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I plan to F/P the top of the guitar I am building. After FP is finished, is there something I can shoot over the F/P, that will retain the fabulous look of F/P and, at the same time make the finish harder and more durable. If so, how much, if any, is the sound compromised.
Thanks,

Why?.. The advantage of FP top is the fact that FP dampens the top less than a harder finish. FP is more durable than most claim and easier restored than any other finish so I don't see the advantage. I under stand it is softer than lacquer but it is so easy to bring the finish back, that my opinion, just leave it alone.MichaelP38923.4480324074

If belt buckle scratches is what you want to protect from try a hybrid finish. FP the top and lacquer the back and sides. I offer this finish on my guitars

Now I should have said as well that you can apply almost any finish over FP but you will need to either rough it up with 400p or soften it with alochol. In either case you loose the depth and luster of the FP and will end up having to polish the over coats.MichaelP38923.4472106481

What Michael said, why lose the advantage of FP by shooting something else on top, especially on the soundboard. One young lad I gave one of my guitars to was mortified when he got a belt buckle scratch on the back, I had it refinished in 30mins, back as good as new. I later put a small patch of the thin clear scratch plate material on the back and he hasn't scratched it since. A good French polish finish, gloss or satin, is what we all should be aiming for!

Again, as Michael said a properly done FP finish is a lot harder than many people would have you believe.

ColinColin S38923.4597569444

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

geeeze, great stuff. Exactly the info I was looking for. I WILL LEAVE MY MITTS OF THE F/P FINISH.
Thanks Again,