Finishing the interior

[Tj Turner]

Anyone put a wash coat of shellac or another finish on the inside of the soundboards, back and sides?

Good thing? bad?

Thanks!

[Dave Bagwill]

Depends (of course) on who you talk to. The insides can kind of gunky unless you use a very light touch. Then again, I know at least one luthier who French Polishes the insides. Gads.

[Tj Turner]

Definitely not going that far!

I thought maybe it would give it a little better humidity insensitivity, but then again it might be argues the opposite, that it could not let it breathe!

I have to close the box next, so if I'm going to do it, now is the time!

[ken cierp]

From what I've read -- its only an appearance feature. At one time all Alvarez Yari top of the line models had a coated interior -- lacquer. Some claim it makes for a more reflective surface (so what?) Most agree it will have zero affect against the forces of RH changes.

[Herman]

I use one coat of laquer on the inside, because it helps to keep it cleaner. So (dark) dust does not stick so easy anymore to the wood. On my latest telecaster cabronita I spilled a drop of colored laquer inside the f-hole. Because of the tiny coat inside I was able to remove it completely. On bare wood it would be different.
2ct
Herman