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I have built half a dozen guitars and have used various hand-applied oil finishes. I have no experience with sprayed finishes. I have recently re-topped my first build (after 10 years it failed from some rookie bracing mistakes). I need to finish the top, but I am happy to leave the Tru-Oil finish which is on the back and sides. I have some rattlecan nitro I could try. Can you give me some beginners tips? How many coats? Do I do a couple and then level, and add a couple more? I am looking for satin rather than gloss.

this depends on the way you prep your guitar and the brand of nitro.

here is a posting I did on this subject from filling sealing and finish
http://www.kitguitarsforum.com/board/vi ... wax+finish

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

No harm in being conservative, what I did was put on a cross-coat, let it dry overnight, level (scrape, block sand), repeat. When I get to a level coat with no shiny spots, apply a last application, done. I took Mr. Hall's advice about using Minwax rattle cans. It worked out really well.

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Peter Havriluk

Thank you gentlemen. I now feel fairly confident to proceed.