By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Skinner Guitars.

Imagine spending hours, even days, perfecting a single aspect of a project, only to have it all come together in a moment of pure satisfaction. For many craftsmen, this is a familiar feeling, and for Daniel J. Skinner, host of Skinner Guitars, it’s a feeling he knows all too well. In his latest endeavor, Skinner set out to create a PRS-style glossy flamed maple burst finish on a guitar, a task that would push his skills to the limit.

The Challenge of Creating a PRS-Style Finish

Skinner’s journey began with a $50 kit, which he purchased secondhand off of Facebook Marketplace. The kit included everything he needed to get started, but it was up to him to figure out the process. As he notes, ‘I’ve always wanted to try doing a PRS style glossy flamed maple burst finish. Not because I’ve always wanted a guitar like that. I’m not a dentist or a lawyer. I just wanted to see if I could do it, or at least get close enough for me.’

With his goal in mind, Skinner began by applying layers of dye to the guitar, starting with amber and gradually moving to darker shades. He used General Finishes Trans Tint Wood Dye with denatured alcohol as a solvent, and he worked in layers, from lightest to darkest. As he says, ‘I go back over the outside again with each revolution around the body, working my way in a little further with each pass until the burst begins to emerge.’

The Importance of Patience and Practice

Skinner’s process was not without its challenges. He encountered issues with the dye, and he had to sand and polish the guitar multiple times to achieve the desired finish. However, through it all, he remained committed to his goal, and his patience and practice ultimately paid off. As he notes, ‘I spent more time on this finish than I do on most full scratch builds. Was it worth it? Let’s find out.’

The Result

In the end, Skinner’s hard work and dedication resulted in a beautiful, flawless finish. The guitar’s PRS-style glossy flamed maple burst finish is a testament to his skill and craftsmanship. As he says, ‘I couldn’t be happier with the result.’ The finish is not only visually stunning, but it also showcases Skinner’s attention to detail and his commitment to excellence.

In conclusion, Daniel J. Skinner’s journey to create a PRS-style glossy flamed maple burst finish on a guitar is a fascinating example of the importance of patience, practice, and dedication in achieving a flawless finish. His process, from applying layers of dye to sanding and polishing, is a testament to the value of hard work and perseverance. The full episode of Skinner Guitars is available on OBBM Network TV.

Watch Skinner Guitars on OBBM Network TV: https://www.obbmnetwork.tv/series/skinner-guitars-208201