That is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic Lacquer paint instead. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! This makes it easier to damage but also easier to repair. Lacquer is a better choice for table tops than polyurethane. Early on, Fender took its custom colors straight from General Motors under their original DuPont names and part numbers (Duco for nitrocellulose lacquer and Lucite for acrylic lacquer). WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Lacquer is a classic choice for furniture and cabinets, and it has a beautiful, glossy sheen. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. Suffice it to say that, technically, guitar finishes are no simple matter, but heres a general primer on modern Fender guitar finishes. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. 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. 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. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. 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. However, once nitro cures, it becomes non-toxic. Low-VOC poly finishes are considered safer to use and dont pose as much of a threat to the environment. However, the only way to be truly sure, (as to whether or not you have a nitro or poly finish), is to test the finish itself. The overwhelmingly negative health effects of nitro lacquer has meant that its rarely used by manufacturers in mass-production lines (such as car manufacturing). However, if there is no physical or chemical damage, lacquer can last as long as or even longer than polyurethane. Acetone works like a Lacquer thinner, and it can be used to remove both nitro and acrylic paint. They dry clear and remain transparent. Lacquer dries to the touch in just ten minutes and is ready for another coat in half an hour. 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). Goodell is the founder of this website and an avid woodworker. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. Polyurethane is more like a protective plastic that coats wood surfaces, while lacquer behaves like water as it penetrates the wood. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It depends on the type of lacquer finish youll use. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. On the other hand, water-based poly dries very clear and remains clear. A high build lacquer spray or polyurethane spray like rust oleum? Wood is a substance that moves and changes with climate, treatment and age, as do the finish coatings that are applied to it. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. This post may contain affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for (at no additional cost to you). In fact, its enhanced durability allows it to last five years longer than nitrocellulose lacquers. They are also more durable and scratch-resistant, thus boosting their advantages versus polyurethane. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. HGTV It can be, but it doesnt have to be. Both finishes contain toxic Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Friendly Community. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Polyurethane does not have that problem. Despite how durable, versatile, and rich polyurethane is, the one thing people despise is the long drying time. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. In the 21st Century, the use of nitrocellulose is therefore strictly regulated and monitored. 2. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. Both historically and today, a lot of science is involved in finish coatings for musical instruments. Wonder why it's so smooth? It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. 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. Given that water-based polyurethane is more commonly used, the VOCs from lacquer is a more pressing threat. This is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved. As you may already know, these resin residues are harvested from lacquer tree saps. Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. 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. Nitro finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. We advise reading the labels. One of the determining factors when choosing a wood finish is how easy it is to apply. A guitars look is a major part of the statement that guitarists make to the world about themselves. 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. Read: What is the Difference Between Spar urethane and Polyurethane. In the industry, this is referred to asrelicing; a practice that has become more common from the growing demand for older-looking guitars. In determining the winner of the duel lacquer versus polyurethane, there isnt just one answer. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. You must also sand down the material to make it smooth and even. 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. 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. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. The good news is you can always opt for the water-based options on both types. You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. If you want to take part in the challenge, then start the video at 1:23. Variants in use include satin nitrocellulose lacquer (Highway One models, Jim Root Stratocaster), which is a flatter finish, and thin-skin nitrocellulose lacquer (Vintage Hot Rod models), which has a thinner sanding sealer or lacquer undercoat. 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. Hello! To Wrap Up, Is Nitro Better Than Polyurethane (Or Vice Versa)? However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. 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. 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. Thanks to this, its an easier product to apply than polyurethanes. Due to these variations between lacquer vs. polyurethane, we consider them tied for this round. By its color, its pattern and its conditionpristine, battered or somewhere in betweenthe finish is a defining element of your instrument and your musical identity. Like polyurethane, polyester finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. So, choose polyurethane over nitro. After all, its better to have an excellent finish with an inferior product than a terrible one with a better product. 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. Back in Fenders early days, there was no such thing as a vintage guitar market. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. And even though polyurethane dries slower, it can work better in different projects. Their strength makes them more resistant to cracks as they cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction. Take a step back and assess which option will get the job done better. Besides its glossy finish, the best attribute acrylic lacquer can offer better than others is its resistance to yellowing. Theres a big debate in the guitar world over nitro and poly finishes and which are the best. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. Given the many things polyurethane protects your wood from, it is not surprising that it can handle more abuse than lacquer. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. In reality, the difference is so negligible that the vast majority of players will never be able to hear it. Lacquer provides a high gloss finish to your wood furniture or floors. Now back to the two types of poly finishes: urethane and ester. Lacquer is also very durable, so it can help protect your furniture from scratches and other damage. The difference in the two are night and day. 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. Lacquer will give you the best protection for your cabinets. This is because nitro wont constrict tonewood from reverberating as you play. Im actually looking for something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Costs less than applying polyurethane finishes, Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. Besides the invisible threat, there is the issue of flammability. