Canadian Suppliers of Specialty Wood Finishing Products
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CrystaLac Brite-Tone High Solids Top Coat & Instrument Finish
*Due to supply chain issues on resin for production of Brite-Tone High Solids finishes, we have restricted sales of larger quantities to extend our current inventory to allow more of our regular customers to cover their requirements for the coming weeks. Our apologies for the inconvenience.
Since 2013, Wood Essence has packaged and applied our own Canadian compliant label for CrystaLac Brite-Tone High Solids Top Coat as a premium, waterbased instrument finish.
While originally developed and labelled for instruments this product's popularity has expanded to a variety of high end finishing projects including as an Epoxy Free clear finish for tumblers and other craftwork.
We now offer the gallon size in your choice of a jug or removable lid style paint can. The jug can be very convenient for pouring quantities of the Gloss sheen. Please note that Satin or Matte sheens must be mixed thoroughly with a stir stick or drill mixer to dislodge any flattening agent that has settled to the bottom of the container. This can be difficult with the jug style and so we recommend that container style only when product will be used immediately upon arrival and in a short period of time.
The very high solids content results in quick, full build on most projects with fewer coats (4 to 5 coats).
Stunning optical clarity shows exceptional highlighting of figure and subtle effects on natural or dyed wood without a "blue hue" even over dark or black base colors.
Finished surfaces harden quickly for proper buffing to full gloss using compatible paste or bar compounds (click for Menzerna compounds).
Can be tinted withColorFX Dyes or with
Mixol Pigments for a broad range of custom effects including bursts and toning.
For brushing applications, add 20% Brite-Tone Reducer.
- High Solids, Quick Build
- Crystal Clear
- Self Crosslinking
- Rock Hard, Scratch Resistant Finish
- Quick Drying for Re-Coating & Buffing
- Non-Flammable
- Low Odour
- Water Clean-Up
- Tintable with ColorFX Dyes or Mixol Pigments
- Used in CrystaLac Tumbler Kits
Applications:
Musical Instruments
- Natural or Stained Wood
- Solid or Hollow Body
- Pianos and Keyboards
- Guitars and other Stringed Instruments
High End projects
- Jewelry Boxes
- Picture Frames
- Decorative Work
- Tumblers
- Epoxy Alternative
CrystaLac Brite-Tone Top Coat & Instrument Finish
Application Instructions
There are countless techniques and methods for finishing instruments and crafts. There is no best or right...it is YOUR way and represents part of the ART of lutherie & crafting. We recommend experimenting with the following technique and tailoring the schedule to suit your project and skill level.
Notes: Stir (do not shake) Brite-Tone Instrument finish thoroughly and strain prior to use. Do not thin with water. If necessary, thin only with Brite-Tone Reducer/Retarder. Do not apply below 15ºC or in a draft. Always test and perfect the complete finishing schedule to your satisfaction on comparable scrap material before using on project materials.
Preparation: Seal bare, stained or grain-filled wood substrates with Brite-Tone Sanding Sealer or alternatively, seal surface with 2 mist coats of reduced Brite-Tone Instrument Finish. Allow to dry for 24 hours minimum. Lightly scuff sand sealed surface with 400 grit paper or maroon grade pad.
Application: Spray apply a full, wet coat of Brite-Tone Instrument Finish over sealed surface with a well atomized mist just to the point of being wet (approx. 2 wet mils). Dries to touch within 45 minutes. Allow minimum 2 hours before applying subsequent coats. Dry sand with 600 or 800 grit paper between coats to remove blemishes (do NOT wet sand between coats).
Apply maximum of 3 coats per 24 hour period. Allowing longer drying time between coats will improve curing cycle and final hardness of finish. A total of 4 to 5 wet coats will often provide sufficient film thickness but additional coats may be applied if desired.
Brushing: Brite-Tone finishes can be applied by brushing with excellent results. We recommend reducing Brite-Tone Instrument finish with 20% Brite-Tone Reducer to permit longer working time of the finish. Use a good quality, synthetic bristle brush.
Do NOT overwork the finish...apply in deliberate, even strokes with only one or two back-brush levelling strokes. Resist temptation to "touch up" any blemishes as they will be more easily repaired in the next coat. It is recommended to extend time between coats to accommodate the longer dry times of the retarded finish. Expect to spend additional time with careful sanding between coats to eliminate blemishes prior to applying the next coat.
Allow to cure for minimum of 100 hours prior to dry or wet level sanding with 800 grit paper and subsequent buffing with compatible abrasive compounds. Allowing longer final cure time will improve buffing results. Heavily applied or higher numbers of finish coats can substantially extend full cure time.
Cleanup: Warm water or acetone for hardened material.
