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. While it is hard to draw a firm line between the two, there are instances in which one will outperform the other. The fact that it is simpler and faster to apply than nitrocellulose keeps costs down, while of course, offering a shinier look and greater durability. Lacquer is a thin and quick-drying finish that penetrates into the wood but it can also chip and crack easily. And even though polyurethane dries slower, it can work better in different projects. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. Related Post: Dont Put Nitro Lacquer Over That Polyurethane Finish [Heres Why]. There are cons, Time Limited: Join our woodworking contest on Facebook and Get 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly. 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. Lacquer is water-resistant, durable, and provides decent protection from scratches. When this lacquer dries, users can expect it to yield a clear coat. Nitro finishes, however, crack and yellow with age, and they can check (guitar-speak for fine hairline cracks) with age or sudden exposure to low temperatures. 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. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. Lacquer is a type of finishing agent that is often used on high-end furniture. Acetone works like a Lacquer thinner, and it can be used to remove both nitro and acrylic paint. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. These added benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer. But, of course, it also helps that it is thicker than lacquer. Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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 An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. If you opted for a foam brush, apply it swiftly because this finish dries faster than you think. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. The difference in the two are night and day. Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. 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. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. 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(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-leader-3','ezslot_9',153,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-leader-3-0');So, select a small but unnoticeable section of your guitar finish and prepare to test it. One of the biggest advantages polyurethane has over nitro, is its durability. HGTV Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. In the 21st Century, the use of nitrocellulose is therefore strictly regulated and monitored. It causes a number of health problems from dizziness and nausea, to absolute blackout unconsciousness. Water-based alternatives are less toxic and faster at drying than oil-based polyurethane. Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. It all depends on the ingredients used in the lacquer. We advise reading the labels [1] and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Here is a link to the article. It forms a hard, glossy finish that is durable and easy to clean. Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. Nitrocellulose is a high-VOC which means its use is strictly regulated as it poses a risk to the environment and manufacturing personnel. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. It depends on the type of lacquer finish youll use. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. This requirement eventually adds up to its cost, instead of the cheaper option of brushing lacquer on wood surfaces. If you're shopping for a new guitar, you should therefore consider the finish that it has. What is the difference between polyurethane and lacquer? Thick and hard, polyester finishes were introduced in several industries that decademusical instrument manufacturing includedand quickly proved popular. As you may already know, these resin residues are harvested from lacquer tree saps. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. HGTV high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',151,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Nitro coats are much thinner than polyurethane finishes. And while the latter penetrates through the wood to make it long-lasting, it can develop discoloration and visible scratches over time. Fender started using polyester finishes in the 1970s. 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. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. Related Post: When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? Practice caution when applying multiple coats with oil-based polyurethanes, as an incorrect application may cause the surface not to process the finish well. Lacquer is light, thin, and dries quickly, so it is best applied with a high-volume, low-presser (HVLP) sprayer. Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free! Besides the invisible threat, there is the issue of flammability. How Many Coats of Varnish Do You Apply on Wood? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. 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). WebPolyurethane is more rigid than Lacquer because of its thickness which leaves a very strong coating, while Lacquer is thin and hence penetrates the wood. Learn more here. Because of this, we dont recommend them for outdoor furniture pieces. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Ensure that the wood-grain filler is layered properly and the surface is free of residues. 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. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. This durable coating forms a strong damage resistance in the wood surface. Get a cotton bud and dip it in Acetone. Ernie Ball Slinky String Guide: Comparison and Which to Choose. Youll have to wait a few hours before polyurethane is dry to the touch. Suffice it to say that, technically, guitar finishes are no simple matter, but heres a general primer on modern Fender guitar finishes. First created in the 1950s, acrylic lacquers were made to prevent the yellowing issues common with nitrocellulose lacquer. Contents: When youre new to woodworking, choosing the right finish can be time-consuming and costly. Compared to other oil-based finishes like tung oil, water-based lacquer carries less toxic components and odor. Costs less than applying polyurethane finishes, Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. Polyurethane finishes are softer and thinner which to some players feels nicer, but they are also softer than polyester finishes which are less susceptible to dings and scratches. You must also sand down the material to make it smooth and even. This process eliminates the need to sand between layers. 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. Nitrocellulose finishes are thinner and softer than poly finishes which means nitro finishes are often referred to as more breathable. Although all lacquer finishes share some of the qualities mentioned above, significant variances give some edge over polyurethane. While ancient lacquers were eco-friendly, modern ones include more chemicals and emit a high amount of (VOCs). Wonder why it's so smooth? They care about how it affects an instruments tone, feel, look and value over time. A highly versatile plastic, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the 1950s. Our interactive gear guide, FindYour.Fender.com, matches you with the perfect model by learning about your sound & style. The problem with this is you will often see brush marks and streaks. Both lacquer and polyurethane do this excellently. Besides its glossy finish, the best attribute acrylic lacquer can offer better than others is its resistance to yellowing. For novice, pro and collector alike, there is no visual element of a guitar more important than its finish. