Good vs. Bad Satin Finish
I received a custom ordered mandolin today. My luthier has been working this one for nearly half a year. This specific model has a satin finish.
What are qualities of a "quality" satin/matte finish? I own an Eastman MD-315 for comparison. The Eastman also has a satin finish, and it is very smooth and very flat. I see no bubbles, evidence of spray, un-evenness, etc. Very impressive for a Chinese mandolin!
The custom luthier-made mandolin I received today does NOT have the same qualities. The finish is very obviously "sprayed". You can see tiny "dots" that look like evidence of spray painting (I have spray painted MANY fine projects). I'm saying the luthier actually spray painted the mandolin, but to me, it doesn't appear like a quality spray-finish.
I don't want to include pictures or names at this point, but I'm curious if the finish will eventually "smooth out", or is this evidence of a cheap job?
2008 Gibson F-9
2010 Jon Mann OEM-8
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