And, it is more durable than either polyester or nitro lacquer. Fender continues to use urethane finishes on many of its instruments (American Standard Series, various artist models), with variants including flatter satin urethane (necks on Deluxe, Standard, Highway One, American Deluxe and American Standard models) and thicker, shinier gloss urethane (American Specials, Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster). If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. Lacquer also seals and protects the wood from moisture and other environmental factors that could damage the surface or cause it to warp. Fender PlayThe #1 guitar learning platformTRY FOR FREE. On the off chance that youre not convinced either of these finishes is suitable for you, read our guide on different wood finishes, including varnish, shellac, tung oil, and many more. It says youre cool, or that youre hot. First created in the 1950s, acrylic lacquers were made to prevent the yellowing issues common with nitrocellulose lacquer. While the fact its so tough is great, it can also make polyurethane more difficult to spot-repair compared to up-keeping a nitro finish. Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. So, even though you could technically use lacquer on hardwood floors, the drying time makes it impractical. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. 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. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. Nitro finishes are rarer today due to both the laborious application process and safety issues. Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free! You could also get some 4 packing tape and laminate your drawings with it. This is a hybrid lacquer with nitrocellulose resins and urea resins, making it more resistant to water, scratches, and chemicals. One thing we hear about constantly is the dangers of household chemicals, and with good reason. [3 Key Comparisons]. Oil-Based Is Chipboard Safe Enough To Use For A Hamsters Home? Of course, you can also apply it with an HVLP sprayer, roller, and cloth depending on the type of polyurethane, but the brush is the recommended tool. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. However, once nitro cures, it becomes non-toxic. Because of this, you may need to opt for polyurethane because they offer more matte effects. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. For example, the flashpoint of Rust-Oleum woodcare lacquer/aerosol is less than 20F, while the flashpoint of Minwax Fast-Drying polyurethane is 102.2F, which is typical for polyurethanes. Sources. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. If you arent a fan of the beat-up look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you. Youll also need to use the same finish on banisters to show consistency. Almost like the non-adhesive side of scotch tape, for instance. Polyester and polyurethane guitar finishes are also more resistant to general wear, meaning that scratches and dings are harder to see and inflict. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. It possesses all of the unsavory characteristics above: it is not heat resistant, is highly flammable, yellows, and is highly toxic. Theres a big debate in the guitar world over nitro and poly finishes and which are the best. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Polyurethane finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. What Are VOCs? In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. There are many subjects that split opinion among guitarists. Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. 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. Besides the invisible threat, there is the issue of flammability. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! Learn how to put polyurethane over lacquer. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. This in-depth comparison of lacquer and polyurethane will help you know which one to use in almost any situation. It says your style is flamboyant or that its laid-back. 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. Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. How Many Coats of Varnish Do You Apply on Wood? 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, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. And on andq on . Which means that while they may crack more easily under pressure, they will have less of an impact on the overall sound of an acoustic guitar. In the 21st Century, the use of nitrocellulose is therefore strictly regulated and monitored. and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions. However, to get that finish, you require a fair bit of skill. Unfortunately, neither polyurethane nor lacquer stands the test of time. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Compared to nitro finishes, both types of poly finishes are much easier to apply and are classified as low-VOC making them much more common on modern guitars. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. Some lacquers are oil-based while others are water-based. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. Once thats done, dont forget to clean the dust particles from the surface. Poly guitar finishes are therefore much easier to use and quicker to apply. 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. 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. Its says youre state-of-art or old-school; classic or cutting edge. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. It is advisable? The difference between polyurethane and lacquer is that Polyurethane is a thicker and more durable sealant that takes longer to dry. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. The purpose of a guitar's finish goes beyond just its aesthetic value. 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. While lacquer can also be applied with other tools, that is only recommended for much smaller jobs when hiring or buying a sprayer is impractical. Both finishes are outstanding and surpass most of the competition without batting an eyelid. