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Stripewood (Engineered Zebrawood) DIY Guitar Kits

Stripewood is our name for the wood other shops sell as engineered zebrawood. The factory dyes thin sheets of cottonwood, a type of poplar. Then it presses them into a block with heat, glue and pressure.

Stripewood (Engineered Zebrawood) DIY Guitar Kits

If you're interested in learning more about how different tonewood affect the tone and playability we recommend you to read – Guitar Tonewoods: How they affect Tone and Playability.

Watch & Learn with ABD (Anthony Darrus)

Anthony Darrus brings the build process to life with his clear, hands-on video series. His tutorials are engaging and practical, offering plenty of tips along the way. If you’re just getting started or want inspiration, we highly recommend watching his build series.

How to finish Stripewood

Test any stain, oil or clear coat on a hidden spot first, like inside a cavity.

 

Recommended reading: Engineered Ebony Fretboards

There are a few ways to finish it. Some builders sand it until it’s smooth and wipe it with polyurethane. Repeat the process 2 or 3 times and keep sanding in between coats of polyurethane. 

Others stain the body a bright color first, then add 2 to 3 coats of clear finish.

The final finish can be glossy or semi-glossy depending on one’s preference and might require more sanding if you want to make it shinier.

Watch How do I POLISH MY GUITAR? To get detailed instructions on how to make your guitar body look shiny.

See more options for a guitar finish.

Types of guitar finishes:

  1. Oils and waxes
  2. Shellac
  3. Nitrocellulose Lacquer (‘Nitro’)
  4. Polyurethane (‘Poly’)
  5. Polyester

    Humidity and Your Guitar

    You can learn more about how humidity levels may affect your guitar by reading the following articles:

    Safety Precautions

    For safety reasons, we recommend sanding and finishing your guitar in a well ventilated area wearing a respirator mask. You can learn more about safety tips that you need to follow from here: Important Guitar Finishing Safety Tips That You Must Follow.

    DIY Guitars by Guitar Kit World Builders

    We have a fantastic community of builders who inspire both first-time and experienced musicians to build beautiful and, in most cases, the most unique DIY guitars.

     

    Showcase your DIY guitar here!

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