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I am thinking of using lmi ktm-9 waterbased finish on my guitar' in the instructions on their website they dont mention using a sealer but instead the sytem iii epoxy filler to fill the pores and to coat the top, is that right i was planning on using z-poxy to fill with (walnut back and sides) can i still use it and can i use a sealer, say a lacquer sanding sealer, to seal the guitar in stead of the epoxy, i assume you must seal the top because of raising the grain with hte waterbased finish?

Z-poxy works just fine for pore filling, i usually seal the top with a light coat of wiped or padded on shellac, as well as going over the z-poxy filled back and sides with a little bit of shellac, to ensure good adhesion for the finish.

If you want to try any other kind of sealer, test it on scrap. You can just brush or wipe it on, to avoid having to get out and clean the spray gun.

Shellac is probably the fastest/easiest/least toxic/cheapest/most forgiving/best looking/do i need to go on?/ sealer out there. I am talking about shellac mixed from flakes or zinssers 100% wax free universal sealer, which is just shellac and alchohol.

I have sprayed a whole lot of KTM-9, and i really like it. However, the latest batch of target waterbased lacquers -oxford USL and emtech EM6000, are basically, "better" than KTM-9 in most ways, mainly they are easier to spray without runs, and much easier to rub out. If you already have some KTM-9, or if you are just commited to it for some other reason, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it, and it can give you a great finish.

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Jordan Aceto
Ithaca, NY

where can i get the em6000 from lmi, should i buy the shellac flakes from them as well

Don't use (solvent based) lacquer sanding sealer with any water based finish. The water based finish won't burn in with the solvent based sealer. IMHO shellac is the best sealer. I use Zinsser seal coat mixed 50/50 with alcohol (sprayed) for a sealer. You can use KTM9 without a sealer, but I agree with Jordan. You'll be doing yourself a favor by sealing with shellac and using Target EM6000 instead of KTM9.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

is that denatured alcahol and where would you recommend getting the zinnser?

is that denatured alcahol and where would you recommend getting the zinnser?

Most paint stores carry the Zinsser's seal coat. Check the bottom of the can for the 'freshest'.



I use the Zinsser's as a sealer under the EM6000. You can buy the Target EM6000 right from there website and I think they may still be having a sale on it. I spray the shellac right out of the can at the 2# cut. I've also thinned it in the past and it sprayed fine too.


WARNING! Do not get the Zinsser's Bulls Eye Shellac, traditional finish & sealer. It is not wax free and you will have adhesion problems with the top coat if you use it.

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I use Everclear (it's 190 proof liquor) but denatured alcohol will work too.

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http://www.brackettinstruments.com/