Northwest Guitars Water Based Satin 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 Finishing

This is a satin product and is not intended to be polished to a gloss. The satin sheen comes from flatting agents within the film — cutting it back and buffing it will produce an uneven semi-gloss and defeat the point of the finish. If you want a high gloss, use our Water Based Glossy Top Coat instead.

Allow 7 days after your final coat before doing any remedial work. To remove a nib, a run or a piece of dust:

1. Work only on the affected area. Wet sand very lightly with 1500 grit, lubricated with water and a single drop of washing-up liquid.
2. Use straight strokes along the length of the body, never circular.
3. Stop as soon as the defect has gone, wipe dry, and leave it. Do not compound or buff.
4. If the flatted area now reads differently to the surrounding finish, apply a further light coat over the whole panel and allow it to dry.

Between coats, a light pass with 400 grit dry after 3 hours is fine for knocking back nibs before the next coat.