I have been using Trinity Coatings LC290 nitro lacquer with good
results.  It dries fairly fast in low humidity situations to a very
hard finish with fast build up of coats.  The problem for me is I have
to have the local paint store special order it as they only stock the
cheaper version.

In the last couple of instrument factories I have visited they were
using ultraviolet (UV) cured coatings.  These coatings take less than
a minute to dry to full hardness.  They go immediately to the buffing
and polishing line.

We sell guitars in our store by Fender, Taylor, and Martin that all
have these finishes on them.  They all bought their finish materials
from the same source that has recently closed.  I do not know the
current source.  Their UV finishes are amazing.

Acrylics have been just about banned in most states.  On wood they are
so hard that they tend to crack and show little lines in the finish in
just a few short years.   I believe California was one of the first to
ban them.  Let me know.

Don Teach - Shreveport Music Co.