H-P90-S has it been done?

[McCreed]

The luthier's insistence on an acrylic finish over poly was obviously a cost and ease-of-use consideration. What are the benefits/concerns with using one over the other?

Also his excitement/relief when I suggested a satin finish - anything I need to know there?

I think it's worth distinguishing whether you are referring to a 1k polyurethane (like from the big green shed) or a 2k polyurethane (or polyester) like Fender would use.

If 1k, it could be a time issue as it doesn't set very quickly and takes multiple coats with cure time in between. 2k is quite carcinogenic and should be used in a proper spray booth with commercial level extraction and filtering. Also, 2k is pretty expensive and harder to buy in small quantities. (at least when I've looked into it)

Acrylic lacquer, whilst not recommended breathing the stuff in or spraying without a respirator, is less dangerous and a lot cheaper.

Both 2k poly and acrylic lacquer can be sprayed in one session. So again it's a lot quicker than 1k poly. Also need to consider with the time between every coat of 1k, the spray equipment needs to be thoroughly cleaned (= more time).

I would say time, effort and material costs may be the reasons for him steering you the way he did. (he may also have heaps of acrylic lacquer already on hand, so no further outlay)

Also as jugglindan suggested, with a satin finish, no time polishing (less time = mo' money).

You could just ask him "why not poly?". You're the customer, you have the right to understand his process IMO.

[Andy123]

You could just ask him "why not poly?". You're the customer, you have the right to understand his process IMO.

He did explain that he wasn't set up for it and that it's nasty stuff to deal with. I was just wondering if the end result will be worse off for having gone with acrylic instead?