1st Laquer Finish Question

I finished my 1st Laquer paint job. I used duplicolor, and I think it came out fairly well. Now the long wait to dry.

Question: I got some splatter from the end of the 2nd color can, which left some raised bumps. I sprayed 5 coats of clear over it, thinking they would settle in, but they didn't. They are not terrible, but noticeable. Should I let it dry now and wet sand in 3 or 4 weeks, or try to sand the down now and do another coat of clear afterwards?

You're not in a good position here. Sanding through the clear until you hit (and level) the bumps in the color will show... maybe not much though. You have 2 options
1) Sand the clear as little as possible... but until you have the bumps where you wan't them... and just like it.
2) Sand the whole thing smooth (sand away as much as you want really... at least the clear), and shoot another coat of color. Then proceed with the clear.

You didn't mention whether your color was solid or metallic. Regardless, the final coat of color (if you you intend to clearcoat) must be as perfect as possible. Some solid colors can be sanded at this point right before clearcoating. Metallics can't be sanded prior to clear coat... in fact, some metallics should even be handled or touched.

Metallics will look blotchy and uneven if sanded (or sanded). Some solids will show weird effects as well. This is all about looks... no real effects otherwise.

The last coat of anything before clear really needs to go on thin, wet, no bugs, runs, etc... This in mind... I don't clear coat solid colors... and they shine just fine. Lots of red and black Porches and Ferraris running around with no clear... much easier to repair too.

OK, thanks for that. It was a metallic red. I think I'll just live with it. I am seeing some flaws in the original prep anyway. I think, at some point, I'm going to strip it down and start over, but I want to play the guitar for a while. I'm not overly upset about it, it was a great learning experience.

BTW - I used Deft sanding sealer. Is there a better aerosol sanding sealer to start with if I am going with duplicolor?

There is probably a "WOODCRAFT" in your town. They sell BEHLIN'S Vinyl Sealer... good stuff and the can and nozzles are decent too. They may not have it on the shelf everytime... and it ain't cheap... I think ~$15.

However, if you are doing a red metallic, you can use "DUPLICOLOR" lacquers, primer/sealer/metallic/clear. These are at your local auto parts store... high quality stuff, and again, decent nozzles.