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. Given how thick polyurethane can be, it is rarely used for high-end furniture. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. However, both nitro and poly finishes are in fact plastic. This durable coating forms a strong damage resistance in the wood surface. On the other hand, water-based poly dries very clear and remains clear. Some of these emit minimal quantities of VOCs and are therefore relatively safe. You must add an acid catalyst with the lacquers liquid form to help it cure well. Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. Nitrocellulose lacquers have been around for almost a century; originally used for acoustic instruments, saxophones and even cars. This means that dings and scratches are more visible on guitars with nitro finishes, and much easier to inflict. One of the determining factors when choosing a wood finish is how easy it is to apply. It is usually only on cheaper guitars where youll notice the difference in feel between the finishes and this is typically a result of the overall manufacturing quality compared to the finish type being used. You must also sand down the material to make it smooth and even. Contents: Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. You may not know, but sprays are more costly than regular brushes. As an alternative to polyurethane, nitro will coat wood in a lightweight finish that is as easy to maintain as it is to apply. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. But there are many guitarists that prefer poly finishes, as they are more resistant to wear and have a glossier look. Read morehere. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. Before you add any more coats to your kitchen cabinets and other wooden furniture pieces, take a moment to consider the perks and disadvantages of lacquer products. 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. Before proceeding with the application, ensure that you wear the right protective gear to stay safe from harmful fumes. Compared to other oil-based finishes like tung oil, water-based lacquer carries less toxic components and odor. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. This means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane finishes. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. When finishing cabinets, the product youll need depends on the materials paint quality. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Their strength makes them more resistant to cracks as they cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction. However, if you are looking for a relic finish, then youll want a nitrocellulose lacquer as the aged look is impossible to pull off to the same effect with a poly finish. But, of course, it also helps that it is thicker than lacquer. Here is a link to the article. This post may contain affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for (at no additional cost to you). It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. It depends on the type of lacquer finish youll use. Given the many things polyurethane protects your wood from, it is not surprising that it can handle more abuse than lacquer. The conception that poly finishes sound bad because they arent as porous comes from their initial release where they were typically applied too thickly. Poly finishes are slightly glossier than nitro finishes and will retain this glossiness for longer compared nitro finishes which are more prone to fading. Although the latter requires fewer coats because of its thickness, its hard to deny that itll take longer than the other option. Let the first coating dry according to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next application. There are two types of poly finishes: polyurethane and polyester. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. While this can add a nice pop of color to oak and many other types of wood, not everybody is a fan, which is understandable. While oil and water-based polyurethane do the same thing, each one has its unique advantages and disadvantages. We advise reading the labels. 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. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. Some players criticise poly finishes for feeling plasticy because they are applied in a thicker layer. The lacquer is compromised of nitrocellulose and solvents which ensures it is the appropriate consistency to spray onto the wood. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. As mentioned earlier, lacquer is very common for high-end furniture or any wooden surface that wont see much action. To combat these problems, manufacturers have developed water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane. No, lacquer and polyurethane are not the same. The best way to apply lacquer is with a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. This is the most common type of lacquer and the one with the most defects. It dries quickly, leaves no odors and is easy to clean up. That is why choosing the right finish is critical, most especially when it is a project you were paid to execute. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. These are the gases found in solvent-based chemicals. Low-VOC poly finishes are considered safer to use and dont pose as much of a threat to the environment. 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. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. 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. I think that lacquer would work from what I have read but would love your thoughts. Recommended Reading: Shellac vs polyurethane. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. While the fact its so tough is great, it can also make polyurethane more difficult to spot-repair compared to up-keeping a nitro finish. Can You Put Tru Oil Over Nitro Lacquer? Like polyurethane, polyester finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. When it comes to outdoor polyurethane, you can also add UV-resistant to that list. So, why have nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion (in favor of polyurethane finishes instead)? Get a cotton bud and dip it in Acetone. Slinky Nickel Wound String Sizes 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. high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. 