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I see where a lot of guitars are being made with satin backs and sides (Taylor 314CE, Martin Performance Series, etc.) and I was just wondering if those backs and sides could be redone to a gloss finish without completely refinishing the whole thing.

That is going to vary widely based on exactly what the mfg. used as far as materials and process. Some are done with gloss underneath as it is harder than the satin finish and the last coat is a satin with the refracting compounds in it. These can be buffed to a gloss, though the finish will be very thin and perhaps too thin to survive without checking or flaking. I have buffed a few satin finishes out and seen lots more that have been done, and IMHO they never quite look like a factory gloss.

Satin finishes have a additive to make them satin , the manufacturing process for this eliminates a lot of hand level sanding , and buffing these will never give you that nice shine of a high gloss finish. You may be able to call the manufacturer and find out what they used. I have buffed a few myself and while they get shiney , it isn't that high gloss that I like.

I actually prefer a satin finish but most don't seem to.

Ben-Had wrote:I actually prefer a satin finish but most don't seem to.

I do, too. Satin finishes also seems to hide small cracks and dings better, which is useful for travel instruments that get a lot of hard use.