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Hello,

I am building my first guitar. I am looking ahead to doing the finish on my guitar. I would like to use something that is water based. Furthermore, I would like it to have an old look to it. I would like the color to be similar to Tony Rice's 1935 Martin D-28.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to what to use?

Thank you for your time!
MicahD

Simple, finish it and play it like &%*# for 70 years
For waterbased finishes there appears to be two front runners right now, KTM9 by grafted coatings and another from Target coatings, I'm not sure which of the target finishes is their best. I have been using KTM9 for the last several instruments with good results but I am now experimenting with an oil varnish that is looking promising. As for making it look old, you can add toners to the finish to darken and give the appearance of sun darkened old finish but how they really compare, I can't say. I don't try myself because I figure they'll get there someday.John How38476.7101388889

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.