install nut before clearcoating neck?

[axeman81]

I just got my "YJM" neck from warmoth today, and I was wondering if you recommend I have the brass nut installed before I clear coat the neck and fretboard?
Sorry for the newbie question!

- Rune.

[sully]

Re: install nut before clearcoating neck?

clear it, then install it.

[axeman81]

Re: install nut before clearcoating neck?

do you suggest I coat the nut slot as well?
I've never done this before so I wanna make sure to get it right the first time around.

[zeegler]

Re: install nut before clearcoating neck?

I would clear it first, but I would mask the nut slot first. If you install the nut, and then shoot the clear, if you ever decide to change the nut again, you will have to cut the clear with a knife to get the nut free without cracking the clearcoat. Then you will be left with a rough edge.

[beaner]

Re: install nut before clearcoating neck?

About a week ago I was reading my finishing book (one of the Dan Erlewine books) and he mentioned this. His comment was something to the effect that a well made guitar has the clear over the nut as well. I remember because I thought that was very odd when I read it.

After seeing everyone here is of the opposite opinion, I'm going to have to look that up and make sure I didn't mis-read it.

[axeman81]

Re: install nut before clearcoating neck?

cool, thanks for the help zeeg and sully! [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
is it safe to use an oil-based spray clear coat? or does it need to be specialised stuff...like nitrocellulose or what's it called. I checked projectguitar.com but couldn't find specific info regarding that...
do you feel 3 coats are enough, and then a fine grain wet sandpaper job will buff it?
I have even bought Dan Erlewine's books but he says almost nothing of this, only some info about finishing the body...I guess I could use some of the methods on the neck too.

edit: you beat me to the post there beaner, I'm looking in "guitar player repair guide"...I need to re-read the chapter.

[sully]

Re: install nut before clearcoating neck?

well, i can't imagine that clearing over it would be a benchmark of quality! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] i wouldn't think that it would really matter all that much, but hell, i've been wrong before.

sully

[axeman81]

Re: install nut before clearcoating neck?

now I just need to find someone who has the tools to file a brass nut....