couple refinishing questions i have

so i searched i can't seem to get a clear answer, so i must suck at searching.

1. does i really matter what kind of paint is used?

i have a color from my girlfriend i wanna use but unsure if i should use it for my guitar. its glidden evermore, which says its vinyl acrylic resin.

2. i have different cans of polyurethane and have used that for the other finish i did. would lacquer be easier?

only reason i'm asking is i wanna save a little money if i can. but i really didn't like how the poly came out(also brushed it on cause i was impatient, DOH!). which should i use?

have some other but can't think of them. any help with these questions fellas?

Unless you strip it to the wood you cannot use something different than whats on there now. Most guitars like gibson or earley fenders are laquer finishes that are alcohol based finishes. they are the easiest to use and easiest to repair flaws or nicks. Newer guitars like fenders are poly finishes which are epoxy/plastic finishes. They are very hard and durable. These the are the only finishes used on pro guitars. Older stringed instruments like violins may use schlaq which is a laquer type alcohol based finish.

For a beginner doing a raw wood body natureal finish, Tung oil is very easy to rub on and can be built up and give a decent appearance.

Household latex is no good cause it rubs off and cant be clear coated.

Oil based Enamels like Krylon or rustoleum is not for wood working. it can also take a year or more to completely harden. I did one just for fun and it would get dents in the finish where ever I set it down like a guitar stand.

If you want more info theres planty of links out there. I would also look under Antique refinishing, wood finishing etc.