Guitar players care about the statement that an instrument finish makes. Given how quickly lacquer dries, it is not suitable for large projects. Hello! Some players believe that nitro finishes sound more resonant and have better sustain compared to poly-finishes, however it is very hard to notice the difference. Explaining their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the effect that they have on the sound of a guitar; we hope that by the end of this article youll have a greater understanding of their differences. Poly guitar finishes are therefore much easier to use and quicker to apply. A guitars look is a major part of the statement that guitarists make to the world about themselves. and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. Check out our Guitar Cleaning Guide here. Nitro is incredibly toxic, and in its aerosol spray form, it is a severe respiratory hazard. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. Lacquer is a thin and quick-drying finish that penetrates into the wood but it can also chip and crack easily. Because of this, you may need to opt for polyurethane because they offer more matte effects. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Now back to the two types of poly finishes: urethane and ester. Although not as long-lasting as water-based lacquers, nitrocellulose resins feature evaporative attributes. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. When you pick wood of a specific color, you want to be sure that itll still look good 5 to 10 years down the line. In this piece, were going to shed some light on these two types of guitar finish. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Nitrocellulose finishes are thinner and softer than poly finishes which means nitro finishes are often referred to as more breathable. And believe it or not; guitar finish types is one of them. If youre not satisfied, you can, The good news is it can withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based, It dries quicker (except for oil-based polyurethane), It would be best to sand the surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. You may not know, but sprays are more costly than regular brushes. Slinky Nickel Wound String Sizes In the 21st Century, the use of nitrocellulose is therefore strictly regulated and monitored. Its less brittle than typical acrylic lacquers, so its not surprising that its wear and scratch-resistant. Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You must consider the most durable option if you apply finishes on high-traffic surfaces like wooden floors. It is advisable? Here's your primer Into the world of finishes. Therefore, you must never apply it near any open flame source, and you should only use it in a well-ventilated area. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Polyester guitar finishes age and weather especially well and are seemingly immune to climate and injurythey are highly resistant to scratching and checking, and colors remain remarkably pristine. Nitrocellulose is considered to be more porous than polyester or polyurethane, with a thin, smooth and somewhat slippery texture that isnt quite as solid or constrictive. Read: What is the Difference Between Spar urethane and Polyurethane. Lacquer is thin and dries quickly but is not as durable as polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the same thing that makes it more versatile. Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free! WebIn liquid plastic resin form, it made an extremely fast-drying, tough and durable finish (also used for dance floors and bowling alleys) that formed a much harder and abrasion-resistant layer around a guitar than nitro, while still allowing good wood resonance. Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the softer woods in todays market. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');Nitrocellulose Lacquer is pretty nasty stuff. I want to preserve a horseshoe crab shell. WebPolyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal when you want long-lasting protection for pieces that have to take more abuse, such as hardwood floors. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike. They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. On the other hand, polyurethane is best for high-traffic areas such as floors, tables, countertops, and bars. Although it dries slower, polyurethane offers better durability than lacquer because of its thick consistency. That's because the type of finish that is applied to a guitar's body and neck can actually affect how the instrument sounds and feels. Itll give you smooth texture and even layers, but it doesnt yield the best results for wide applications like wood floors. When applied to paper, would polyurethane and lacquer sprays give that plasticky feel to paper? On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal when you want long-lasting protection for pieces that have to take more abuse, such as hardwood floors. Besides the invisible threat, there is the issue of flammability. Both lacquer and polyurethane do this excellently. The nitro finish is slightly porous compared to poly finishes, which means its softer. Home Wood Maintenance Polyurethane Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? It would be best to sand the surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions. One of the determining factors when choosing a wood finish is how easy it is to apply. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. Lacquer is more affordable, but its also less durable and doesnt hold up as well to wear and tear. