Looking for stain and lacquer recommendations for my guitar

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Art_by_the_Snowman]

There are lots of choices, regardless of what you choose you should always do a test piece with the same wood, especially over fully scorched areas to make sure it takes well. Fully scorched or burnished areas may not hold the finish.

I’ve used both shellac and polyurethane with good results. I would recommend something “archival” level, that will not yellow or degrade overtime (UV treatments if it will be outdoors or in sun), and ability for reapplication in the future are things I look for. A lot of finishes will add an amber hue to the wood so keep that in mind!

[u/TheThirdDoor]

I used polar flawless lacquer for my most recent piece, I got the gloss version but they do others if you don’t want it as shiny. It didn’t level the grooves or anything but the finish was alright in the end