KTM Finish Products

[ShaneJ]

I was looking at LMI's finishing products, and KTM-9 (new version of older KTM-4) water-based finish looks interesting. Is it really as good as laquer?

If so, wouldn't a water-based product be easier to use? What are it's disadvantages vs. laquer?

Thanks for the help!

[Sailermando]

SJ,
I'm in the process of finishing two mandos using the KTM-9 finish and nearing the home stretch - at the 800 grit level sanding tonite. Just layed 'em down & time for a beer...

I've only finished two mandos - both w/ SM's ColorTone Waterbase Brushing Varnish. The major disapointment with this stuff was it left a yellow/blue tint in the corners (neck/body joint) and on the inlay. The up-side: it didn't stink up the house in the winter, and actually buffed up to a nice finish, despite the off color. It was OK for my first try. Envro friendly, yadda, yaddda...

I don't have spray equip. so I have to brush or wipe.

The KTM-9 is a great improvement. The two things that stand out are: it flow'd well - no bubbles, and no off color blue tint. I'm real happy with it.

A lot boils down to technique too - you need to experiment - I've tried a regular brush, foam brush and the french polish pad technique. I settled with the regular brush in the interest of time, but I developed my own technique of dry brushing that left a real thin coat of finish. Needed more coats, but it evened out the peaks and valleys and made the level sanding easier. I think this stuff would lend it self to the french polishing technique quite well.

Only instructions on the web I found were for spraying, so I:

I brushed 5/6 coats one day, scuffed sanded w/ 320 next day , then 5/6 more coats . I tried a level sanding, but broke thru in one spot so I put about 5 more real thin coats on, let 'er sit for a week and then started sanding. That is where I am now.

Hope this helps,
Jack

[ShaneJ]

Thanks for the info, Jack. I have a pile of wood right now, so it'll be a while before I get to finishing. I like the sound of the KTM-9.

In building flyrods, I've switched to a new water-based finish rather than the old two-part epoxy. I've had good results with that. It's not the same thing, so I guess that doesn't necessarily mean anything. But no mixing, no fumes, non-toxic, etc. is nice if the finish comes out clear and smooth and durable. The only other question is longevity, and only time will tell for that.