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KTM-9, Satin Sheen
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Author:  Dennis Leahy [ Tue Jun 21, 2005 7:23 am ]
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Has anyone tried the new KTM-9 with the satin sheen yet? I'd love to see some photos. Anyone?

I have an Alvarez Yairi with satin lacquer, and love the look. I also know from my cabinetmaking and furniture days that there are several steps between high gloss and flat matte, and I'm curious just where the KTM folks (Grafted Coatings) decided was "just right."

Thanks,

Dennis
Author:  Robbie O'Brien [ Wed Jun 22, 2005 1:14 am ]
Post subject: 
Dennis,
since no one has replied I will add my thoughts. In general products that have additives to defract light thus making them satin etc, are softer than products without the additives. This can be a problem when applying several coats. They also become dull after several coats. When I want a satin finish I use a gloss product and then rub it out to the sheen I desire. Another option is to use the gloss product for the first coats and then use the satin product for the last coat or two only.     
Author:  Dennis Leahy [ Wed Jun 22, 2005 7:39 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Robbie.

I wonder if this means no one here has tried the KTM-9 satin yet?

Dennis
Author:  Robbie O'Brien [ Thu Jun 23, 2005 12:13 am ]
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Seems to me I remember someone saying they had used it and liked the results
Author:  Michael Dale Payne [ Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:32 am ]
Post subject: 
I have tried it on test pieces. I am like Robbie I don't see a real reason to use it because you can achieve a satin finish through your technique. What I saw in my test pieces was that the satin KTM-9 was noticeably softer than KTM-9 clear.
Author:  Dennis Leahy [ Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:42 am ]
Post subject: 
Robbie and Michael,

Can you offer some hints on specific steps (rubbing compound grits, etc.) that you use to achieve a satin finish? My experience is all with furniture and cabinetry, and I relied on the sheen right out of the can to achieve the degree of satin-ness I thought would look best. I definitely don't want to put a soft finish on a guitar.

Thanks,

Dennis

Author:  Michael Dale Payne [ Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:56 am ]
Post subject: 
In a nut shell when I use ktm9-clear and work it to a satin finish I stop my normal final sanding process at 6000 micromesh hand polish lightly with Meguires#7 and hand buff with fine compound. I also dont build the film as deep as I would if I was high gloss buffing. Now were talking micons here. I want it to look as if there is just enough finish to be level. I am going for the look you see on Seagul's satin finished guitars
Author:  Robbie O'Brien [ Thu Jun 23, 2005 4:46 am ]
Post subject: 
[QUOTE=DennisLeahy] Robbie and Michael,

Can you offer some hints on specific steps (rubbing compound grits, etc.) that you use to achieve a satin finish? My experience is all with furniture and cabinetry, and I relied on the sheen right out of the can to achieve the degree of satin-ness I thought would look best. I definitely don't want to put a soft finish on a guitar.

Thanks,

Dennis

[/QUOTE]


Dennis,

I am in the process of putting together a DVD on how to finish a guitar. It will cover everything from tru oil to the catalyzed urethanes and everything in between. It covers choosing a product to suit your needs, application methods, rubbing out and buffing techniques etc. It should be ready to go by early next year.
To answer your question though, rubbing out to a satin on a guitar is the same technique that furniture finishing people use. After all, a finish is a finish no matter what it is on.
Here goes: I start sanding with 400 grit no load paper and go up to 1500. You can do this wet or dry, your choice. Afterwards use OOOO steel wool and paste wax (yep, that's right, paste wax) to rub with the grain. If you are using a waterbourne product be sure you use the synthetic steel wool. Afterwards, sprinkle a dab of water on the finish and with a clean piece of steel wool remove the paste wax. The finish will feel just like a baby's behind     
Author:  John How [ Thu Jun 23, 2005 5:27 am ]
Post subject: 
I used KTM9 satin finish on a neck recently and it was more dificult than I thought it would be to achieve a good result. I had thought I would finish as normal with gloss finish and then do a thorough sanding and then just spray on one even coat of satin and be done with it. Well It was easier said than done to get that one even coat that I felt good about. After several attemps, I decided to give Robbies method a try but I was never able to get a finish that didn't look scuffed so I went back to the satin and added a small amount of reducer and sprayed as light a coat as I could and that was it. Now I think I will not sand it but just rub it a little with some finessit to smooth it just a little. I'll try to post a pic or two when I'm done.
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