Can I make a new top look old?

[Steven Smith]

Mark, that's a good video. Mamie Minch is the one I got the idea of using KMn04 from.

[Nate Scott]

Thanks for the pics and vid -- I must try this.

[Steven Smith]

I was encouraged by the results when I sprayed the KMnO4, I plan to try that when I do the finish. I will post more after I get to the finishing stage. I just closed the box, still need to do binding and fit the neck. It is also one of several projects I 'm working on that will all hit finish at the same time. Hopefully in a few weeks.

[Michael Lewis]

Getting pretty dark. Remember that when you spray finish over your "stain" it will darken even more. Again, practice on scrap.

[Steven Smith]

Yes, it came out quite dark, even darker than the original J45 top. Given the color of the original top I suspect the original sunburst was sanded off in the late 50's or early 60's.

One thing I've noticed is that the KMnO4 seems to continue to darken for a few minutes after spraying so I will slow down my process. I will l redo my test panels when I get into "finishing mode". My shop is small and the spray booth is just a space in the corner (with filters/fan, etc.) so when it is time for finishing I completely clean/dust the shop and all other work stops until spraying is complete.