked like coming out of Detroit and compare that to a very nice painted piece of wooden furniture.  Both very nice but my preference in real life would be the Detroit muscle car look.  I have no idea whether that is also the difference in looks between the metalic and solid finishes on guitar bodies.  Can someone who has ordered both share the difference in looks/texture and appearance over all?  Thanks!

 

[Cagey]

From Warmoth, there are available metallic, metal flake, and "candy" finishes. They're all different in their reflective qualities. Whether they appeal is a personal choice. I can only describe my take on them; I'm sure some will disagree.

Metal flake is very gaudy. Think carnival rides, race boats, and gay pride parades.

Metallic (at least from Warmoth) is not what it looks like in most pictures. It's also a metal flake, but the flakes are smaller. Still gaudy to me, but headed in the right direction. I recently sold a Tele with a metallic black cherry finish...

Never did bond with it.

Candy finishes are more like some of the muscle cars were painted. Put on a base of silver, an appropriately tinted clear coat, then clear over that for protection/sheen. Really sharp in my view, but not easy to do so they're pricey. I have a candy tangerine Strat that's just gorgeous in real life...

Solid finishes are just solid. Warmoth does a fantastic job on them. For what they charge, even though it might seem pricey, it's a bargain. Unless you have to have something that they absolutely won't do, I'd always recommend letting them finish the body.

 

[migetkotla]

Thanks!  Is your green guitar a solid color/finish?

Really appreciate the info... 

 

[Cagey]

Thanks!  Is your green guitar a solid color/finish?

Yes. Here's a larger shot of it...

... and more here. Warmoth didn't do that one, though. I did, in Behlen's Nitro colored with StewMac's Colortone pigment.

 

[migetkotla]

Nice!  Do the "solids" Warmoth puts out come out as nice?  Close?

 

[Cagey]

They look just as good, and are actually more durable. They use catalyzed polyurethane, so it's tougher to scratch/scuff/chip than nitro.

It's tough to use cat poly for the individual builder because it imposes more stringent requirements on the equipment/atmosphere control/filtration/breathing apparatus/etc. Lacquer, on the other hand, is pretty forgiving, albeit more labor-intensive.

This is why I say if you can do it, pay Warmoth for the finish. They're great.