I've mentioned a few times that I have something special in mind for the finish of this guitar. Instead of using one variety or another of lacquer, I'll be oxidizing it.
If you've ever seen a really old wooden fence, you know what oxidization looks like. If you've ever looked closely at the wood right around the nails on a really old wooden fence, you know precisely what I'm going for.
The first step in creating such a finish for a guitar is to get ahold of some iron oxide. Alot of iron oxide, it turns out. It has to be dissolved to the point that it becomes a very fine powder.
I opted for a handful of Gold Rush era iron nails, courtesy of my buddy who happens to live right where the California Gold Rush started.
I put those into a solution of vinegar and red wine, added some black tea for extra tannins, and let it get to brewin'.
Didn't hurt that I have a small cast-iron cauldron on hand, which also just happens to be the former property of a genuine witch.
But, that's a whole 'nother story, ain't it?
You can see the effect of several applications of the dilute solution on the paintbrush.
After all the liquid has evaporated, I'll be mixing what's left up with a few other choice ingredients.
I've also been working over the hardware I already have on hand, getting rid of the shine. Scotchbrite is perfect for this sorta thing.