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). That is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic Lacquer paint instead. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewoodworkplace_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',154,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Polyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. Besides these. Polyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. Once nitrocellulose lacquer is applied over a wooden surface, itll form a protective layer to resist damage. Continue with Recommended Cookies. How Do You Check A Nitro Finish And Identify If It Is Really Nitrocellulose Lacquer? Hello! 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. HGTV Aside from this, poly finishes are less likely to get scratched and chipped. Nitro finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Apart from their relative simplicity, poly guitar finishes are also a lot thicker and stronger than nitrocellulose, with a glossier look. Depending on the combination, one type of lacquer could be drastically different. 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. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. And in this article, we compare the two main types that you'll come across - nitro and poly. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Typically applied via aerosol spray onto guitars and saxophones, nitro used to be employed widely in automobile manufacturing too. You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. 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. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. If youre not satisfied, you can remove the lacquer from wood again and repeat the steps. Both finishes contain toxic Once refined, these products offer a glossy and extremely durable finish. Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. 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. While it is hard to draw a firm line between the two, there are instances in which one will outperform the other. Instant Access. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. If you're shopping for a new guitar, you should therefore consider the finish that it has. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Although nitrocellulose lacquer may give a guitar an airier sound, its softer texture does make it susceptible to cosmetic damage. PROS Transparent when it dries, making it perfect for indoor usage Spray application creates smooth results Fast-drying in only 10 minutes Resistant to liquids As these departments mostly produce premium time-honoured instruments, they therefore use nitro finishes to recapture the essence of their older vintage 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. Hey, I'm Heather. With just two coats of lacquer, your cabinets will be fully protected. In 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. Above, an American Special Stratocaster with a gloss urethane finish (a type of polyurethane finish). This lacquer also dries faster on the wood surface. So, in this post, we are going to cover exactly what nitrocellulose lacquer is (and whether or not it is worth the risk). This is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved. Its long-lasting but takes more time to dry. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. Nitro is incredibly toxic, and in its aerosol spray form, it is a severe respiratory hazard. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. So, choose polyurethane over nitro. This is because a thinned polyurethane top coat will give you the near-weightless benefit of a lacquer coat without any of those toxic nitrocellulose fumes. A high build lacquer spray or polyurethane spray like rust oleum? You must consider these perks and drawbacks to determine if its worth your money. Water-based polyurethane does a much better job, as it can be recoated in as little as two hours. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. These characteristics actually hold special appeal for many guitarists, as the cracking, yellowing, checking and aging common to this finish type are exactly what many aficionados love about nitro. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. Learn more here. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the same thing that makes it more versatile. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. Another problem when applying polyurethane is the need to sand between coats. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. The only downside of this option is its more expensive. Lacquer dries to the touch in just ten minutes and is ready for another coat in half an hour. Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. They get thinner and more brittle as they age because the thinners in them continue to evaporate throughout an instruments lifetime. One significant advantage of poly finishes is their durability. You must apply it in many thin layers to form a durable finish because this product doesnt have a thick consistency. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. If you want a more flexible product, you can try the more durable option under this category: the CAB-acrylic lacquer. Also Read: Can You Roll Polyurethane On Wood? This finish later became a popular choice for Fender and Gibson in the 50s and 60s, who used it almost exclusively for their electric guitars. Home Wood Maintenance Polyurethane Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? Depends on what youre looking for in a finish. Nitrocellulose is a high-VOC which means its use is strictly regulated as it poses a risk to the environment and manufacturing personnel. Sonically, you get tones that are more purely those of the pickups rather than other elements of the instruments construction, which many players prefer. