What is the minimal amout of clear gloss lacquer that i need?

[leftybill]

Is there a general minimum amount of clear gloss laquer required?  Such as 1 can or 15 coats?

 

[Mor Paul]

Depends on how thick you want it. Do you want a thin finish that will age quickly, or one that'll last a while.

 

[jackthehack]

Depends on how thinly/thickly you lay down the coats. You need enough lacquer built up to be able to wet-sand/polish without going through the finish layers.

 

[leftybill]

I want the finish to last... this was more work than I thought it would be.  On the other hand, I want to put the guitar together :blob7:.
I do not want to sand through the color coat.  I have dealt with this problem before.  Maybe I will do a few more coats.  The coats that I have applied have been on the thin side.
What grit of sandpaper should I begin with?

 

[-CB-]

Depends on your prep work.

If you want satin or gloss.

The type of lacquer - they're not all the same.

Satin, unprepped, one shot is all ya need.  It wont last and will look funky really quick, but some folks like that.

When you prep - sand to baby's butt smooth, then you're also probably gonna do gloss and more coats, so you can level that, and still buff it.

Too thick - and you get bubblegum.  The key is shrinking in, before you level, and sometimes that takes a lot of light coats.