Satin lacquer on neck

[watergunn]

How many coats of satin do you usually spray on a neck?

Thanks

[tippie53]

I do about 6 to 8 coats

[watergunn]

And you do not level sand? You just let it stay as is?

[B. Howard]

I will sand between coats as always, but typically the last coat is left as is. Part of what makes the finish look satin is that bit of surface texture. That's also what gives it it's "feel".

[watergunn]

Excellent, thanks for the help.

[David L]

I read a thing that said that when going for a satin finish that all layers of lacquer should be gloss and that only the last coat or two should be done with sain lacquer.

David L

[B. Howard]

That's a common practice in the wood flooring trade. They claim the reason behind that is the flattening paste added to the finish material makes the finish softer, I'm not really sure if that's the case. In the cabinet trade, if a lower sheen finish is desired then that is what is sprayed from the sealer up. I would recommend doing that for a guitar neck to help avoid glossy spots from forming with use and wear.

[hummingbird]

I had a Martin D1 which has a flat finish all over and the top started to develope a shiny spot where my arm would rest while playing. It only took a few week for this to occur. It was ugly. I wouldn't recommend using flat on the top for this reason as it's a common problem.

It happens to the back and neck also but not as noticeable or bothersome to me.

I like the satin neck, it's easier to play because it's less sticky. You can slide your hand up and down the neck easier.

Lowden uses a flat finish on there backs and it looks awesome but I don't know if they have that problem. I read an interview with George Lowden where he said that he uses steel wool with the grain to achieve the look but he didn't say whether it was satin finish to start with.

Just saying.

[watergunn]

Thanks.

I did spray the satin on the side of the fret board. It worked perfectly and is smooth as silk.