Acoustic Guitar Construction

Well --just goes to show you'll read a lot of nonsense at some forums. I don't have a pony in the race and it makes zero difference to me what guys and gals use to finish their project. And I am not a tool, glue or neck joint snob -- I am just someone that shares ideas, views and test results that will make it easier for a hobbyist or budding pro to construct fine guitars efficiently and economically. I suppose if I were trying to sell guitars I’d try and baffle with Bull S*** and try my very best to impress and dazzle potential customers by convincing them the products I use are in some way special or better. The custom guitar market is brutal not to mention the competition with some very well made imports – even Acoustic Guitar magazine is now giving some Chinese imports very high ratings.

Anyway, because at one time we also made home accessories (Woodland Inspirations) so we had occasion to use many different coatings. We found Deft, Minwax, Rustolium (Watco), Sherwin Williams and some others to be top notch. There were no problems what so ever with application, drying, polishing, checking when used according to manufacturer’s guidelines. They all performed well and yielded excellent results. I can only guess that those who may have had poor results did not follow instructions --- Keep in mind companies that sell billions of dollars worth of coatings over decades, do not do so by selling stuff that does not work. Guitar makers are not the only ones that want a nice finish. What more can I say?

Well said.

For the record, the Deft Brushing Lacquer does not say anything about sanding or buffing either. The directions say something like this:
"Apply three coats an hour apart. If surface will be exposed to water, apply 6 coats. Allow to dry for 24 hours before use."

I can not remember exactly what the instructions say, but there is no mention of level sanding, buffing or polishing. That is probably because they are talking about finishing furniture, not guitars and a glass flat surface is not a major concern. If you simply brush on the Deft gloss and let it dry, it is water clear, and shiny as hell. If you want a glass flat finish, you will have to sand and I have had no issues with that process on any of my guitars.
$27 for a gallon is a great price when you consider that the spray cans are $8.00 each and it takes 5 cans to finish a guitar and I have so far finished 4 or 5 guitars with less than half a gallon of the brushing stuff. Brushing is much, much cheaper, but more labor intensive after the finish is on.

Maybe I’m a little lazy when it comes to finish. I’ve sprayed a lot of paint so I’m approaching lacquer the same way. I don’t mind paying more for less labor intensive results plus I really enjoy using spray guns. Quick and easy.

George

There is nothing wrong with being lazy as long as you get the result you were after. I have never used a spray gun, but I have painted. I am comfortable with a brush. I don't like all of the sanding, but I do like the results. A catch 22.

Thanks to all. I have used Deft with success and am going to try Watco next time with confidence.

To Tony's point ---- I had occasion to contact the techs at Deft and did ask about leveling and polishing and they simply said it was no different then any other lacquer in that regard. I also ask about why there were no spraying instrcutions on the "brushing lacquer can" the explaination was that do to EPA guide lines if the product indicated it could be use for spray application Deft would have to prepare and submit more complex documentation and labeling because, of course, there would be more voc emmsions from solids and solvents in the air. But there is no real reason Deft Clear Finish cannot be sprayed.


The side bar here is that conntacting the manufacture is the best way to get accurate product information.