Well, for me, flame maple just doesn't get me all excited. Sure it's beautiful, but I had other ideas for this guitar. Here's what I used step by step:
1. I brushed on SEVERAL coats of Stew Mac Grain Filler and let dry for a day.
2. I applied 4 coats of krylon grey primer.
3. Sanded with 400 grit, and applied 2 more coats
4. I applied 4 coats of Krylon Black Gloss
5. Let the guitar hang for 3 days.
6. Tape the guitar with 3M Plastic Tape in 3/4", 1/2" and 1/8"
7. Sprayed 4 coats of Krylon Glossy White
8. After 8 hours, I removed the Plastic Tape.
9. Let the guitar hang for 3 days.
10. Applied 15 coats of Krylon Clear Gloss
11. Let the guitar hang for 7 days
12. Wet sand the guitar starting with 320 grit to level out all the ridges from the tape, and continued all the way up to 1500 grit.
13. I then used Stew Macs #2 Medium polishing compound to get a nice shine on the guitar.
14. After letting the guitar hang for another day, I applied DuraGloss Swirl Mark Remover, and was able to get rid of most of the fine scratches and get a high gloss finish.
That's it in 14 easy steps.