The Case For KTM

by Michael Turko

Originally published in American Lutherie #72, 2002



For ten years now I have been building custom guitars, and I have been using KTM waterborne lacquer as my only finish coat for most of that time. I believe it is an excellent choice for the small custom builder for a variety of reasons.

There is no offensive odor or noxious fumes to create problems in residential neighborhoods.
It may be applied by hand without sprayers or other specialized equipment.
It dries extremely fast, and may be buffed to a high gloss within hours (or less) instead of days.
It builds much faster than solvent-based lacquers, and many coats can be applied on the same day.
No special pore or grain fillers are required.
It dries absolutely clear without adding any tint or shade of its own (although tinting maybe added if desired).