Technically the Clay Dots was just a reference to their color they turned. The dots fender used were never actually clay material though, they were actually vulcanized fiberboard. The same fiberboard that was used to make the bobbins they wound their pickups on. They would get sheets of vulcanized fiberboard made in white and would stamp out the dots. The fiberboard was made with a cellulose in it would turn yellow over time from exposure to oils, sweat and light. So the term Clay Dots were coined for the color they turned. I do admit though I like the look of clay more as a dot marker. I've done this before using air dry clay and acrylic paints mixed in to match the color I wanted. I pressed it into the dot holes a little at a time to pack it inside and around to make sure there was no gaps for shrinking. They held very well hardened up nicely and sanded down easily for leveling. This is a cool idea though I like premolding them this way much cleaner and easier to work with! Cool stuff!
What about using transparent epoxi or superglue mixed up with glowing ink (that which lights in the dark) for the dots? It's something I've though some time ago but couln't ever appy it 'cause never made myself a neck, but anyway it could be usefull for someone... Cheers!
Nice one, I do the same thing on my builds because I find it easier than the pre done plastic ones. Have you had any trouble with the clay chipping? When I put blue tape on my fretboard to spray finish or do the frets the tape always ends up ripping off a bit of the clay. Probably not baking for long enough if I had to guess
I had a few chips on my first trial. I think because I was using old clay. It was hard when I was mixing it so I bought new clay and it seems to be better. Love the look it gives the neck. Like you it just seems easier to make your own. Thanks for the comment bud.
@@ChasesWKshop Thanks for the response. Do they take on the oils of the board and darken, or should I go for a darker colour if I wish to replicate the sort of orangey colour the vintage dots took on over time?
@@thomarcel you’re welcome bud. I haven’t added any oils to the fretboard. They don’t look like they would absorb oil. I’m not 100 percent on that. The best part about them is they’re so cheap and easy to make you can experiment endlessly with them. I would say if you wanting to go with an aged look mix some color in with the clay when you’re kneading it. Let me know if you try anything out. Talk soon.
Very informative! The step by step and the little details were very helpful. The off pink looks sharp.
Thanks bud! Glad I could help you out!
Technically the Clay Dots was just a reference to their color they turned. The dots fender used were never actually clay material though, they were actually vulcanized fiberboard. The same fiberboard that was used to make the bobbins they wound their pickups on. They would get sheets of vulcanized fiberboard made in white and would stamp out the dots. The fiberboard was made with a cellulose in it would turn yellow over time from exposure to oils, sweat and light. So the term Clay Dots were coined for the color they turned. I do admit though I like the look of clay more as a dot marker. I've done this before using air dry clay and acrylic paints mixed in to match the color I wanted. I pressed it into the dot holes a little at a time to pack it inside and around to make sure there was no gaps for shrinking. They held very well hardened up nicely and sanded down easily for leveling. This is a cool idea though I like premolding them this way much cleaner and easier to work with! Cool stuff!
That’s interesting. Never knew that! Glad you like the video!
Aww man just what I needed,, thankyou for making the vid 👍
You’re welcome, glad I could help you out!
Thank you very much!
Wonderful information.
What about using transparent epoxi or superglue mixed up with glowing ink (that which lights in the dark) for the dots? It's something I've though some time ago but couln't ever appy it 'cause never made myself a neck, but anyway it could be usefull for someone... Cheers!
I was thinking about epoxy. I bought some a while back to try with some inlays. May look into that. Would be really cool.
Cool video man!
Thanks bud!
Nice one, I do the same thing on my builds because I find it easier than the pre done plastic ones. Have you had any trouble with the clay chipping? When I put blue tape on my fretboard to spray finish or do the frets the tape always ends up ripping off a bit of the clay. Probably not baking for long enough if I had to guess
I had a few chips on my first trial. I think because I was using old clay. It was hard when I was mixing it so I bought new clay and it seems to be better. Love the look it gives the neck. Like you it just seems easier to make your own. Thanks for the comment bud.
Can I use sandpaper after I put them on?
And does lemon oil stain it?
Hey bud, yes on the sandpaper and I’m not sure on the lemon oil. Make you a few extras and try it out on them to see. Hope this helps bud.
@@ChasesWKshop thanks youre so helpful!
Thanks for the video, how do these hold up over time?
So far so good. I’ve got them in my custom bender I built. That have held up great.
@@ChasesWKshop
Thanks for the response. Do they take on the oils of the board and darken, or should I go for a darker colour if I wish to replicate the sort of orangey colour the vintage dots took on over time?
@@thomarcel you’re welcome bud. I haven’t added any oils to the fretboard. They don’t look like they would absorb oil. I’m not 100 percent on that. The best part about them is they’re so cheap and easy to make you can experiment endlessly with them. I would say if you wanting to go with an aged look mix some color in with the clay when you’re kneading it. Let me know if you try anything out. Talk soon.
@@ChasesWKshop
Ok cool, I’m hoping to have a go this weekend, I’ll let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.
That clay is less than 3$ at michaels.
Nice! I had trouble finding it in my area. Good to know. Thanks.
@@ChasesWKshop thought you should know because you said 9$ which is robbery
@@benjaminhostetter7407 it’s is! Thanks bud!
Take to long to explain, bored