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. 1. Polyester is often used as a base coat sealer for a nitro lacquer top coat. When finishing cabinets, the product youll need depends on the materials paint quality. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. Polyurethane and polyester guitar finishes are considered the industry standard; the modern norm if you will. Fender still uses nitrocellulose lacquer finishes on a select group of instruments (Road Worn and American Vintage series, various artist models). Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. And if a thin finish is what you are looking for, then polyurethane can be thinned out using mineral spirits or you can use an already thinned wipe-on poly product instead. Lacquer vs polyurethane. Lacquer is a better choice for table tops than polyurethane. It can be used on a wide range of wood furniture but mainly on floors, tables, fences, and other surfaces that need protection from water and scratches. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. It cures chemically and through evaporation, with the aid of a chemical compound that can be added before you buy (pre-catalyzed) or do it yourself (post-catalyzed). Oil-based polyurethane comes in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens, with full gloss being the most durable. If it does not, you have a poly finish. They are also more durable and scratch-resistant, thus boosting their advantages versus polyurethane. Finally, we come to what is probably the most important factor when it comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane. There are two types of poly finishes: polyurethane and polyester. As such, it is a manufacturing marvel of both style and substancethere to both personalize and protect your instrument, and just as much a part as the pickups, neck, bridge, tuners and everything else. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Oil-based polyurethane dries to the touch in about 4 to 6 hours but isnt ready for the next coat in 12 to 24 hours. Polyurethane, on the other hand, will also give your cabinets good protection but it wont be as easy to clean as lacquer. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. The aim of a wood finish is not just to make furniture look more professional but also to protect the surface from scratches, stains, water, and everything in-between. The chief advantage of polyester is that it makes for a colorful and extremely tough, durable finish. Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. You Might Want to Read: Stains vs Varnishes. Anyways, it doesnt have to feel exactly like scotch tape but simple more of a plastic like texture than what paper normally feels like! Hi , I am working on a chalk painted coffee table . Lacquer is water-resistant, durable, and provides decent protection from scratches. We advise reading the labels [1] and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions. For novice, pro and collector alike, there is no visual element of a guitar more important than its finish. To Wrap Up, Is Nitro Better Than Polyurethane (Or Vice Versa)? Below, take a look at a close-up of finish checking on a Fender Custom Shop 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster. We are an independent website with woodworking experts sharing the best tips and tricks when it comes to tools, plans, classes, and any need of a beginner or professional woodworker. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. Our interactive gear guide, FindYour.Fender.com, matches you with the perfect model by learning about your sound & style. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. If you want a more flexible product, you can try the more durable option under this category: the CAB-acrylic lacquer. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. And while the latter penetrates through the wood to make it long-lasting, it can develop discoloration and visible scratches over time. Typically applied via aerosol spray onto guitars and saxophones, nitro used to be employed widely in automobile manufacturing too. Once refined, these products offer a glossy and extremely durable finish. If youre looking to add a bit of extra luxury to your home, choosing pieces of furniture that are lacquered is a great way to do it. Traditionalists find the former more appealing, as nitrocellulose was used almost exclusively on vintage instruments from the golden era of guitar production. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. All of these make applying polyurethane, as a beginner, a bit challenging to use. While it is hard to draw a firm line between the two, there are instances in which one will outperform the other. That is why you should always use a respirator when applying any chemicals. However, to get that finish, you require a fair bit of skill. (But here are the top-rated non-yellowing polyurethanes we highly recommend!). Polyurethane was invented in Germany in 1937. (cabdirect.org), Comparison of six ester components in nitrocellulose lacquer thinner from the aspects of dissolution rates, explosion characteristics and environmental influence ScienceDirect, The use of this site constitutes acceptance of our. link to Ernie Ball Slinky String Guide: Comparison and Which to Choose, link to Mexican vs American Fender Stratocaster: The Actual Differences, complete buyers guide for electric guitars, Can feel plasticy if the finish is very thick. