Acoustic Guitar Finish...are UV Cured finishes appropriate or even optimal for acoustic guitars?

[phavriluk]

I think beginning guitar builders need to exercise the 'KISS' principle and not go down speculative rabbit holes. It's tough enough to build up a good first instrument using common and tested techniques and materials.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Peter, spoken like a professional guitar builder

[phavriluk]

Peter, spoken like a professional guitar builder

Kevin, I'm grateful for the praise. Thanks, even if I don't deserve it!

[saltytri]

Not sure that CherryLink has good info about Solarez. Have you actually used it? I have a baritone uke that I have kept for myself that is finished with Solarez ICBINL. Several thin coats, wipe-on, wipe-off, yielded a beautiful and smooth satin finish. Curing in the sun requires cooperative weather so to avoid inconvenience, I built a UV cabinet at about the right wavelength. It's fully cured about 4 minutes or so. Very light sanding between coats with a very fine grit and a bit of wax at the end gives it a very nice, smooth satin finish. Several of my Solarez ukes have been with customers for around a couple of years, and no negative feedback. And, yes, I do finish the tops with it and have no concerns about any ill effect upon tone. If anything, it has the advantage of being light and thin and not unduly subject to mechanical damage. The Sitka top on my baritone remains in very good shape. And I do agree with the sentiment that was expressed about generally not taking a flyer but I'm long past the flyer stage with this.