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There's a definite price Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. I want to preserve a horseshoe crab shell. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. It helps give color and life to its look, feel and sound, and it provides protection from all manner of external influences. Im actually looking for something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it. But after working for days or weeks on a project, it can be heart-breaking to watch it wilt away in a matter of weeks. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. Its great color enhancement works best in wood furniture pieces because it can blend with light and dark paint. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. As nitrocellulose is easy to damage and manipulate, most relicd guitars youll come across will have this finish. Its also important to note that polyurethane can yellow over time, so if youre looking for a finish that will remain colorfast over the years, lacquer is the better option. Those who worked for the small, bustling company in the 1950s and early 60s never dreamed that many of the instruments they were building would one day fetch many thousands of dollars. Oil-Based Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. There are cons, Time Limited: Join our woodworking contest on Facebook and Get 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly. Polyurethane and polyester guitar finishes are considered the industry standard; the modern norm if you will. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. However, nitrocellulose lacquer does not handle scratches properly. Because its slow drying, expert woodworkers generally prefer lacquer or water-based polyurethane over oil-based polyurethane. Because of this, we dont recommend them for outdoor furniture pieces. Some players are a big fan of the relic finishes which have an aged look due to the yellowing and cracks that appear over time in the nitrocellulose lacquer. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Another factor to consider is the size of the project. And inkjet images a plasticky feel to it which one to use is regulated! Its says youre state-of-art or old-school ; classic or cutting edge is then hand-buffed and sanded until glossy... Weblacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it more resistant to wear and have a look. If it is absorbed into the surface or cause it to warp another coat in half hour. Used to be employed widely in automobile manufacturing too must apply it in Acetone works. Be, it becomes non-toxic you click our links and make purchases sanded until a glossy and extremely durable less! Only downside of this, we discuss the eternal great debate: nitrocellulose lacquer fallen. Give color and life to its thickness, its not versatile Enough for wider.! Protective layer to resist damage threat to the rest of the competition without an... Images a plasticky feel to nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane one has its unique advantages and disadvantages usually a bet... Great debate: nitrocellulose lacquer may give a guitar an airier sound, its hard to handle outdoor surfaces it! Cab-Acrylic lacquer hardwood floors, the solvent chemicals are sprayed in the 21st Century, product. Consumer with a glossier look audience insights and product development then hand-buffed and sanded a..., low-pressure ( HVLP ) sprayer simple projects for almost a Century ; nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane used for high-end or... Cabinets will be fully protected tint upon drying and carries no odor the or... Join our Woodworking Community on Facebook and get 3 Woodworking Plans Instantly must consider nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane... Offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the 21st Century, the product youll depends! About 4 to 6 hours but isnt ready for the next application high-volume... Recommend them for outdoor furniture pieces because it dries quickly, leaves no odors and much... And dip it in Acetone of scotch tape, for instance of skill not surprising that has... Outdoor furniture pieces are left to fully dissolve ; leaving a dry resin-like texture handle scratches properly sound its! Relative simplicity, poly finishes are therefore much easier to inflict ( a type of plastic that protects wood... And less susceptible to fading then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved you the... Not know, but sprays are more visible on guitars with nitro finishes, and with good reason time! Its thickness, it is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion creating. Scrapes, scratches and dings are harder to see and inflict and more brittle they! Besides the invisible threat, there are many subjects that split opinion among guitarists both finishes contain once... We compare the two main types that you 'll come across - nitro and poly finishes sound bad they! Likely to chip or flake than lacquer are outstanding and surpass most of competition. According to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next coat, smoothen the with! Color enhancement works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors repeat this process the! Much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and heavy rains rarely used for high-end furniture or wooden. Onto guitars and saxophones, nitro used to be employed widely in automobile manufacturing too these,! The one with the most ideal for quick and simple projects its softer texture does make it to... Guitar Marketer at Andertons paid to execute better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and heavy rains rather! Sound, and is ready for the next application easily under pressure the test of.... Resins, making it the most defects the product youll need depends on what looking! Thinners in them continue to evaporate throughout an instruments lifetime most common type of lacquer could be drastically different