You can even apply it through spraying, so its the more convenient alternative. Lacquer is light, thin, and dries quickly, so it is best applied with a high-volume, low-presser (HVLP) sprayer. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. And, more importantly, polyurethane finishes (either oil based or water based ones) are not as toxic as nitrocellulose lacquers solvent-based solution. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewoodworkplace_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_15',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-narrow-sky-1-0');But, polyurethane lasts longer, and it does a much better job at protecting your instrument. This lacquer paint is mostly used as a way to give wooden instruments a bold change of color. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? 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. However, water-based poly is less durable than oil-based ones. 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. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! If youre keen on solvent-based coats, add acrylic lacquer thinner to enhance their water resistance. Web798 subscribers. This means that multiple layers of polyester or polyurethane arent necessary, unlike nitro finishes that require many. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. I have seen sites that recommend lacquer spray, polyurethane spray, and modge Podge. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. Another factor to consider is the size of the project. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. The point is well made, though. You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. 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. Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. In mass guitar production, poly finishes largely replaced nitrocellulose lacquers from the late 60s onwards. They dry clear and remain transparent. Water-based polyurethane is a type of polyurethane paint that uses water as the main carrier. 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. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. 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. Youll also need to use the same finish on banisters to show consistency. And if a thin finish is what you are looking for, then polyurethane can be thinned out using mineral spirits or you can use an already thinned wipe-on poly product instead. HGTV Itll give you smooth texture and even layers, but it doesnt yield the best results for wide applications like wood floors. 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. 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. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. Besides the invisible threat, there is the issue of flammability. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. 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. They care about how it helps projects personality. Although nitro finishes are more synonymous with premium instruments, it doesnt mean that poly finishes scream cheap. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. Lacquer also seals and protects the wood from moisture and other environmental factors that could damage the surface or cause it to warp. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. You must consider the most durable option if you apply finishes on high-traffic surfaces like wooden floors. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Lacquer is made by combining different solvents and resins. (How about painting over a lacquer finish? 1. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. Additionally, lacquer can add depth and richness of color to wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful. Regular Giveaways. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. On more affordable guitars its likely youll find a polyester finish, for example of most Mexican Fender guitars. Sonically, you get tones that are more purely those of the pickups rather than other elements of the instruments construction, which many players prefer. Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. 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. Whats interesting, though, is that a lot of high-end guitars are deliberately damaged and worn to create an aged look. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. 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. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. And, if you use a cheap brush, it will leave hairs all over your wood surface. Polyurethane is also highly flammable, but it is not as sensitive. Although it dries slower, polyurethane offers better durability than lacquer because of its thick consistency. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. We have for your benefit made a list of all the advantages and disadvantages of nitrocellulose lacquers and you can assume that they apply to the other types as well. Lacquer is a thin and quick-drying finish that penetrates into the wood but it can also chip and crack easily. Lacquer dries to the touch in just ten minutes and is ready for another coat in half an hour. Water-based alternatives are less toxic and faster at drying than oil-based polyurethane. Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. Is Nitrocellulose Lacquer Really Bad For The Environment? Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? While it is hard to draw a firm line between the two, there are instances in which one will outperform the other. Given that water-based polyurethane is more commonly used, the VOCs from lacquer is a more pressing threat. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Nitro lacquers are also typically used on more expensive guitars as the application process is time-consuming and requires several layers. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. The substances themselves and their various application methods and combinations are enormously complex. Depending on the combination, one type of lacquer could be drastically different. After that, apply the polyurethane in long and big motions. A nitrocellulose guitar finish is applied multiple times over several days, with each coat essentially melting the previous one. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. Polyurethane finishes are products made of plastic components in liquid forms. Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. 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. 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. 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. The aim of a wood finish is not just to make furniture look more professional but also to protect the surface from scratches, stains, water, and everything in-between. Of course, youd still need to take good care of your guitar, and our range of electric guitar care productscan help your instrument to maintain a showroom look! Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Aside from this, poly finishes are less likely to get scratched and chipped. In this piece, were going to shed some light on these two types of guitar finish. To Wrap Up, Is Nitro Better Than Polyurethane (Or Vice Versa)? For novice, pro and collector alike, there is no visual element of a guitar more important than its 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. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Oil-Based Learn more here. As solvents dry and cure, these often times harmful gases are released into the air. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But then again, what are the chances of that happening? I want to preserve a horseshoe crab shell. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. Looking for a beginner guitar? It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. Almost like the non-adhesive side of scotch tape, for instance. It all depends on the ingredients used in the lacquer. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. On the other hand, polyurethane is thick, so it is best to apply it with a brush. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. It forms a hard, glossy finish that is durable and easy to clean. When youre new to woodworking, choosing the right finish can be time-consuming and costly. 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. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. Given that water-based lacquers are not as common, and some argue they shouldnt be referred to as lacquer, it is tempting to give polyurethane the edge. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. After all, its better to have an excellent finish with an inferior product than a terrible one with a better product. Web798 subscribers. Related Post: Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? Once refined, these products offer a glossy and extremely durable finish. Depends on what youre looking for in a finish. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. Slinky Nickel Wound String Sizes Despite being a very thin finish, it dries hard and is very durable. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. Robert Johnson is a water-based product once refined, these often times harmful gases are nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane into the surface the... Light on these two types of guitar finish finishes scream cheap as sensitive cause polyurethane to peel from... While the fact its so tough is Great, it will take thirty! Apply and dries quickly, so a brush is the size of the project apply polyurethane... 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