Gloss, Satin, and Raw Tone - Which Finish is Best for You?

The Kiesel Guitars custom shop offers an endless number of colors, and with that, three coats: High Gloss, Satin, and Raw Tone. When optioning out your next instrument, it can be challenging to choose between the three top coats. Here are some of the notable differences and benefits.

High Gloss

Also referred to as gloss or clear gloss on the virtual builder, the name High Gloss reflects Kiesel’s outstanding finishing process. High Gloss expands upon gloss to offer more vibrancy and protection from drops. Due to the extensive process, High Gloss is a $50 upcharge on custom builds.

High Gloss pairs with those looking for a bright, vibrant appearance, especially with colors such as Kiesel Racing Green or Hot Pink. Highly figured tops also match well with the top coat, as the wood grain pops due to the chatoyance and layered appearance of the wood, maintaining a shifting-like state. Finally, Kiesel-treated finishes, such as saber and candy, tend to show their unique attributes and shine through better with the finish type.

Many of Kiesel’s popular and signature artists, including Frank Gambale, Dance Gavin Dance’s Will Swan, and the late Allan Holdsworth, commonly prefer the coat.

Satin

Satin, also known as matte, mutes the shine and brightness of the aforementioned High Gloss, resulting in a completely different aesthetic. Colors and finishes appear flatter, opting for a 2D effect over the dimensional nature of gloss. There is no upcharge for satin, which is a great option for guitarists looking to save on their next build.

The top coat works best for those looking to avoid reflective fingerprints and glare. However, the longevity of the flat appearance may be dwindled, as various oils or sweat could slowly diminish the coat’s properties. This can be delayed with certified satin cleaners, such as the Kiesel Guitars Raw Tone and Satin Cleaner.

Raw Tone

What is Raw Tone? Our thinnest coat of the three, Raw Tone is a light coat sprayed over the instrument, allowing for the natural grain to shine through and create a poriferous top and body. Because of its many benefits, Raw Tone is a must-have for Kiesel owners.

Tonal properties excel when compared to other finishes because of the thin layer of spray, rather than the thicker coat that you get with gloss guitars. The process also lends a quicker build time because there are fewer steps involved. Finally, the unique aesthetic properties mentioned above create a one-of-a-kind appearance that will differ from each build due to the unique grain patterns.

There are many reasons and arguments for one finish over another, but they all serve different purposes, ranging from maintenance and appearance to tonal properties. Build your High Gloss, Satin, or Raw Tone instrument on our Virtual Builder.