How many coats?

[mysteryclock]

What's the current thinking for how many coats of Minwax Wipe-On Poly (oil kind) would be sufficient for body (stained alder) and neck (roasted maple) finishing?

 

[Beej]

Depends on whether you're looking for a more satiny finish or want it to be glossier when done. I like that minwax poly, I've used it quite a bit, although it is not a really hard finish. I first put an epoxy seal coat down for hardness and then do about 20 thin coats. You could probably get away with less, but if you want it glossy, more is better...