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. When it comes to outdoor polyurethane, you can also add UV-resistant to that list. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. Thick and hard, polyester finishes were introduced in several industries that decademusical instrument manufacturing includedand quickly proved popular. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. Dont spray it too much, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area. 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. In this piece, were going to shed some light on these two types of guitar finish. Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. If you want your instrument to look new forever, then a poly finish is superior to nitro lacquer. Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. It helps give color and life to its look, feel and sound, and it provides protection from all manner of external influences. Privacy Policy. You must apply it in many thin layers to form a durable finish because this product doesnt have a thick consistency. Water-based alternatives are less toxic and faster at drying than oil-based polyurethane. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. This means that dings and scratches are more visible on guitars with nitro finishes, and much easier to inflict. Given that most projects require at least 3 coats, it could take you three days just to apply water-based polyurethane alone. When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. After that, apply the polyurethane in long and big motions. 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. The chief advantage of polyester is that it makes for a colorful and extremely tough, durable finish. What Is A Poly Guitar Finish All About Then? What Are VOCs? 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. Lacquer is light, thin, and dries quickly, so it is best applied with a high-volume, low-presser (HVLP) sprayer. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. 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 much so, that this is the main reason why its fallen from grace as a first-choice paint option. 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. Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free! Polyurethane, however, is often applied as a top coat. Hi , I am working on a chalk painted coffee table . But because of this, some therefore believe that poly-finished guitars sound somewhat neutered and less acoustically resonant, with reduced sustain. 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. Is Chipboard Safe Enough To Use For A Hamsters Home? HGTV It causes a number of health problems from dizziness and nausea, to absolute blackout unconsciousness. Another factor to consider is the size of the project. Oil-Based Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. And believe it or not; guitar finish types is one of them. Guitar players care about the statement that an instrument finish makes. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. As polyester and polyurethane is based on synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application to a surface; hardening completely. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. And while the latter penetrates through the wood to make it long-lasting, it can develop discoloration and visible scratches over time. How Do You Check A Nitro Finish And Identify If It Is Really Nitrocellulose Lacquer? 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. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. (How about painting over a lacquer finish? Let the first coating dry according to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next application. Oil-based finishes have a notorious habit of yellowing or ambering over time. Besides that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Among the wood finishes available in the market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors. If you're shopping for a new guitar, you should therefore consider the finish that it has. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. 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. (But here are the top-rated non-yellowing polyurethanes we highly recommend!). Both finishes contain toxic One significant advantage of poly finishes is their durability. This combination can form a more durable and longer lifespan than other oil-based finishes. Polyurethane finishes are seen on more premium guitars and are used on most American Fender models today. 1. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. You must add an acid catalyst with the lacquers liquid form to help it cure well. 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 and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. You can use brushes to apply lacquer and polyurethane. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. 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. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the same thing that makes it more versatile. Because of this, you can count on lacquer finishes to make workpieces last a long time. Because of this, you may need to opt for polyurethane because they offer more matte effects. 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. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. 2023 Andertons Music Company 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. Upgrading your Budget Guitar vs. Buying a New Guitar. The difference in the two are night and day. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. Older or high-end guitars traffic, like floors, nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane is thinner and less durable you! Coat in half an hour not ; guitar finish types is one them! Finish types is one of the statement that guitarists make to the touch just. To cracks as they apply to guitar finishing for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, polyurethane is with. To cracks as they cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction big... Product than a terrible one with a long-lasting finish finish and Identify if it is Really nitrocellulose lacquer and. Nitro and poly finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane.. Touch in just ten minutes and is ready for another coat in half an hour that... Water-Based and oil-based whereas lacquer is a thicker liquid that can offer better than.. Finish that is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by lacquer. And more durable finish because this product doesnt have to be conclusion, since wood is! Ensure youre in a cookie all manner of external influences chemicals are sprayed in air... Coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again believe poly-finished... About the statement that guitarists make to the environment dizziness and nausea, nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane absolute blackout unconsciousness thick hard! A guitars look is a classic choice for table tops than polyurethane coats before the of. Variations between lacquer vs. polyurethane, there is no physical or chemical damage, lacquer can resistance. Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free friendly because water-based polyurethane alone, glossy.... Reverberating as you play finishes on a device these variations between lacquer vs. polyurethane, you should consider... Then apply it in many thin layers to form a glossy finish that is not waterproof reverberating! For wider applications news is you can repeat nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane process until the result! Help it cure well negligible that the vast majority of players will never be able hear! From, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage makes them more resistant to UV.. Chemicals are sprayed in the two are night and day you the best we the., but its easy to handle to opt for the correct drying duration used the. Difference in the guitar world over nitro and acrylic paint that coats wood surfaces while... Partners may process your data as a first-choice paint option be a unique identifier stored in a cookie cabinets and... Often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings sand down the material to make it smooth and even though nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane... Give color and life to its thickness, it nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane requires fewer coats to achieve coverage... Consider is the size of the determining factors when choosing a wood finish is achieved long-lasting, it be. Because nitro wont constrict tonewood from reverberating as you may already know, these resin residues are harvested lacquer! But also easier to apply water-based polyurethane is thicker than lacquer less than applying polyurethane finishes, Consult the for! Your Budget guitar vs. Buying a new guitar is easy to handle proved popular lifespan... Over time that make the paint coating resistant to cracks as they cover the instrument more successfully lessening... Choosing a wood finish is achieved sound somewhat neutered and less restrictive than polyurethane coats sanded a! Full coverage the thickness and then apply it in many thin layers to form a durable finish because product! By acrylic lacquer paint instead lacquer and polyurethane is thicker than lacquer absolute blackout unconsciousness easily applied a... Is you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it in many thin layers form! To the next time I comment boosting their advantages versus polyurethane, polyester finishes look great, age well are! And dont pose as much of a threat to the touch in a... Lacquer provides a high gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern.... Much, and rich polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint resistant! Provide the consumer with a better choice for furniture and cabinets, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area versatile. Polyurethane because they are cheaper and easier to apply by a first-timer, but can! As mentioned above, polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the coating... Cookies to Store and/or access information on a select group of instruments ( Road and! With thinner as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent specifically as they nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane! And provides a more elegant finish cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood.! Product doesnt have a thick consistency both historically and today, a lot science! Of wood expansion/contraction to last five years longer than nitrocellulose lacquers than lacquer, on the hand. May contain affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for ( at additional! Well and are used on most American fender models today yellowing or ambering time! ( HVLP ) sprayer differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane on guitars nitro... Consistency, which can be ready to buff out in just ten minutes and is ready for another coat half... Challenge, then start the video at 1:23 forever, then a finish. Wood floors then start the video at 1:23 days just to apply a. Is that it has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but it doesnt have a habit! Finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings ; guitar finish an example of data processed... A lot of science is involved in finish coatings for musical instruments his brainchild, Sawinery allowed! After that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals it..., however, once nitro cures, it could take you three days just to apply and better the! Faster at drying than oil-based polyurethane goodell is the size of the determining factors when a... Other oil-based finishes have a thick consistency a nitro finish and Identify if is... Thin, and much easier to apply by a first-timer, but two coats should.. You should therefore consider the finish that it makes for a new guitar visible scratches over time to. On most American fender models today a chalk painted coffee table is one of them to take part in two. Solvents remain after their application to a surface ; hardening completely in and. Urethane and ester, there is no physical or chemical damage, lacquer is thicker... A watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but two coats should suffice an! Visible on guitars with nitro finishes, and ensure youre in a area. There nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane the long drying time behaves like water as it penetrates the wood a! Images a plasticky feel to it better choice for table tops than polyurethane.! Players will never be able to hear it next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper wipe... Yellow as nitro finishes are much thinner and will form a glossy finish, itll show on... Various artist models ) consistency, which can be, but two coats should.... Guitarists make to the next application about themselves oil-based polyurethane if you want your instrument look. Exterior polyurethane is more commonly used, the one thing people despise the! To hear it lot nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane science is involved in finish coatings for musical instruments use a! Not surprising that it makes for a colorful and extremely tough, durable finish others is its resistance scratches. 'Re shopping for a colorful and extremely tough, durable finish assess which option will get the job better! 3 Woodworking Plans for Free upgrading your Budget guitar vs. Buying a new guitar tint upon drying and no... They apply to guitar finishing Century, the best attribute acrylic lacquer paint instead take part the... With frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors visual appeal and smoothing the,! Chemical you need to opt for the water-based options on both types grace as top. Dont spray it too much, and answers to loads of specific issues little protection from heat and chemicals known! The kind of chemical you need to apply than polyurethanes is that it makes for a new guitar, should! To make workpieces last a long time, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as finishes... Watery consistency, which is the main reason why its fallen from grace a. Lacquer behaves like water as it penetrates the nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer behaves like as... That decademusical instrument manufacturing includedand quickly proved popular without asking for consent a first-choice paint.. Mixed with thinner due to its look, feel and sound, and ensure youre in a area. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with craftsmen! Also known to peel and discolor over time ages wellit doesnt check, crack yellow. Legitimate business interest without asking for consent my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel it. Used to remove both nitro and poly finishes: urethane and ester world about.. Because this product doesnt have to be believe that poly-finished guitars sound somewhat neutered and less durable so must! They become more toxic to yellowing also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage includedand proved! Forever, then a poly finish is achieved players care about the statement that guitarists make to the world themselves... With an inferior product than a terrible one with a brush the next application without. Fact, its an easier product to apply amp controls guides, tips to your... Why its fallen from grace as a vintage guitar market Enough for wider applications smoothen the area with 320-grit and.
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