Official Luthiers Forum!

So what are your thoughts on types of finishes/protection for an electric guitar that have worked best for you? Specifically for Mahogany and Maple. I am in the process of making my first build and would greatly appreciate the advice.
-Back of the neck
-Fretboard
-Headstock
-Body

This is my 1st "Barron Guitar". I started building it when my 1st son Barron was born a few weeks ago..

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Barron Wesley Guitars

Gibson contends Nitro is still the way to go. But.... there are several widley used finishes out there. The one you choose is based on your preference, equipment, and ability.

Interesting looking neck scarf joint.

Good luck,

Joe

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Rusty,

I have tried most, and have settled on automotive catalyzed urethane sprayed through a PreVal system. Cheap ($30 finish, $10.00 disposable spray equipment), relatively easy, and a very high gloss, durable finish.

I put this on over a pore filler coat of West Systems epoxy - which you definately need on the mahogany or sapelle...

Stephen

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www.ziegenfussguitars.com

Rusty,

I may very well be the last user of KTM9 in the world. Actually I started with KTM4 in 1999 or so. It has done right by me. Like it even better now that I'm putting it over System 3 clearcoat. I think some of the KTM criticism was actually the filler shrinking.

What's good about it?

Easy to apply (I spray it)
Won't blow you away... literally, like Nitro will
Dries to a hard surface much like nitro but doesn't chip and crack like nitro
Repairs fairly well, ok, maybe not as well as nitro
Buffs to a nice gloss
You can put it on thin much the same as nitro

Anyway... thats my opionion
Joe

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

You could do it yourself or send it to Joe white for a pro job.

Nitro is used in the factory settings because its easy to get a high gloss finish with buffing compared to say Poly or varnish. But in my opinion varnish like BEHLEN Rockhard Table Top Varnish or a polyurathane produce a harder tougher finish. It just take more work to rub these finish out compared to nitro.