Nitro problem -- need help!

[Ray Ussery]

First, I don't think you are a PIA, finishing can be a VERY frustrating task.
This is probably one of the best resources for attacking these problems that I know of.
Ken is known for his common sense approach to solving problems and there are a lot of knowledgeable folks here, of which I am probably the LEAST qualified.
But I'll jump in to say that the video Ken posted in another thread on the subject of French polishing is about the best I've seen, and very, very doable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsGTJlLACYg

Certainly compatible with the lacquer on the rest of your guitar.

TO can be used as well, BOTH in my opinion are much faster than lacquer. I believe the TO is more durable in the end and the easiest to apply. But that's just me.

As far as the top goes, others have made the point..PREP is EVERYTHING. I would sand MY top out to the max prior to EITHER of these finish choices.

Don't practice on you guitar. It's worth the time to find some scrap pieces of like material and finish them with BOTH processes side by side and make your personal choice by the results from there. Even if you have to buy a piece to do it with, I'm sure Ken has some pieces laying around to practice on.

There's a bit of time involved in doing this but not as much nor near as frustrating as trying to correct another problem on something you have spent so much time and money on.

That's my .02, it's a decision that can't really be made for you, Follow the video on the French polish and follow Dave's TO method on the other and you can't go wrong, then you will be able to look at the results and you will know right away which one you want to try.

Hope this helps some, good luck, Ray :)

[Harold in Tn]

Thanks Ray. I'll let you know how this turns out.
Harold

[Ray Ussery]

Good for you Harold, Good Luck! :)

Good luck! Ray