Official Luthiers Forum!

The title says it all fellas, im working on my first build and its just about time to start the finishing process. I will be doing a natural wood finish using clear gloss finishing products, though I might go satin on the back of the neck for better playability. What are you favorite products? -Alex

Let me add one detail, I am considering doing a semi-gloss. The guitar has a neck-thru made of curly maple and the body is honduran mahogany with a walnut burl veneer covering the face of the instrument. What do guys think would look better-gloss or semi-gloss? -Alex

I've tried sanding sealer. Don't like it. To me it's too soft. Don't like that in an undercoat. What I do now for clear finishes is make absolutely sure everything is sanded flat and level, fill the pores(if necessary) and sand that smooth and then build up clear coats of lacquer until the wood is well filled. Once the wood stops absorbing finish, then I start counting the lacquer coats. Typically, I like 9-12 coats, not counting the number it takes to seal the wood.
As to gloss or semi-gloss, IMHO I think figured wood looks best under gloss.

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.