I wouldn't say it's easier, or harder.....just different. Most catalyzed finishes shrink less, and cure faster than nitro, so they build faster, requiring less coats than nitro, and less time between the final coat and buffing. My favorite finish is oil varnish. It's not quite as hard as catalyzed urethane or polyester. It needs 40 to 72 hours between coats, with a minimun of 4 to 6 coats. It also takes it several hours to dry dust free so a perfectly clean spraying area is a must. Collings charges an upcharge that's almost the price of the guitar for a varnish finish.
Alister, what catalyzed urethane are you looking at?
The guitar in
this thread is finished with ML Campbell catalyzed urethane. It's their "Eurobild" gloss. They have a "wet look" finish but it's not made to be buffed. (the neck is satin).
This guitar is finished with Epifanes Gloss clear varnish.
This guitar is finished with Mcfaddens catalyzed polyester, but Mcfaddens is now out of business.
I believe both ML Campbell, and Epifanes finishes are available in the UK.
Tim, are you going to use reslack? I've got some but haven't tested any yet.