Classical Guitar Finishing

[zendo]

I am about to finish my first classical guitar - the frets are on, the neck shaped the bridge on... now I have to decide on what finishing cote to use. The lute was finished with a few coats of danish Oil and tht is ok. I am tempted to use nitrocellulose and spray it on but ??? .. just not sure. I think I may finish this with the oil because the buyer is waiting but for the next couple I would like some suggestions.

[nnickusa]

French Polish is pretty traditional on Classicals. Customer would need to wait a month or so.....

[deadedith]

Robbie O'Brien has a dvd out that demonstrates a method of FP that is not as time-consuming. It looks very fine. You might check it out.
My friend Brian Burns has a method of padding on shellac, thinned with something that will flash off quickly; he can get a body filled and done in a few hours. Yes a few hours. You can query him at lessonsinlutherie.com. I've studied with him and he will never steer you wrong.

That being said, the last 5 or 6 instruments I've done have turned out wonderful using Tru-Oil, which is actually more of a varnish, goes on very thin and is not penetrating to the point of damping. You can put a barrier coat of shellac on the top first, then the TO, if you are worried about penetration.

If you decide on TO, I have some good resources I'd be happy to supply. I also put a short non-professional but helpful vid on youtube that shows how I apply the stuff. I need to update it pretty soon to add the pore filling portion.

[kiwigeo]

I am about to finish my first classical guitar - the frets are on, the neck shaped the bridge on... now I have to decide on what finishing cote to use. The lute was finished with a few coats of danish Oil and tht is ok. I am tempted to use nitrocellulose and spray it on but ??? .. just not sure. I think I may finish this with the oil because the buyer is waiting but for the next couple I would like some suggestions.

I french polish all my guitars. Pros.....its a very thin finish, no need for spray gear, its easily repairable and the solvent is relatively harmless. Cons - a bit of skill required and its not as durable as synthetic finishes.

[simso]

Are you after a finish that feels like grain, or feels smooth to the touch, are you after a finish that reflects like a mirror or simply protects

[kiwigeo]

I am about to finish my first classical guitar - the frets are on, the neck shaped the bridge on... now I have to decide on what finishing cote to use. The lute was finished with a few coats of danish Oil and tht is ok. I am tempted to use nitrocellulose and spray it on but ??? .. just not sure. I think I may finish this with the oil because the buyer is waiting but for the next couple I would like some suggestions.

Another con for FP if your bridge is on.....you're going to have to get good with the muneca working around the bridge.