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I'm at the stage where I'm ready to finish my guitar. In the past I've used KTM 9 on my first two guitars and had good success. I'm considering using nitro on this guitar.
Give me some feedback as to which finish you prefer and why.
Thanks, Steve

I like nitrocellulose lacquer because I believe it is easier to use and stinky fumes don't bother me. But, I was a professional painter for several years and a countertop installer (read contact cement fumes) so nothing stinky bothers me! I also like the appearance. From what I have read, the water-bourne finishes are improving and when one comes out that is as easy to use and looks warm like nitro, then I'll give it a try. But, if you are sensitive to VOC odors and fumes, you don't want to try nitro. Another consideration is your shop setup. Is is suitable for spraying nitro? I spray in my garage, but my family is real tolerant to what I do. The stink does get in the house at tad (not the over-spray, just the odor), but they don't complain. It's kind of a family joke that when they smell the odor, they know it won't be long before they hear music coming from out there and they might prefer the odor!!

Glen

Nitro. But I have a professional sprayer around the corner from me who doesn't charge much.

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Steve,

You may want to consider USL by Target Coatings. It's a waterbourne lacquer that mimics nitrocellulose in many ways, the two most important of which are burn-in between coats and hardness. I used KTM-9 on quite a few instruments and always felt (like most everyone else) that it came up short in both of these categories. I'm just at the initial buffing stage at my first with the USL and it looks very promising. I used it straight out of the can and it builds nicely and flows very well.

I'll have it buffed out entirely in a few days, so I'll have a better feel for it then, but so far it looks great. Being a waterbourne, it has the advantages of easy cleanup and no fumes, which is a real plus for me. Good luck.Jimmy Caldwell39038.463912037

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Jimmy Caldwell
http://www.caldwellguitars.com

Jimmy, could we see pictures please when your finished buffing?

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there are several factors which have caused me not to experiment with the waterbourne finishes readily accessable to the small shop. amongst them are its lack of easy repairability, it appearance and its softness.

i find the only attractive aspect of waterbourne is the lack of voc's, and attendant smaller risk factor.

That is typical of impressions form one finisher to the next. you see Jimmy the very things you think Target USL (Stewert McDonald's Colortone)does better than KTM9 I think KTM9 does better I have use both and in my experiences KTM9 is better in particularly the clarity of the film and the crosslinking. I don't know if this is an environmental issue as I am in a very dry climat, but for me KTM9 far out performs USLMichaelP39038.6268981481

Well if you willing to spray nitro (it's easy) I would say spray nitro as it's what all spray finishes are compared to. Someday maybe well start critiquing finishes against water based emulsions but I've never heard anyone say that nitro just doesn't look quite as good as the water based stuff.

I've sprayed the target stuff before and it's very close by the way. I don't have any experience with the KTM products.

Just be sure to wear a voc respirator and you be alright.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Geez, Glen, don't you wear a respirator with organic vapor cartidges? If you can smell the solvents at all, change the cartridges. The stuff isn't just a smell to avoid. It's poison.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

[QUOTE=Howard Klepper] Geez, Glen, don't you wear a respirator with organic vapor cartidges? If you can smell the solvents at all, change the cartridges. The stuff isn't just a smell to avoid. It's poison.[/QUOTE]

I'll echo that and it doesn't matter if it's nitro, waterborne, varnish or schellac, or whatever, you really don't want it in you.

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

Come on guys, do you'll think I actually spray without a cartridge respirator? When I say stink, I'm only referring to the residual odor that lingers.
Poison?? I'm not one to take the risks of long-term exposure to these agents lightly, but at the same time, the risks associated with Nitro Lacquer are well-documented.

It will take you a while to really decide on one. I've made like sixteen guitars and I'm still switching around. If you want something that guarantees a good beautiful finish, go with nitro. Just be safe with it. Waterbornes are much more sensitive to temp. and humidity conditions. Nitro is very forgiving in this area.

I have not tried any waterbourne products but I love the look of nitro and have a decent spray set-up so I'm sticking with it.I do enjoy finishing with nitro .

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