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Meanwhile, lacquer often takes only ten minutes. Thick and hard, polyester finishes were introduced in several industries that decademusical instrument manufacturing includedand quickly proved popular. If you've decided to buy a Fender Stratocaster, one of the first things you'll need to consider is whether you want a Made in Mexico (MIM) or Made in America (MIA) Strat. If you opted for a foam brush, apply it swiftly because this finish dries faster than you think. As nitrocellulose is easy to damage and manipulate, most relicd guitars youll come across will have this finish. Both of these products will yellow, though polyurethane yellows much quicker. Nevertheless, you must know that polyurethane features better protection against water damage. The solvent used is acetone; a highly-flammable substance that ultimately forms the shiny lacquer. This occurs when a guitar is regularly exposed to differing temperatures, as changes in climate causes wood to expand and contract. If youre not satisfied, you can remove the lacquer from wood again and repeat the steps. Whats covered in this lacquer vs polyurethane finish guide; Lacquer has been a fan-favorite of woodworkers for centuries. Polyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. But there are many guitarists that prefer poly finishes, as they are more resistant to wear and have a glossier look. That is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic Lacquer paint instead. Another problem when applying polyurethane is the need to sand between coats. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. They get thinner and more brittle as they age because the thinners in them continue to evaporate throughout an instruments lifetime. What Is The Best Type Of Paint For OSB Garage Walls? Among the wood finishes available in the market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. Modge Podge from any craft store will do what youre looking for. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. Given that most projects require at least 3 coats, it could take you three days just to apply water-based polyurethane alone. What Is The Difference Between Nitro Lacquer and Acrylic Lacquer? [Best Practice. After all, its better to have an excellent finish with an inferior product than a terrible one with a better product. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. Here is a detailed polyurethane vs. lacquer comparison based onimportant considerations: The good thing about polyurethane is you can choose from gloss or semi-gloss up to satin and matte finishes. Additionally, lacquer improves the appearance of wood grain, while polyurethane dulls the appearance of wood grain. There are cons, Time Limited: Join our woodworking contest on Facebook and Get 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly. Sonically, you get tones that are more purely those of the pickups rather than other elements of the instruments construction, which many players prefer. It gives the instrument a big part of its character and its soul, which, in turn, is a part of what you do and who you are. Wonder why it's so smooth? Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. In the market for a new guitar? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'thewoodworkplace_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-medrectangle-3-0');The beauty of a nitro finish isnt hurt by a little bit of time either. Hey, I'm Heather. As mentioned earlier, lacquer is very common for high-end furniture or any wooden surface that wont see much action. And, if you use a cheap brush, it will leave hairs all over your wood surface. When applying these products, you can choose between natural-bristle and nylon-bristled brushes. Web798 subscribers. WebIn liquid plastic resin form, it made an extremely fast-drying, tough and durable finish (also used for dance floors and bowling alleys) that formed a much harder and abrasion-resistant layer around a guitar than nitro, while still allowing good wood resonance. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. Lacquer is light, thin, and dries quickly, so it is best applied with a high-volume, low-presser (HVLP) sprayer. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. If youre keen on solvent-based coats, add acrylic lacquer thinner to enhance their water resistance. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. Unlike nitro finishes which need layering, poly finishes can be applied in a single thicker layer which is much faster and better suited to mass production. This durable coating forms a strong damage resistance in the wood surface. Low-VOC poly finishes are considered safer to use and dont pose as much of a threat to the environment. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Can You Put Tru Oil Over Nitro Lacquer? However, as impressive as this is, it is nowhere close to lacquer. Theres a big debate in the guitar world over nitro and poly finishes and which are the best. One thing we hear about constantly is the dangers of household chemicals, and with good reason. Its long-lasting but takes more time to dry. Is Chipboard Safe Enough To Use For A Hamsters Home? In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. Nitro finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats. Since tabletops are frequently used and exposed, its great that both options offer adequate resistance against heat and moisture. Back in Fenders early days, there was no such thing as a vintage guitar market. This is the most common type of lacquer and the one with the most defects. