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Following the rave reviews all over the place, I bought some Seagrave lacquer to finish some acoustic guitars. I am surprised by how soft and flexible it is. Even after 3 weeks, residue on masking tape will not crack when bent back on itself. I understand why a cabinet lacquer would probably cold check on a guitar, but it seems to me that the Seagrave is overboard with plasticizers. While I am not so worried about a flexible lacquer on the back, sides and neck, I am not crazy about applying a rubbery film to my soundboard. I am actually considering mixing a cabinet lacquer with the Seagrave to get something harder. Could be a recipe for disaster, I know. Anybody agree with my assertion that Seagrave (aka McFadden) is too soft?

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Stay with the happy people.
--Reynolds Large

Flexability is a good thing even for the top plate. But i do french polish my tops most the time unless a more durable finish is wanted. Then it's nitro . The one thing i don't like about the new seagraves is the high price. With that said: McFadden was always my favorite nitro.

I never tried anything other than Behlins Stringed Instrument lacquer. I had problems with it on it my last guitar. I couldn't get a wet finish no matter what I tried. After reading some posts I found that using the right thinner can make a difference so I'm going to try that. I wonder if I'm missing out on something by sticking to one finish though.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!