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Will be starting my first guitar ( from a kit ) soon.
Doing a lot of research and I think I have a reasonable handle on constructing the guitar.
It all looks doable ( I"m sure I will make some mistakes but probably all reasonably recoverable).

After, however, looking at some info about finishing the final product I am a bit more concerned.
Seems like I need to make some kind of well ventilated area in my basement work shop ( with fans blowing air outside) and with relatively controlled humidity.
Additionally, it seems like rattle can spraying is tricky and buffing might require special tools ( car buffer etc.).
A fall back would be to hire someone to finish the guitar but I would like to avoid this if possible ( since it seems contrary to building ones own guitar).

So.. Does anyone have any opinions on how hard it is to finish the guitar ( setting up spray areas, working with spray cans, sanding, buffing etc. ) and if they were reasonably happy with the final results.

Thanks

You're about to enter the world of guitar finishing, about like entering "The Twilight Zone" good luck. About the only thing I haven't tried is Tru Oil, I have a bottle but need to make another guitar to try it. Seems like the least messy, simplest finishing method that meets your needs as stated. Robbie O'Brien has a good vid on Y tube on it's use, there are most likely some on this site too.

Bruce,

French polishing with shellac is a hand applied finish, no spray equipment needed. It will take a bit of practice to get the feel, but I was surprised how quick I learned the technique. Not as resistant to a spilled beer as lacquer, but a good looking result. Lots if stunning examples by other builders on this forum.

Lots of ways to skin that cat.

I spray rattle cans outside when the weather is appropriate.

I brush on water based finish in the house (no fumes).

French polish uses alcohol for the solvent, so minimal fume nonsense.

You can get a pretty darn good finish a number of ways. It might not be a factory slick clear perfect finish your first try.

Luckily for me, good enough IS good enough

My 1st was tru oil and it was easy and looks great. I moved to French polished shellac. It was a learning curve but easy to keep working it till it looks good.

My 2 cents….

They all look pretty much the same from >6’ away.
Factory perfect spray wouldn’t suit my builds anyway. I like em warts and all.

there are a few finishes that are not as smelly Tru Oil french polish and emtech 6000

A matte or satin finish is another choice. Could eliminate the buffing step.