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We are offering KTM in a new 8 oz. size designed to make it affordable for the hobby builder who only needs to finish one or two guitars! Depending on your usage, this quantity will finish one instrument and possibly two.

“It (KTM)is simple and safe to use, very forgiving in the application process, has all of the desirable physical and visual properties of the solvent base finishes, and saves time. . . Because the flow out is so good, there is very little leveling necessary and runs are rare, even with heavy application,” explains John Greven, who initially encouraged us to feature this newest urethane/acrylic from Grafted Coatings. KTM-9 is a self-cross-linking product and does not require any additives. It has the advantage of fast curing, the ability to be brushed on, is non-toxic, and cleans up easily. Further, it has superior clarity and depth, and once cured and buffed out it is almost indistinguishable from nitrocellulose lacquer. It can be quickly cured using infrared heat lamps if there is a need for speed. A quart will finish from 4 to 6 guitars. Because of its non-toxic nature, KTM can be shipped anywhere by any means with no special cost or labeling. We carry two epoxy pore-fillers that are compatible with this product, ZPoxy and System 3 Epoxy Filler, that work great with KTM9.

Luthier Mike Doolin says about KTM: It dries really hard and really clear, can accept water or alcohol-based dyes for tinting and colors, and rubs out to a high gloss. It builds, self-levels and burns into itself well. It has very low shrinkage after curing and leveling, and is very resistant to sweat. The resulting finish is the closest I’ve seen to traditional lacquers and varnishes.

Here's what customer Steve Williams had to say about KTM: I just wanted to tell you how well your KTM-9 finish has worked for me. I had been using your [another] waterbase finish with good results. The only question mark I had about it was that it didn't seem to cure as hard as I hoped or expected. I used it mainly because it's less expensive than KTM-9. I finally tried KTM-9 and the moment I sprayed the first coat, I knew that it was better. As you say, the flow out is excellent and it seemed to build more quickly than your competitor's finish. Although I have no scientific way of testing it, it feels much harder also.

Today I buffed out my first KTM-9 finish on a Koa tenor ukulele and once again, was impressed with the results. It may be a bit more expensive than the other stuff, but the results are well worth it. I'm switching to KTM-9 immediately.

Thank you for a great product!

Note: Some builders have noticed sinking around glue joints where Tite-bond™ is used. For this reason it is highly recommended that you use a harder glue, such as our FG instrument makers glue. It is also okay to use hide glue (FGH) or cyanoacrylate glues (FGHO).

We are also carrying a new epoxy pore-filler, System 3 Epoxy Filler, that works great with KTM9. Both Mike Doolin and John Greven consider it integral to their finishing process saying that it really brings out the best in the KTM9 finish.

For complete instructions on the use of KTM-9 prepared by John Greven, click here

For additional instructions prepared by Mike Doolin, click here.

For instructions on using a brush with KTM-9 prepared by Keith Rhodes, click here

KTM9 FAQ - Some Frequently Asked Questions

 Are there instructions for how to apply this finish?
 Yes, just click here.

 Does the KTM9 require a cross-linker?
 No, this was only required on the previous KTM product, the KTM4

 Does the KTM9 require a sealer?
 No, you can use the finish itself as a sealer

 How does it differ from previous water-based finishes?
 The KTM9 is by far the best waterbased finish available. It is relatively problem free, is clearer than other products on the market and is harder.

 Most Waterbased finishes have a blue cast when you turn the instrument in the light. Is this true for the KTM9?
 No! The clarity of the KTM9 is substantially clearer than other waterbased finishes on the market.

How does it differ from Nitrocellulose lacquer?
 Only the most experienced builders will notice a difference visually (assuming the finish was applied correctly). It is very clear and transparent and can be applied thin so as not to inhibit the tone of the instrument. It is much harder than any other waterbased lacqer, and almost as hard as Nitrocellulose. It is similarly easy to repair.
  One great advantage over lacquer that the KTM9 has is that it is much, much safer to use. You do not need to buy a spray booth to apply it and it can be shipped anywhere. It is also better for your health (lacquer can cause respiratory and other problems with prolonged inhalation or exposure) and is much kinder to the environment as well.  

I have applied the finish and am having trouble achieving a flat surface. What did I do wrong?
 Achieving a good finish is always challenging but KTM9 is relatively easy to use and immune to many common problems. Still, finish work is never simple and you must take care to make sure the finish comes out perfect. If you are having troubles chances are that the finish is not at fault! The most common culprits are:

• Applying the finish too thick
• Not having a flat, smooth surface beneath the finish,
• Poor pore filling
• Using with incompatible products
• Unclean spray equipment.
•  KTM9 is fairly forgiving when it comes to the ambient humidity in your shop, but this can be factor as well.

Can I apply the KTM9 over an oil finish, shellac or a solvent based sealer?
KTM9 adheres well to shellac, but it is probably best to avoid applying it over oil, varnish, or other solvent based products such as nitrocellulose lacquer or sealer. The only products that we know for sure to be safe are flake shellac (like we carry, avoid the pre-mixed hardware store variety) our Microbead filler, the System 3 epoxy filler and the previous KTM product, KTM4. It’s possible that it may be compatible with other waterbased products available, but we can not be sure.

Do I need to use a spray booth when finishing with KTM9?
A spray booth helps with ventilation (which is absolutely essential with a nitrocellulose finish) and helps to eliminate dust in the air. Since ventilation is not so critical with the waterbased finish (you can finish next to a fan near an open window) you can do without a spray booth if you have adequate dust control in your finishing area.

Can I brush on the KTM9 finish?
Spraying this (or any other) finish is best because the coats can be applied thinly and evenly –but you can use a brush with excellent results.

How do I get the best results when using a brush?
Use a fine cell foam brush (available at any paint or hardware store). Use the flat portion of the brush near the edge and avoid using the point of the brush. Do not over-saturate the brush with finish. Practice applying the finish as thin and even as possible before applying the finish to your instrument. As with any finish, it is best to work in a dry, humidity controlled environment.

How many instruments can I finish with a quart of KTM9?
Approximately 4 to 6 instruments. Compared with Nitrocellulose lacquer it is a very economical product.

Are there compatibility issues with other products?
We have heard that it is best to use our FG glue since regular Titebond tends to cause sinking around binding and purfling joints. It can accept our Waterbased Metal Acid dyes and our Water based Aniline dyes. If you are dying the wood directly (as opposed to adding it to the finish) be sure to use the alcohol or MEK based dyes to keep the colors from running.

Are there shipping restrictions with this product?
Unlike Nitrocellulose lacquers, the KTM9 can be shipped overseas or by air delivery.

What pore fillers can I use?
The clear System 3 epoxy filler we carry will give you the best results. I enhances the appearance of depth and the durability of the resulting finish. Our microbead fillers work well if you must use a colored filler.

Does the KTM9 come in a Satin or Matte finish formula?
Yes, we do carry satin KTM9.

Can it be buffed or polished?
Yes, it can be machine buffed or hand polished just like Nitrocellulose finishes.