Finish and acetone wipe

[frank]

I just wanted to know if you (alembic) dilutes or does anything to the acetone they wipe on pieces of wood to show the grain better or what it looks like finished.
 
My brother, a friend, and I are building a telecaster with a one piece mahogany body, a book-matched walnut top, ebony fingerboard and a maple neck and we were curious as to what the finished wood might look like.
 
I think we are going to use a Nitrocellulose Stringed Instrument Lacquer to finish the body and headstock and an oil finish on the back of the neck.
 
Any finishing suggestions would be appreciated too. such as good finishes to use ( we'd like to go with a glossy finish). or tips on finishing an instrument.
 
Also do you have to spray on the finish to get a high gloss. We are awaiting a building solid-body electric guitar book  from amazon which hopefully will explain some things, but I always like to consult the fine people of  Alembic/Alembic Club.
 
Thanks,
 
Nick

[mica]

Just straight acetone. I have a supplier that uses a garden spray bottle of naptha.  
 
I don't have any advice about the finishes you're proposing to use. Our finish is specially made. It's a 2-part polyester that we apply with a spray gun.  
 
I can tell you that the finish surface as it comes out of the gun gets what's called an orange peel texture that we sand away with progressively finer abrasives up to 3000+ grit. Then the high polish is with finer abrasives on a buffing wheel.  
 
You might also find some good suggestions and products at www.stew-mac.com

[keurosix]

Hi Nick,
Have fun with the project!
I would recommend finishing the neck with the lacquer also, and only polish to a satin finish. This would look like an oil finish, have the quick smooth feel of the oil, but would protect the wood from harmful dirt and moisture penetration. Oil is OK for bodies - larger pieces of wood that are more stable which won't warp or aren't subject to string tension like the narrower surface areas of necks. I would prefer a lacquer finish over the entire guitar - just my preference.
Kris