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I am hot-rodding a 1970's Martin D-18..giving it the works: neck reset, compression refret, new through saddle bridge, new small maple bridge plate, new tortoise celluloid pickguard, Grover StaTites, scallop braces. I am at the point where I need to do finish touchup in front of the bridge as a result of moving the bridge to the correct location. I have an idea on how to proceed but I would like to get some of your ideas. I'd rather not break out the spray equipment, so I am thinking of applying lacquer with a small brush.

My thoughts are to lay down a couple of coats of tinted shellac to match the finish, then several coats of clear lacquer until it is built up above the level of finish on the rest of the top, then let it cure for 3 weeks, then level sand and buff. Is that about right? Is it that easy?

Here is where I am at (note bridge is not glued down):


ps..also would like some tips for removing the giant rosewood bridgeplate. Reckon I will start a new thread for that.

I have one that I'm basically doing the same thing with. I started using an air brush. I was also trying to build finish up in the pick guard area and had re-spraying finish on the bindings.

After letting the spraying cure, I realized that I hadn't added enough finish. Since then I've built it up drop fill style with a brush and it has worked out fine. You will be level sanding anyway, so the method of getting it on there isn't as important as getting enough finish in place.

I'm not quite done with the touchup finish yet, but so far I've had good results with the brush in that area.

I typically tint the lacquer to match but the way you state will work fine.

And yes it is that easy when you put it on paper....

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Thanks for your input John and Brian.