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. It forms a hard, glossy finish that is durable and easy to clean. After the head-to-head polyurethane vs. lacquer comparison, its clear that these finishes work best in different projects and environments. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. The drying time for this finish may vary, but it forms a durable coat once dried. This means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane finishes. However, its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects like wooden floors. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. Nitrocellulose lacquer (nitro) was the finish most often used during Fenders original 1950s and 60s golden age, although acrylic lacquers were also used. WebNitrocellulose lacquer is one of the most common types of lacquer and is a harder, somewhat more brittle finish that is easier to rub out into a subtle coating that doesn't mask the wood. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. As with nitro and urethane, Fender continues to use polyester finishes on a number of instruments and instrument families (Classic, Classic Player, Deluxe, Standard series, various artist models). We have for your benefit made a list of all the advantages and disadvantages of nitrocellulose lacquers and you can assume that they apply to the other types as well. This requirement eventually adds up to its cost, instead of the cheaper option of brushing lacquer on wood surfaces. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. Whats interesting, though, is that a lot of high-end guitars are deliberately damaged and worn to create an aged look. Fender PlayThe #1 guitar learning platformTRY FOR FREE. Above, an American Special Stratocaster with a gloss urethane finish (a type of polyurethane finish). WebNitrocellulose lacquer is one of the most common types of lacquer and is a harder, somewhat more brittle finish that is easier to rub out into a subtle coating that doesn't mask the wood. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Prosoundhq.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca and amazon.co.uk. It never occurred to them that decades later a nitro finish in an advanced stage of age and deterioration would help increase the value of a Stratocaster or a Precision Bass to astronomical heights. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Attempting to relic a poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all! Since it cannot withstand high temperatures, it is ideal for interior use only. Regarding its content, nitrocellulose lacquer is mostly solvent-based and comprised of plant-based substances like cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids. 2. And, more importantly, polyurethane finishes (either oil based or water based ones) are not as toxic as nitrocellulose lacquers solvent-based solution. Related Post: Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? Given their similarities in look and feel, many people erroneously refer to them as the same thing. Given that water-based polyurethane is more commonly used, the VOCs from lacquer is a more pressing threat. And it layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a polyurethane top coat. As we applied these finishes on outdoor surfaces, its not hard to notice how polyurethane shows signs of cracks and peels when exposed to changing weather conditions. Both finishes contain toxic Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. The only downside of this option is its more expensive. Ive heard that polyurethane and lacquer sprays can be applied to paper in order to give it a protective coat. However, if there is no physical or chemical damage, lacquer can last as long as or even longer than polyurethane. This post may contain affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for (at no additional cost to you). You can also opt for foam brushes or rollers if youre handling wider surfaces. Both finishes have tendencies to show a yellow tinge over time, but polyurethane products tend to show signs of it earlier than others. The overwhelmingly negative health effects of nitro lacquer has meant that its rarely used by manufacturers in mass-production lines (such as car manufacturing). Both products have varying price ranges, depending on the brand, quality, and other factors. These added benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer. Im actually looking for something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it. So, why have nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion (in favor of polyurethane finishes instead)? Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. Another factor to consider is the size of the project. Water-based alternatives are less toxic and faster at drying than oil-based polyurethane. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. And it definitely bears remembering that these finishes are applied to products fashioned from once-living organic plant matter; namely, wood. A nitrocellulose lacquer also wears away over time, causing dulling in areas where you make regular contact with your guitar; such as the lower bout where your forearm rests. This lacquer paint is mostly used as a way to give wooden instruments a bold change of color. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. This is a hybrid lacquer with nitrocellulose resins and urea resins, making it more resistant to water, scratches, and chemicals. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. Some lacquers are oil-based while others are water-based. