Northwest Guitars Water Based Glossy Top Coat - 250ml

After months of research and testing, we're really excited to introduce our new range of guitar-specific water-based products.

This water-based product will produce a deep, vibrant finish, with easy application and relatively quick drying times. It can be used straight out of the tin with the minimum of prep — just sand the body smooth — and applied with a lint-free cloth or sponge applicator.

Drying time is around 3 hours. 3–4 coats tend to be enough for a deep rich finish, but additional coats can be applied if necessary. Allow each coat to dry, then apply the next until you reach your coverage.

One 250ml bottle will give you plenty to play with, with enough product to easily complete 2 or 3 guitars.

Flatting and Polishing to a High Gloss

Allow 7 days after your final coat before cutting back and polishing. Our water-based formula does not shrink back as it cures, so you only need to flat it once. Allow 10–14 days if you have built more than 6–8 coats, or if the guitar has been finished in a cold or damp space.

This is a wipe-on product, so the film is thin. Burn-through is the main thing to watch for, particularly on edges, horns and around the cavities. Keep the pressure light and let the abrasive do the work. If you want to cut back hard for a deep gloss, lay on 5–6 coats rather than 3–4.

1. Soak your wet-or-dry paper in water for around 10 minutes before you start.
2. Wet sand with 1500 grit, lubricated with water and a single drop of washing-up liquid. Use straight strokes along the length of the body — never circular, which leaves swirl you will not polish out. Hard rubber or cork block on the flats, folded pad or fingers on the contours.
3. Wipe and inspect often. You are looking for an even matte with no shiny low spots left. Stop as soon as it is uniform.
4. Move to 2000 grit, worked at 90° to your 1500 strokes, until every 1500 scratch has gone. Finish with a final pass back along the length.
5. Keep the surface lubricated but wipe dry regularly. Keep standing water out of the neck pocket, screw holes and cavities.
6. Dry off completely, then buff with a finishing compound. Once you are through 2000 grit there is nothing left to cut — a finishing compound has far finer particles and is what brings the gloss up. If machine polishing, use a low speed and keep the pad moving, as water-based films are heat-sensitive.

1500 and 2000 grit is the correct sequence for this product. If the surface has visible texture or dust nibs, start at 1200 first. Do not start below 1000 grit.