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In a previous thread it was mentioned that fine woodworking magazine had a review of waterbase finishes. Has anyone tried any of the listed items? What were the results?

I did not see the review so I may be makeing a wrong assumsion but I susspect that KTM9 and Target were included.

KTM9 I love. I think it is the best waterborne out there.

Target is ok but has blue tint to it

Suprisingly they are not! To read the article you have to subscribe to the journal but the data sheet is free

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ToolGuide/ToolGuideAr ticle.aspx?id=27115

I read the article and was also wondering the same question? How do the finishes that were recommended compair to KTM9?

Anyone know?

_________________
Brad
Avon, OH

The lack of responses on this issue is interesting. Maybe everyone really only uses nitro or ktm9!

Out of politeness, many of those who have gone down the path of waterbornes and since have returned to reality, shall remain quiet...


I will say, though, that reading a regular woodworking article on finishes is pointless when viewed from an instrument maker's perspective. Nothing relates.

So what is it exactly about the nitro that makes it the finish of choice? I've seen a ton of threads about using polyester or polyurethane on acrylic, or other products like min-wax and time and time again it seems people go back to nitro

On a scale from 1 to 100 is the nitro signigcantly better or marginally (say 25 points)

I think that Dudenbostel uses epoxy, a thick layer of varnish applied with a paintbrush and tops it off with FP to make it shine, he said that it is not the amount of finish that you put on, rather how much you leave onafter wetsanding the whole thing.

turbo411 - Nitro is the easiest finish to use which can be polished to a high gloss and sprayed cheaply. The other options are all harder to use, duller, or more expensive.

When cost is less of an issue or environmental concerns get in the way, most companies I know of have gone to some sort of UV cure rather than any sort of solvent base (Taylor, Fender, Anderson, PRS, Kevin Ryan, and loads more I can't remember off the top of my head).

_________________
Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

What's involved in a UV cure? Other than UV of course :)

That's all. You just spray the stuff and hit it with a UV light and it cross links right then and there (it goes from liquid to fully cured solid in seconds to a few minutes depending on your setup). The ovens at Taylor can cure a body in 20 seconds IIRC, and a small handheld light will do the trick in about two minutes. Generally people let the finish sit wet for awhile to self-level before they cure it.

You can actually cure the stuff by leaving it out in the sun for a couple hours, as well, but that's not the sort of thing I'd use as my first choice method.

_________________
Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

[QUOTE=Bob Garrish] turbo411 - Nitro is the easiest finish to use which can be polished to a high gloss and sprayed cheaply. The other options are all harder to use, duller, or more expensive.

When cost is less of an issue or environmental concerns get in the way, most companies I know of have gone to some sort of UV cure rather than any sort of solvent base (Taylor, Fender, Anderson, PRS, Kevin Ryan, and loads more I can't remember off the top of my head).[/QUOTE]

I disagree a little. I have been using Ktm9 for a while now. it buffs as high gloss as nitro. Its only draw back is it is not as hard as nitro. but not as soft as everyone seems to want to think. I can put two instruments side by side, one nitro and one KTM9 and unless you are very very familiar with finishing you are not likely to know which is which. It actually easier to work with than nitro as in no thinner is required. Definitely safer to work with and cures in half the time.

Also I can French polish and glaze to a ultra high gloss or buff it out even higher

My point is "For Me" and I suspect others, nitro is not the easiest high gloss finish available.MichaelP39028.7323263889

we're not in the business of making furniture, at least i'm not.