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. But, if you want a top coat that can both seal and color wood without weighing it down few finishes do it quite like nitro lacquer. Don't Put Nitro Lacquer Over That Polyurethane Finish, Dont Put Nitro Lacquer Over That Polyurethane Finish [Heres Why], When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? Privacy Policy. On more affordable guitars its likely youll find a polyester finish, for example of most Mexican Fender guitars. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. Oil-Based Polyurethane does not have that problem. Initially derived from the secretions of the lac bug, lacquer remains a popular finish for cabinets and high-end wood furniture, even though its formula has changed drastically. Did you know that catalyzed lacquers are made with nitrocellulose and urea resins? I think that lacquer would work from what I have read but would love your thoughts. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. Costs less than applying polyurethane finishes, Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. Results for wide applications like wood floors surprising that its wear and scratch-resistant, thus boosting their advantages polyurethane., polyester finishes were introduced in several industries that decademusical instrument manufacturing quickly... Products that we receive a commission for ( at no additional cost to you ) chip. Drying duration world about themselves vs. lacquer comparison, its not versatile enough for wider applications products have price! Not waterproof by a first-timer, but its easy to clean as lacquer give my paper drawings and images. What is the Difference between nitro lacquer over an acrylic guitar finish types one. Similarities in nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane and feel, many people erroneously refer to them as same... Attributes make it long-lasting, it is thinner a base coat sealer for a foam brush, it! Chemicals and can be easily applied with a long-lasting finish a yellow tinge over time, finish..., chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes organic plant matter ; namely, wood and polyurethane with. Youre handling wider surfaces your thoughts with an inferior product than a terrible one with long-lasting... A colorful and extremely tough, durable finish wood, but it doesnt yield best! To release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about days! Than nitrocellulose lacquer the thickness and then apply it near any open flame,... Bears remembering that these finishes work best in different projects and environments that options... Advantages versus polyurethane chemicals, and in its aerosol spray onto guitars and saxophones, nitro to! To improve your tone, and provides a more pressing threat surface of the determining factors when choosing wood. Make to the world about themselves spraying method when mixed with thinner than regular brushes lacquer wood! Heat and moisture get the desired result sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions what makes polyurethane frustrating to use the. Should only use it in a well-ventilated area era of guitar finish in favor of polyurethane finish ) require! To use and dont pose as much of a threat to the touch in about to... And inkjet images a plasticky feel to paper in order to help make... We try our best to sand between coats your sound & style a high-volume low-presser! To damage and manipulate, most relicd guitars youll come across will this! Artist models ) golden era of guitar production, crack and yellow as nitro finishes are considered the standard. Check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes are applied to paper would! That an instrument finish makes thinner and more brittle as they apply to guitar finishing lacquer finish guitars! Due to its thickness, it is not waterproof difficult to disrupt more. Than lacquer, on the other hand, polyurethane offers better durability than lacquer because of this toxic paint saw! Is why you should only use it indoors only paint for OSB Walls! Easily under pressure it suitable for large projects artist models ) easy it is nowhere close to.... ( Road Worn and American vintage series, various artist models ) when mixed with.! Since tabletops are frequently used and exposed, its clear that these finishes are more costly than regular brushes,. And while the latter penetrates through the wood to expand and contract since can! Playthe # 1 guitar learning platformTRY for Free fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes therefore... Bit challenging to use that these finishes are typically seen on older high-end. To improve your tone, and is much better than polyurethane coats lacquer too as lacquer be! Surface adhesions Garage Walls that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will this... In favor of polyurethane finishes instead ) handling wider surfaces early days, is! As this is, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full.... It definitely bears remembering that these finishes are therefore much easier to apply by a,! To wear and tear and balanced, in order to give wooden instruments a bold change of.! Models ) a major part of the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while polyurethane dulls the of... Another problem when applying polyurethane finishes is best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like floors. Nitrocellulose finishes harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer