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I will be finishing my first build (Lutz/BRW) shortly and I'm trying to decide on a finish. I know there are many options. I want to use a thin finish and if possible not get into spraying (I'm building my guitar in my living space). Is there an obvious finish to pursue? I do want it to be gloss. Thx.

Here's the link to my build: viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=41471

French polish

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

French polish is a good option, but it does take a bit to master the technique.
TruOil has been my first coice, but the old Rockhard varnish has also given me good results. They've change the formula, so you probably won't be able to find any of the non-poly stuff. Pratt & Lambert 38 has gotten good reviews, but I haven't tried it yet, I've still got an unopened can of Rockhard.

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A man hears what he wants to hear, and disreguards the rest. Paul Simon

If I was finishing without spray equipment I would probably put on an epoxy finishing resin, like zpoxy on the hardwood sections and top it with KTM 9. It can be brushed on without to much difficulty. You want fairly thin coats and will need 12-15 to give you a safe build thickness giving you room to sand out and buff to a high gloss.

If you are so inclined you might try french polish on the top. You can get a thin build with it. It will scratch easier than most of the other finishes but should be fine on the top.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Yep, French Polish sounds like exactly the finish you need to use. No spray equipment necessary, non-toxic, thin, and can build to a moderately high gloss. Get the O'Brien DVD that LMI sells. Well worth the money.

I am still amazed that such a noble finish can be achieved with simply liquor and bug sh!+.

Nice work steve . Vy cool toolbox. Like your loofier vice with swivel .Is it a recycled old swivel chair ?. If I ever find one . that/s a great idea. Mine/s mounted on my d. fir/hem workbench, and always seems inconvenient

French polish... it's pretty much the only finishing method I don't hate.

Robbie has his streamable and downloadable online French Polishing course as well.

Weren't the original Larsons varnished? Oil varnish is doable indoors, and it's meant to be brushed. Just keep a couple windows open.

FP is also a great option. I actually find it kind of relaxing.

Thanks, ernie. The vise stand is an old cast iron table stand that someone was tossing out if you can believe. I had my stereo amplifier on it for a few years, also used it as a cafe table base. It is really great as a base for the vise. I push it out of the way when I don't need it. It raises and lowers. It's kind of perfect.

+1 for french polish, Robbie's DVD or online lesson, and the other positive comments made above.

The hardest part to catch onto is how dry your pad is while you are working - it's not like brushing or wiping on a finish at all, and you get in trouble if you approach it that way.

This is not to say that you can't just brush on shellac. You can, and many people do, and then polish the surface using normal FP technique after they have gotten the finish built. But the two steps have to be treated each in their own way.

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu