Touching up finish at fret ends....

[Justin]

I've been working on this guitar for the last few days. The fingerboard has shrunk causing the fret ends to stick out. I have no problem dressing the fret ends. The problem is the finish. At every fret the finish has popped off causing a small crater that needs to be touched up or else it just won't feel right. My question is.. Should I touch them up before or after I dress the ends? My thoughts are that I will touch them up before and level it while dressing my fet ends.

Any advice will help.

 

Thanks!

[FRANK]

I WOULD TOUCH UP AFTER THE FRETS ARE DONE

[Greg Mirken]

Build up the missing lacquer chips, and while you wait for the lacquer to harden and shrink, dress the fret ends. Then finish sand and buff.

[Paul Breen]

This is chip out from a re fret. The old lacquer is brittle!

When I file the fret ends I purposely file back the finish as well. I don't intend to touch it up but rather remove most of it from the edge of the finger board.

Next, I fill the small gaps under the frets with wood dust and CA. After the glue sets, I file the edge again.

Now I wet sand using Linseed oil. I start with 400 grit and finish with 600 wet dry. I am careful at this point to feather the lacquer into the finger board, The result is seamless and the lacquer will not be an issue again with subsequent re frets. The sanding at this point also allows me to round over the edge of the finger board for a nicer feel and doll up the fret end prior to leveling and polishing.

This is the best picture I had of an after shot.

I don't fight this kind of chip out, it's a lesson in frustration and not necessary.

[Justin]

Thank you for your tips. The pictures really helped detail what I should be aiming for. I think I will put these tips to good use and have good success in the future with this.

[Paul Breen]

Your welcome Justin and good luck with your project.