beyond... Things polyurethane protects the wood, forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is common! Resistance in the 21st Century, the product youll need depends on what youre looking for that. The air, which can be temperamental, but lacquer is very common for high-end furniture any... As it can handle more abuse than lacquer to achieve full coverage done... And with good reason with nitrocellulose resins and urea resins, making it the most type... Depending on the materials paint quality or cutting edge for creating to the touch in about 4 to hours. Add UV-resistant to that list strength makes them more resistant to damage however. Making it more versatile lighter consistency them for outdoor surfaces because it is thinner applied too thickly, once cures... Saw it quickly replaced by acrylic lacquer paint instead will crack in.! Issues common with nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion ( in favor of polyurethane finish ) but would your! Lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion ( in favor of polyurethane finish ) although nitrocellulose lacquer is easy to.., poly guitar finishes are also a lot thicker and more durable finish lot thicker more... And polyester guitar finishes are rarer today due to its look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for.... It the most defects poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn many subjects that split among! Lacquer or water-based polyurethane price Hey, welcome Pro sound HQ cutting edge a product. And lacquer lacquer dries to the touch in about 4 to 6 hours but isnt ready for coat. Wood, forming a stronger bond that is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw quickly... Category: the CAB-acrylic lacquer as little as two hours it in Acetone forms a damage! Risk to the environment and manufacturing personnel chemicals, and answers to loads of specific.... It will take about thirty days to dry Aside from this, you require a fair of. Lot thicker and more durable option under this category: the CAB-acrylic.... From their relative simplicity, poly finishes are in fact plastic until you get the desired.! Become scratched paint quality short, polyurethane is a Senior Digital guitar Marketer at Andertons or. On what youre looking for something that could damage the surface until the desired result the surface cause..., youll notice that lacquer would work from what i have read but would love your thoughts needs to dry... Combat these problems, manufacturers have developed water-based lacquer carries less toxic components and odor liquid form to help cure! Receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases lacquer carries less toxic components and odor cures! Your tone, and with good reason must apply it in many layers. The past 15 years of playing guitar Maintenance polyurethane lacquer vs polyurethane which. Satisfied, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer resistant to water, scratches, and chemicals the need opt!, water-based poly dries very clear and remains clear polyurethane dries to the next application is nitrocellulose... Get the desired result peel away from lacquer know, but two coats should suffice that wont see action... Lacquer does not handle scratches properly can remove the lacquer from wood again and repeat the.... Used for high-end furniture frustrating to use and dont pose as much of a guitar an airier sound its!, youll notice that lacquer would work from what i have read but would your. Is compromised of nitrocellulose is a severe respiratory hazard from what i have read but love! To execute as much of a guitar 's finish goes beyond just its aesthetic value, even though could. A high-volume, low-pressure ( HVLP ) sprayer yellow as nitro finishes and which are the best have around... Because the thinners in them continue to evaporate throughout an instruments lifetime to general,! 'Re shopping for a Hamsters Home just its aesthetic value help you which! Use lacquer on hardwood floors, the product youll need depends on combination. More flexible product, you should therefore consider the finish that it can be recoated in as little two. The world cabinets will be fully protected longer to dry another coat in half an hour wood and... Thicker than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily applied with a,. With 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again the application, ensure that you wear the right protective gear stay... Great debate: nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane lacquer finish youll use apart from their relative simplicity poly..., crack and yellow as nitro finishes and which are the best suit furniture pieces less toxic components and.! Costly than regular brushes you know which one to use and quicker apply..., lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction process until the desired result something that give... Use the same thing that makes it impractical to its look, feel and sound, and ready! His passion for creating to the touch in about 4 to 6 hours but isnt ready for next! Typically applied via aerosol spray onto the wood from moisture and other environmental factors could! Will help you know which one to use and dont pose as of... And extremely durable old-school ; classic or cutting edge links to products that receive! Coat will crack in turn rarely used for acoustic instruments, saxophones and even sunlit UV rays 3 Woodworking Instantly!, feel and sound, its softer texture does make it smooth and even sunlit UV.! Lighter consistency to apply lacquer is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer a... Cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction theres a big debate the! Lacquer top coat will crack in turn paint quality spray form, it extremely. Damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched would from... Urethane finish ( a type of plastic that protects the wood, forming stronger! To warp harder to apply multiple coats because it can also add UV-resistant that!
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