![]() Step 9: Using wet or dry paper, I start with 400 grit (with water and a bit of dish soap), then 600, 8, then switch to micromesh and work my way up from 1800 to 12000 (I normally skip the 3600) to polish the finish. Step 8: I let the finish dry for at least 7 days, but often 10 days or more (until I judge that the French Polish on the soundboard is ready.) Once again, a couple of hours wait between each coats. ![]() I don't want to create more bumps so the cloth is barely filled with KTM-9. Step 7: Using a soft cloth, I apply another 8-10 very thin coats, barely wetting the finish. At this stage, I want to create an even surface without sanding through the finish (beware of edges!). Step 6: after 48 hours of drying time, I level the finish with 220 grit sandpaper. If you think it's a little too thin, go for another 3 coats, sanding down with 400 between each 3 coats. I then repeat steps 4 for a total of 9 coats. The aim is to get rid of big bumps, drip lines (if any) and air bubbles. Step 5: I sand down lightly using 400 grit. I let it dry for about 2 hours and add another coat, and then another coat 2 hours later. Step 4: a fairly generous coat of KTM-9 (but not so much that it starts to drip) using the foam brush. Step 3: sanding down filler using 220 grit, then a sealer coat of shellac Step 2: pore filling (I use a micro-beads filler on Rosewood and pumice on Maple) Here is my finishing technique using KTM-9: Once buffed, it looks very nearly as good as nitrocellulose. I apply it with a foam brush and once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy going. It's a waterbased lacquer made especially for guitars (available at LMI). Drying times can vary wildly on atmosphere and lacquer used.I use a product called KTM-9. I live in Belgium, my nitro spraying was done in the summer with aerosol cans. If you can depress the finish with your fingernail and leave an indentation, it's still too soft the handle (sand/buff), if it doesn't leave an indentation, you're ready to go. I assume it's an acoustic instrument? If there is a pickguard to be placed, you have a nice invisible spot where you can test the hardness. After that final layer is done, I let the guitar dry for at least 4 days, after which I use fine sandpaper to scuff the finish ("breaking" it open, which helps the evaporation of the solvents "trapped" underneath the already hardened surface), and then let it dry for 2 weeks, after which I'll finally sand it down and buff it to a shine. This will allow the lacquer to "flow" a bit, and make a smooth(er) surface, which will reduce final sanding quite a bit. I'd wait 2-3 days after 3 layers of nitro to scuff-sand it (leveling), then spray 2/3 layers of nitrocellulose, with the last layer a bit thicker (sprayed on a horizontal surface, to prevent runs). It's relatively quick to dry "to the touch", but it gradually hardens over time. Nitrocellulose lacquer can take years to fully harden. Oil varnishes are nothing like it for drying time hahaha. I have never used nitro before and i am seriously impressed at the drying time. Good lacquer weather.ītw, how flexible is nitro? Can i use it to lacquer an oil painting or even polish the toe cap of my boots? I am half serious. It is only impatience to see the final result, or being able to take the guitar with me, that would require me to buff it out after one week. I have to leave for a few months so as long as it is safe in a case i can certainly allow it to sit in storage until i come back to buff it in autumn, lol. can i buff it out after a week of drying? My next plan is to leave it for a week out of a case to vent. Maybe thinned with acetone since i dont need to fill in as much. I will then put 3 more coats on tomorrow. It was done originally in nitrocellulose and i have refinished it in the same. Combine Guitars - unusual kits & customs.Seymour Duncan Wiring Diagrams For most of your wiring diagram needs, a pretty comprehensive guide.Official Luthiers Forum Lots of great stuff here, Mainly for acoustics, but also for electrics.Focuses on telecasters, has a lot of info on building and finishing (check the "Tele Home Depot" and "Finely Finished" subforums).talkbass The "Luthier's Corner" has lots of info, step by step tutorials and build logs (mostly basses, of course).Musical Instrument Makers Forum Lots of tutorials, sign up needed to see the forum archives, but highly recommended.Electric Herald Tutorials, guides, and other useful information.Project Guitar great resource, with many tutorials./r/CustomMadeInstruments - for everything else in custom instruments./r/obscureguitars - for everything weird, wonderful, and unusual in the luthier world./r/bass - for all your bass related needs./r/guitarplaying - post videos of your talent!./r/guitar - for all your guitar related needs.Everything about making musical instruments Related Reddits
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