Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. 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. [3 Key Comparisons]. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. Check out this blindfold challenge on the Andertons YouTube channel to hear some Strats with polyurethane and nitrocellulose finishes being compared. 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. Back in Fenders early days, there was no such thing as a vintage guitar market. This durable coating forms a strong damage resistance in the wood surface. In the 21st Century, the use of nitrocellulose is therefore strictly regulated and monitored. Ive heard that polyurethane and lacquer sprays can be applied to paper in order to give it a protective coat. Polyester and polyurethane guitar finishes are also more resistant to general wear, meaning that scratches and dings are harder to see and inflict. Lacquer vs polyurethane. Both of these products will yellow, though polyurethane yellows much quicker. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. Its also quite durable and easy to clean. As mentioned earlier, lacquer is very common for high-end furniture or any wooden surface that wont see much action. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. [3 Key Comparisons]. Although nitro finishes are more synonymous with premium instruments, it doesnt mean that poly finishes scream cheap. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. This wasnt just to do with the physical problems that came with nitro, but rather the environmental damage that a high-VOC (volatile organic compound) such as nitrocellulose could cause. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. 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. Among the wood finishes available in the market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors. Water-based alternatives are less toxic and faster at drying than oil-based polyurethane. Depending on the combination, one type of lacquer could be drastically different. Other things to watch out for are bubbles, which are very common, and dust nibs. Because of this tedious drying time, many woodworkers prefer water-based polyurethane alternatives. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. Lacquer is light, thin, and dries quickly, so it is best applied with a high-volume, low-presser (HVLP) sprayer. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the same thing that makes it more versatile. On more affordable guitars its likely youll find a polyester finish, for example of most Mexican Fender guitars. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. These added benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer. Place it against the unnoticeable section of your guitar. Low-VOC poly finishes are considered safer to use and dont pose as much of a threat to the environment. One of the biggest advantages polyurethane has over nitro, is its durability. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! 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. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. They care about how it affects an instruments tone, feel, look and value over time. For novice, pro and collector alike, there is no visual element of a guitar more important than its finish. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. 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). They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. When youre new to woodworking, choosing the right finish can be time-consuming and costly. Polyurethane is also highly flammable, but it is not as sensitive. The point is well made, though. 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. 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. Youll have to wait a few hours before polyurethane is dry to the touch. However, you can opt for a thin coat of polyurethane for added durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Once dry, it is buffed to a gloss or satin finish. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. Thats because, while this finish can yellow with age, it doesnt leave your guitar looking dated. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. If youre looking to add a bit of extra luxury to your home, choosing pieces of furniture that are lacquered is a great way to do it. 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). Recommended Reading: Shellac vs polyurethane. Oil-Based Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. Nitro lacquers are also typically used on more expensive guitars as the application process is time-consuming and requires several layers. What is the Difference Between Spar urethane and Polyurethane. 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. Nitro finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats. Poly guitar finishes are therefore much easier to use and quicker to apply. 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. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. 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. The nitro finish is slightly porous compared to poly finishes, which means its softer. 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. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Finally, lacquer dries faster than polyurethane, so its less likely to cause bubbles or streaks in the finish. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. On the other hand, polyurethane is best for high-traffic areas such as floors, tables, countertops, and bars. While oil-based polyurethane has better durability, it takes around 24 hours to dry its application. However, lacquers cost is added to the need for a spray tool. Polyurethane is a durable, water-resistant finish that dries very hard. These days, this type of guitar finish is used almost exclusively by Gibson and Fenders Custom Shop divisions. Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. But because of this, some therefore believe that poly-finished guitars sound somewhat neutered and less acoustically resonant, with reduced sustain. Now back to the two types of poly finishes: urethane and ester. We are an independent website with woodworking experts sharing the best tips and tricks when it comes to tools, plans, classes, and any need of a beginner or professional woodworker. Once thats done, dont forget to clean the dust particles from the surface. You may not know, but sprays are more costly than regular brushes. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. Nitrocellulose is a high-VOC which means its use is strictly regulated as it poses a risk to the environment and manufacturing personnel. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. And while the latter penetrates through the wood to make it long-lasting, it can develop discoloration and visible scratches over time. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Dont spray it too much, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. Because of this, we dont recommend them for outdoor furniture pieces. Let the first coating dry according to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next application. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. 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([[580,400],'thewoodworkplace_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-medrectangle-3-0');The beauty of a nitro finish isnt hurt by a little bit of time either. When applied, polyurethane coats surfaces with thick and glossy resin. There are cons if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that. 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. His goal is to help you become a successful woodworker, whether as a hobbyist or as a professional. Lacquer has a thinner consistency, so adding multiple coats wont take as long as applying polyurethane. Polyurethane is more like a protective plastic that coats wood surfaces, while lacquer behaves like water as it penetrates the wood. It forms a hard, glossy finish that is durable and easy to clean. Wonder why it's so smooth? The conception that poly finishes sound bad because they arent as porous comes from their initial release where they were typically applied too thickly. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. 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. But there are many guitarists that prefer poly finishes, as they are more resistant to wear and have a glossier look. Guitar finishes are therefore much easier to use and quicker to apply by a first-timer, but are. Guitar more important than its finish of most Mexican Fender guitars available in water-based and whereas. 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