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. (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. Lacquer vs polyurethane. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. 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. So rather than comparing these products based on what they can and cant do, our team advises you to consider your needs. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. Below, take a look at a close-up of finish checking on a Fender Custom Shop 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. Itll give you smooth texture and even layers, but it doesnt yield the best results for wide applications like wood floors. How Hard is this Wood. Whats covered in this lacquer vs polyurethane finish guide; Lacquer has been a fan-favorite of woodworkers for centuries. Some lacquers are oil-based while others are water-based. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. However, nitrocellulose lacquer does not handle scratches properly. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! Wonder why it's so smooth? And, it is more durable than either polyester or nitro lacquer. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. It would be best to sand the surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions. As a result, it is gradually being phased out of the market in favor of more efficient options. That is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic Lacquer paint instead. 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. It says your style is flamboyant or that its laid-back. (How about painting over a lacquer finish? Wood is a substance that moves and changes with climate, treatment and age, as do the finish coatings that are applied to it. Fender introduced polyurethane finishes (often shortened to urethane) on its instruments in the late 1960s; allowing a glossier, more even finish by replacing multiple layers of nitro clear coating with a mere two layers of aliphatic urethane. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. This also means that it is not possible to achieve a true relic effect with a poly finish. The conception that poly finishes sound bad because they arent as porous comes from their initial release where they were typically applied too thickly. Because of this, you can count on lacquer finishes to make workpieces last a long time. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable 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. Related Post: Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? As these departments mostly produce premium time-honoured instruments, they therefore use nitro finishes to recapture the essence of their older vintage models. Among the wood finishes available in the market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. It possesses all of the unsavory characteristics above: it is not heat resistant, is highly flammable, yellows, and is highly toxic. Its long-lasting but takes more time to dry. Learn how to put polyurethane over lacquer. 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. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. Since the latter has a thicker consistency, applying this product with tools like spray cans can be hard. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. Although nitrocellulose lacquer may give a guitar an airier sound, its softer texture does make it susceptible to cosmetic damage. Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. Attempting to relic a poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all! WebPolyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. Once nitrocellulose lacquer is applied over a wooden surface, itll form a protective layer to resist damage. Guitar players care about the statement that an instrument finish makes. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. Goodell is the founder of this website and an avid woodworker. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. Read morehere. Polyurethane is a durable, water-resistant finish that dries very hard. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. The drying time for this finish may vary, but it forms a durable coat once dried. 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. Thanks for visiting! Nitrocellulose lacquer (nitro) was the finish most often used during Fenders original 1950s and 60s golden age, although acrylic lacquers were also used. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. 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. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Recommended Reading: Shellac vs polyurethane. Dont spray it too much, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area. Because its slow drying, expert woodworkers generally prefer lacquer or water-based polyurethane over oil-based polyurethane. 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. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. Polyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. 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. You could also get some 4 packing tape and laminate your drawings with it. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. Web798 subscribers. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. 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. While oil and water-based polyurethane do the same thing, each one has its unique advantages and disadvantages. The nitrocellulose element serves as a binding agent, which is then mixed with solvent to enable a conventional spray finish. 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. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. These emit significantly fewer VOCs and are not as flammable. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. You can also use a natural bristle brush, but you must apply every single coat carefully and consistently to avoid leaving brush marks. Since it cannot withstand high temperatures, it is ideal for interior use only. Scale Mexican vs American Fender Stratocaster: The Actual Differences. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. Oil-Based Besides that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. Related Read: How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Need to Apply? It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. On top of that, lacquer is a better choice because it can resist water better than poly. Because of this, you may need to opt for polyurethane because they offer more matte effects. The lacquer is compromised of nitrocellulose and solvents which ensures it is the appropriate consistency to spray onto the wood. We advise reading the labels. 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. And they are so wafer thin you can feel the wood underneath. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. 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. Its also quite durable and easy to clean. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Meanwhile, lacquer is only limited to extreme gloss and matte options. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. It is advisable? Lacquer is a better choice for table tops than polyurethane. It helps give color and life to its look, feel and sound, and it provides protection from all manner of external influences. This is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. While acrylic lacquer solved the yellowing issue, water-based lacquer tackles the toxicity problem. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application.