How to Get the Ultimate Guitar Finish

For years now, Target Coatings EMTECH finishes have been a go-to for guitar makers who are looking for a guitar finish that not only looks great, but delivers high-performance durability and enhances sound. We’re proud to have some incredible luthiers as our clients, and we wanted to share some of their work with you–and some tips on how they get the best guitar finish!

David A. Bernroth, DAB Guitarworks

David’s approach to guitar-making (at left) isn’t cookie-cutter, and he doesn’t do custom requests. Here’s his philosophy: “It takes incredible patience, faith and energy and hours to make professional boutique instruments, a lot more than you probably think…I scrutinize everything from wood to hardware to finishes, all have to be excellent or there’s really no point.  The adventure is what I like, understanding the mechanics of guitars and the different tonal pallets you can conjure up.  I like doing variations on what’s out there, things you wouldn’t normally see…”

To get the best guitar finish for his creations, David says, “I use EM1000 Universal Sanding Sealer, EM6000 WB Production Lacquer–and I wet sand and hand buff after I have enough coats.”

Steve Davis, Custom builder, Albuquerque NM

Steve says he doesn’t advertise much, but enjoys making guitars for friends (and friends of friends–mostly pros). For the bass shown at right, Steve shares his finishing process with us–he uses EM6000 to achieve the best guitar finish.

We asked Mac how he gets the best ukulele finish and about his finishing process–here’s what he had to say…