Finishing, but never seeming to end

Here I am using pumice and a rag soaked in water to remove the sanding marks left by the 600 grit sandpaper.



















This is the bentside of the case. You can see the dull finish left after the pumice treatment, and the shiny finish caused by the application of thinned linseed oil.
















The finish reflects an image of the photo being taken.















The case will receive several coats of linseed oil.

More coats

I am giving Le Diable Bleu some top coats using a sprayer, giving me only "orange peel" to sand smooth rather than brush strokes.

















The inside of the case also needs paint. I have used paper and masking tape to protect the soundboard from overspray.

















After the paint has had a day to dry, the surface is smoothed with 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper. The water helps to suspend the dust generated so it will not clog the sandpaper.

After the final coat of paint, I will use 600 grit paper for a very smooth finish.

Every painted surface will have this treatment.















(photo credit: Mary Ann Manconi)