These added benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer. They care about how it helps projects personality. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Polyurethane and polyester guitar finishes are considered the industry standard; the modern norm if you will. 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. In the market for a new guitar? What Are VOCs? 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. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Once thats done, dont forget to clean the dust particles from the surface. 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. A nitrocellulose guitar finish is applied multiple times over several days, with each coat essentially melting the previous one. Here is one category that is overwhelmingly one-sided. HGTV However, manufacturers are increasingly making the less toxic, water-based lacquers, although there is some debate about whether they should be classified as true lacquers. Unfortunately, neither polyurethane nor lacquer stands the test of time. Fender still uses nitrocellulose lacquer finishes on a select group of instruments (Road Worn and American Vintage series, various artist models). It causes a number of health problems from dizziness and nausea, to absolute blackout unconsciousness. What Is A Poly Guitar Finish All About Then? Although chemically temperamental in the application stage, it was easily applied and resulted in a tough, fast-drying thin finish that blended well with natural wood grain, buffed to a beautiful sheen, spot repaired easily and had flexibility that allowed the wood of a guitar to resonate with little restraint (many guitar buffs believe nitro finishes sound better). WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. [Best Practice. It also has a shorter drying time of two hours compared to other options under the same category. How Hard is this Wood. Its easy to assume any wood finish will fulfill your woodworking requirements, but here are some things you need to consider: Since it has a thin consistency, the best method to try is to spray lacquer on the surface. How Many Coats of Varnish Do You Apply on Wood? So rather than comparing these products based on what they can and cant do, our team advises you to consider your needs. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Currently, Gibson still use nitrocellulose gloss and satin finishes for both the necks and bodies on most of their guitars, whilst Fender typically only use them on custom shop models. If you want a more flexible product, you can try the more durable option under this category: the CAB-acrylic lacquer. They are also more durable and scratch-resistant, thus boosting their advantages versus polyurethane. Youll have to wait a few hours before polyurethane is dry to the touch. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. The purpose of a guitar's finish goes beyond just its aesthetic value. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Check out our Guitar Cleaning Guide here. You can even apply it through spraying, so its the more convenient alternative. Whats interesting, though, is that a lot of high-end guitars are deliberately damaged and worn to create an aged look. Apart from their relative simplicity, poly guitar finishes are also a lot thicker and stronger than nitrocellulose, with a glossier look. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Polyurethane is a durable, water-resistant finish that dries very hard. Lacquer is thin and dries quickly but is not as durable as polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. 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. So it really depends on the specific product youre using. Compared to other oil-based finishes like tung oil, water-based lacquer carries less toxic components and odor. Nitro finishes are more time-consuming and labour intensive to apply. Oil-Based If you arent a fan of the beat-up look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. So, even though you could technically use lacquer on hardwood floors, the drying time makes it impractical. The good news is you can always opt for the water-based options on both types. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. (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. Manage Settings When this lacquer dries, users can expect it to yield a clear coat. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',150,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');There are two types of popular poly guitar finishes, polyester and polyurethane. Nitrocellulose is a high-VOC which means its use is strictly regulated as it poses a risk to the environment and manufacturing personnel. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Both lacquer and polyurethane do this excellently. We will also show you how you can check to see if your guitar has a nitro or polyurethane finish.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Plus, we will dive into why a thicker polyurethane finish may be just what your guitars tonewood needs instead. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. 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. You must consider these perks and drawbacks to determine if its worth your money. 3. So, in this post, we are going to cover exactly what nitrocellulose lacquer is (and whether or not it is worth the risk). For example, oil-based polyurethane gives a warm glow to wood, and it yellows over time. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. This lacquer paint is mostly used as a way to give wooden instruments a bold change of color. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. In addition to promoting a safe environment for painters, it also has many benefits in terms of reducing waste and producing high-quality results on surfaces such as wood, metal or plastic. This yields a smooth finish. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. Almost like the non-adhesive side of scotch tape, for instance. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. Is Nitrocellulose Lacquer Really Bad For The Environment? Its also quite durable and easy to clean. 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. What Is The Best Type Of Paint For OSB Garage Walls? However, there are some significant differences between them, making each suitable for diverse applications. 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. Lacquer dries to the touch in just ten minutes and is ready for another coat in half an hour. 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. Their strength makes them more resistant to cracks as they cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction. This post may contain affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for (at no additional cost to you). Choosing the right wood finish is a decision you cant escape when polishing wooden surfaces. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Although nitro finishes are more synonymous with premium instruments, it doesnt mean that poly finishes scream cheap. Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. 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 combination can form a more durable and longer lifespan than other oil-based finishes. In short, polyurethane is a curing finish, while lacquer is a drying finish. Of course, youd still need to take good care of your guitar, and our range of electric guitar care productscan help your instrument to maintain a showroom look! Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. Depends on what youre looking for in a finish. Both finishes have tendencies to show a yellow tinge over time, but polyurethane products tend to show signs of it earlier than others. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. Once nitrocellulose lacquer is applied over a wooden surface, itll form a protective layer to resist damage. Lacquer has a thinner consistency, so adding multiple coats wont take as long as applying polyurethane. It can be, but it doesnt have to be. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. 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. Although most players arent too concerned about the type of finish thats been applied to their guitar, for some players and luthiers its actually quite contentious. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. I have seen sites that recommend lacquer spray, polyurethane spray, and modge Podge. Additionally, lacquer improves the appearance of wood grain, while polyurethane dulls the appearance of wood grain. What is the difference between polyurethane and lacquer? Since tabletops are frequently used and exposed, its great that both options offer adequate resistance against heat and moisture. Sonically, you get tones that are more purely those of the pickups rather than other elements of the instruments construction, which many players prefer. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. 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. Some of these emit minimal quantities of VOCs and are therefore relatively safe. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. Nowadays, the poly finishes are applied more carefully particularly on higher-end guitars which means they are far from inferior tonally compared to nitro finishes. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-leader-4','ezslot_11',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-leader-4-0');Still, because polyurethane is oil-based, (or water-based, depending on your product), it doesnt bring with it the negative health impact of a nitro paint spray. You may not know, but sprays are more costly than regular brushes. Modge Podge from any craft store will do what youre looking for. However, once nitro cures, it becomes non-toxic. Water-based alternatives are less toxic and faster at drying than oil-based polyurethane. Since the latter has a thicker consistency, applying this product with tools like spray cans can be hard. Once refined, these products offer a glossy and extremely durable finish. Coats because it dries quicker and provides a more flexible product, you can even apply it through spraying so! These emit minimal quantities of VOCs and are therefore relatively safe grain, while polyurethane the. Can expect it to yield a clear coat floors, the solvent chemicals are left to fully ;! A small commission dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily for instance the! ( Road Worn and American Vintage series, various artist models ) some of emit! 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