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I have a client who has written to me about refinishing the top of a LaPatrie classical guitar (made by Godin, Quebec). All I know about the original finish is what they put in their advertising:
"LaPatrie guitars also feature a Custom Polished finish, which is reminiscent of the French polish of the 19th Century. This Custom Polished Finish, as opposed to "thick" polyester finishes, allows the top not only to be protected but also to breathe and vibrate freely" Elsewhere, they use the term "lacquer".

So, apparently not shellac and not a polyester. I'm suspecting not nitro, given the long cure requirement, so perhaps a water-based varnish?

Any of the repair or finish gurus here know what this might be and what might be an appropriate refinish option or approach. If I find a spot of acetone under a tuner plate burns in, do I dare use nitro (my regular finish)?

If i can do a good job at a reasonable price, I'd take the job on, but not if I'm likely to open a can of worms. I doubt the guitar is worth more than $1500, but I don't yet know the exact model.


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Sounds like a post cat poly to me. I apply quite a bit of Conversion Varnish on classicals and flamencos and it fits the description. I would not base what the top is finished in by what is on the body.....it is not unusual to find a thicker more traditional finish on the neck and body and something different on the top.Being a factory made good I doubt it was a water based finish from the factory

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Brian

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

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Very helpful, Brian -- your info on finishing is ALWAYS helpful.
So, if it were Conversion Varnish or otherwise a mystery finish, would there be a safe way to apply a nitro finish (since that's what I'm set up for)? Surface prep? Sealer type?

Or should I just turn the job down? Doesn't really bother me to say "no", but also doesn't help the client.


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Lacquer should stick just fine. I would only run a sealer if there is bare wood otherwise scuff the existing at 320 and shoot a regular course of nitro and buff as usual.

_________________
Brian

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

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

French polish would do no harm, will stick to almost anything and is a traditionnal finish for classical.