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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on December 12, 2012 at 10:13am

I used spray shellac on my current build and like it. It is a very high gloss. A couple of med coats sprayed on resulted in a nice finish that is not too thick or heavy. Dries very fast and fumes are not too bad since it is alcohol based.( I've tried brush on shellac and it is a real bitch to work with).I only used it on the box/paper label, not on the neck. Couple of cautions, it disolved my signature on the back of the box that I used a fine sharpie to apply so I'm having to cover that somehow. The other thing is since it is alcohol soluable one would have to be careful not to spill alcohol on it (like tequilla!) It was about 10 bucks for a spray can but took hardly any to coat the box, so I don't think it will be but maybe a dollar a box for finish. I do not know if it is also  available as a low gloss. I've used satin finish poly spray as well but it takes a long time to dry and has very nasty fumes.

Hope this is helpful. Bluesheart

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Permalink Reply by Jon Leslie/Runaway Veal Music on December 12, 2012 at 10:31am

Thanks bluesheart.. That sounds good. I'll have to wait until I replace the strings.. Shouldn't be long with alot of breaking strings in these early days.. Do you use acoutic steel strings or electric strings?

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Permalink Reply by Clarky on December 12, 2012 at 11:15pm

Same as Bluesheart, I sprayed a lacquer over my last build but it made permanent Sharpie lines smudge so beware.  Very light coats is all that is needed.  I use a satin finish one too.  It will last a good few guitars.

I was using electric strings but have changed to acoustic, they sound brighter, and louder played acoustic, and for some reason they seem a lot clearer and brighter played through an amp.  I use a light guage, 9s or 10s, usually Martin extra lights as they are fairly cheap.

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Permalink Reply by Randy S. Bretz on December 13, 2012 at 12:31am

I use Deft spray clear laquer on all my builds and bridges. Dries instantly and a few coats looks great. Nice hard and smooth finish. Been using it for my years with no compaints!

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Permalink Reply by Thomas "Duck" Petry on December 13, 2012 at 4:19am

I have used rattle can Lacquer from ACE Hardware and like the results. It really seems to bring the color of the wood out and dries fast and hard.

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on December 13, 2012 at 6:05am

Acoustic strings for me, I get them in bulk from Musiciansfriend.

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Permalink Reply by wormil on December 14, 2012 at 7:44pm

I use clear acrylic lacquer. Professionally made guitars have up to 30 coats of lacquer so I wouldn't worry about a few coats affecting sound.

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Permalink Reply by James Avery Cunliffe on December 15, 2012 at 6:31am

For boxes with paper decals I want to preserve I use a light coat of a mix of water and wood glue, once it dries I use a light coat of spray polyurethane, light sanding then oil (of your choice). 

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