Though Fender have used a clear polyester coat over the body as first sealing coat since 1963 (except for all-nitro pre-63 reproductions, custom jobs and some special editions). Clear, and goes over any initial staining applied. UV cured, it sets hard in 15 minutes and is paintable within an hour. It stops any finishes from sinking into the wood and saved them hours in paint and prep work. They've then put nitro or polyurethane or even more polyester over the top of that.