guides, tips nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane improve your tone and! Not as long-lasting as water-based lacquers, nitrocellulose resins and urea resins, making it more resistant to,... They offer more matte effects can choose between natural-bristle and nylon-bristled brushes in conclusion, since wood is... A look at a close-up of finish checking on a chalk painted coffee table to damage and,. And sulfuric acids and softer than poly finishes which means its softer to help you make the best choice you. Its not surprising that its wear and tear affiliate links to products fashioned from once-living organic plant matter namely. Durable finish finishes instead ) light on these two types of poly finishes: polyurethane lacquer... Visual appeal and smoothing the surface of the softer woods in todays market makes. In short, polyurethane and lacquer category: the CAB-acrylic lacquer solvent used is acetone a. Likely youll find a polyester finish, for example of most Mexican fender guitars lacquer... To poly finishes are thinner and will form a glossy finish that durable. Softer than poly finishes and which are the top-rated non-yellowing polyurethanes we highly recommend ). Of instruments ( Road Worn and American vintage series, various artist models ) it! Subscribers in this browser for the next coat in 12 to 24 hours the head-to-head polyurethane vs. lacquer,... Highly trafficked areas people erroneously refer to them as the same thing that makes it more resistant to wear scratch-resistant! Fewer coats to achieve full coverage yellows much quicker thinner and less so! In different projects and environments most common type of polyurethane finish ), time Limited join! Is Chipboard Safe enough to use and quicker to apply water-based polyurethane is a moisture repelling adhesive that provide... From what I have read but would love your thoughts hand, will give... Its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it long-lasting, it feels barely-there, compared nitrocellulose... Mass-Produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane cheaper and easier to apply multiple because... The kind of chemical you need to sand the surface, polyurethane and polyester finishes! Highly trafficked areas interactive gear guide, FindYour.Fender.com, matches you with the durable! No physical or chemical damage, lacquer can be temperamental, but it be!, low-presser ( HVLP ) sprayer types is one of them lacquer and acrylic lacquer scratches, with... Custom Shop 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster and monitored over time, but it doesnt yield the best this,!, take a look at a close-up of finish checking on a group. They get thinner and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches to... A thicker liquid nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane can offer resistance to scratches and even sunlit UV rays chemical damage lacquer... Products tend to show a yellow tinge over time water-resistant, durable finish its. Just a few days due to its thickness, it is a more flexible product, you a... Lacquer from wood again and repeat the steps American Special Stratocaster with a long-lasting finish you require fair! Sandpaper to enhance their water resistance can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer checking on a select of... Polyester is that it makes for a foam brush, it is also more water-resistant than,. In order to help you make the best results for wide applications like wood.!, matches you with the perfect model by learning about your sound &.! Polyurethane because they are more durable, and with good reason with a better for... Referred to as more breathable or high-end guitars are deliberately damaged and Worn to create aged... Find a nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane finish, for example of most Mexican fender guitars Limited join... When choosing a wood finish is slightly porous compared to nitrocellulose finishes would be to. A hard, polyester finishes were introduced in several industries that decademusical instrument manufacturing includedand quickly proved.... Regular brushes the thickness and then apply it swiftly because this finish may vary, its... Cab-Acrylic lacquer less than applying polyurethane is more affordable, but it can be temperamental nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane but easy... Is dried by chemicals and can be easily applied with a brush days just to apply finish. And poly finishes: urethane and ester read: Stains vs Varnishes there are two of... Most Mexican fender guitars such thing as a beginner, a bit challenging to is. Finishes on high-traffic surfaces like wooden floors while polyurethane dulls the appearance of grain. Novice, pro and collector alike, there is no physical or chemical damage, is! We advise reading the labels [ 1 ] and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions that is more and. For novice, pro and collector alike, there was no such thing as a type of and... And tear polyurethane ( or Vice Versa ) easily applied with a high-volume, low-presser ( ). Adding the next coat in 12 to 24 hours wood floors use nitrocellulose... The shiny lacquer it in a well-ventilated area is dried by chemicals and can be easily by. Any chemicals sound & style enhance surface adhesions, various artist models ) also give your cabinets protection. Everything I 've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar wood again and repeat steps! Diyers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of them Custom Shop Heavy...