Sealing new holes; compatibility with finish

[NickHorne]

Looking forward to fitting a Hipshot B-bender to my new Asat Classic.
BUT:
This will involve drilling two holes in the guitar's butt edge for the pair of stabilising screws to help keep the Hipshot in place. Plus possibly two more in the top if I feel I need to really tie the Hipshot down.
My query is this: I believe these holes should be given a little sealant against the elements, of some kind that's properly compatible with the surrounding finish.
But what IS the surrounding finish?
It is going to be a clear Orange on ash, so I am imagining it's going to be in some sort of poly.
Does anyone know which poly? Polyurethane? Polyester?
I'm dreading bringing this new guitar out in any sort of chemical rash, and I'm sure the right info will prevent this.
Sincere gratitude for all help

[darwinohm]

Nick, i would not worry abut sealing the holes but here is a suggestion. When drilling the holes, drill the screw holes appropriately for the screws and before installing the screw, drill a hole slightly larger than the screw itself just through the layer of paint. This is most likely Polyurethane and if you do not do this the paint may chip around the hole making it much more noticeable. A small drop of glue (wood glue) in the screw may also be in order here. It can be applied using a toothpick. -- Darwin

[NickHorne]

Darwin THANK you most sincerely for your timely reminder to "countersink" the finish a little to avoid cracking it.
And wood glue as a moisture-sealant sounds a really good, sensible and harmless solution.
Many thanks!
Best wishes,
Nick

[Craig]

FTR: G&L does not screw down the Hipshot B-bender on the Will Ray Signature model. It's held in place by the strap button screw.
You might try this first, before using the other two holes and screwing them in.

Just a thought.

[blargfromouterspace]

No need for sealants - that screw biting into the wood wont let any nasty stuff in. You won't need anchor screws in the top of the guitar if you put the ones on the end in. I found that with just the strap pin holding the bender on it'll move all over the place unless you're particularly graceful, which I'm not.

I bodged my B-bender install by breaking a drill bit off inside one of the holes, prompting me to drill a third hole in the guitar. There are now two broken drill bits and some left over broken screw in this guitar. Its like a victim of a bomb blast in a hardware store.

[Craig]

No need for sealants - that screw biting into the wood wont let any nasty stuff in. You won't need anchor screws in the top of the guitar if you put the ones on the end in. I found that with just the strap pin holding the bender on it'll move all over the place unless you're particularly graceful, which I'm not.

I bodged my B-bender install by breaking a drill bit off inside one of the holes, prompting me to drill a third hole in the guitar. There are now two broken drill bits and some left over broken screw in this guitar. Its like a victim of a bomb blast in a hardware store.

My WR Signature has some type of foam or rubber pad that the L-shaped plate sits on. The pad fits the full size of this plate and this keeps it
from moving or shifting. I don't know if this is something G&L adds or if it comes with the Hipshot B-Bender kit.

You might try that.

[NickHorne]

MY WR has a really slippy piece of baize all over the L-shaped baseplate! Not much risk of it marking the finish, but also not much risk of it staying in one place for long.
My WR also came with the two extra screws fitted, but not very accurately. I have my suspicions about the real original newness of my WR (strange things about it, though eventually great).
Thanks to all for v. helpful contributions!
Best
Nick