I often get the question "Which finish is best for a guitar?" Well, the first question that needs to be answered is "what do you want the finish to do?" Usually it is to seal and protect the wood but just about all finishes will do that. So, you need to decide on how much protection you want from the finish. Evaportive finishes like shellac or lacquer tend to offer minimal protection against scratches and dents. However, they are relatively easy to apply and touch up. Reactive finishes like urethanes and polyesters tend to offer more protection but are a bit harder to apply and touch up.
As a builder/player you need to decide which finish is best for you and your circumstances.  Once you have made this decision you need to decide on how to best apply it and what sheen you want for the end result - satin or gloss. 
Notice I have not even mentioned the tonal issue yet? All finishes will affect tone in some degree. In my opinion it is best to apply the finish you choose to use as thinly as possible. I have even noticed a tonal difference between a thin and a thick shellac finish. It makes a difference!
In my classes that I give in my shop I have chosen to use a shellac finish applied using my modern approach to French polishing. I also have the time issue as we build a guitar from a box of unserviced materials to a finished product with strings in 6 days. The French polish technique that I teach allows us to achieve superb results in just a day or two, as you can see in the pictures. 
 
    

I offer an Online French polish course via my website. If you follow my instructions you will learn how to achieve results like those in the pictures. You will be surprised at how easy it can be. 
For those that are new to shellac as a finish, here is a Luthier Tips du Jour video I did years ago with more information about this wonderful product. 
Luthier Tips du Jour - Shellac
If you are interested in learning to build guitars or just want
to see how I build my guitars then schedule a class with me.
If you are in need of a concert quality classical or steel string
guitar then let me know as I would love to build a guitar for you.

Thank you,
Copyright © 2018 O'Brien Guitars, All rights reserved.


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