Satin Finishes

[Kevin in California]

I really like satin finishes, but I don't really know the best way to go about getting one on my guitars.

[John Link]

Kevin, I've never done one, but understand it can be as simple as using a satin finishing product and simply leaving it alone after it dries.

[Dave Bagwill]

Or by using a high-gloss product, which has no 'flatteners' in it so is inherently clearer, and then rubbing it down to the sheen you want with steel wool or other very fine abrasive.

[Kevin in California]

Any time I've rubbed down a finish with 0000 steel wool, I can see the scratches. What about a natural satin finish, where you still feel the wood. I've refinished furniture this way using Danish oil.

[ken cierp]

I only "wet spray" a satin finish, (the chemical used is simply less glossy) final coat no leveling, no sanding, no polishing --- done!

[John Link]

My experience with "rubbing out" gloss finishes mirrors Kevin's. While I was not planning on leaving them satin in the first place, it was clear this approach left things too uneven. I sprayed lots of satin lacquer as a spray boy in my youth, and it was always smooth and even looking, like Ken says.

[Dave Bagwill]

There are flatteners put into some matte and satin finishes; maybe not all, I really don't know. Some guys on this forum have some good info on matte and satin et al.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/archi ... 16905.html