Acoustic finishing - how many layers?

[harryevan]

I'm refinishing my old stand-by Guild F-212XL. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas on how may finish coats you can put on before you begin to dampen the projection of the soundboard (top) on a solid-topped, acoustic guitar?

harry evan

[Devon Headen]

I don't know a specific number, I'd just say go as thin as possible. It probably depends a lot on your willingness to lose tone for better aesthetics. I think any finish is going to dampen the projection somewhat. You could try French polishing. Just do a google search. It's very time-consuming, but you can get a very thin finish to buff out to a high gloss.