nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane

Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. After that, apply the polyurethane in long and big motions. Looking for a beginner guitar? Fender also experimented with acrylic during this period, but nitrocellulose was generally favoured for finishing guitars as it could form a nicer gloss. Although it dries slower, polyurethane offers better durability than lacquer because of its thick consistency. I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. Instead of penetrating the wood, it stays on the surface, making it a lot harder to damage the project, even after several years. Given how quickly lacquer dries, it is not suitable for large projects. Because its slow drying, expert woodworkers generally prefer lacquer or water-based polyurethane over oil-based polyurethane. Given the many things polyurethane protects your wood from, it is not surprising that it can handle more abuse than lacquer. Nitrocellulose lacquer (nitro) was the finish most often used during Fenders original 1950s and 60s golden age, although acrylic lacquers were also used. It all depends on the ingredients used in the lacquer. Even better, its heat resistant, so it doesnt burn or blister. 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). Far removed from its eco-friendly beginnings, modern lacquers are made by dissolving synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner. Lacquer is highly flammable. If you want your instrument to look new forever, then a poly finish is superior to nitro lacquer. In addition to promoting a safe environment for painters, it also has many benefits in terms of reducing waste and producing high-quality results on surfaces such as wood, metal or plastic. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. However, both nitro and poly finishes are in fact plastic. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. 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. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Traditionalists find the former more appealing, as nitrocellulose was used almost exclusively on vintage instruments from the golden era of guitar production. Like the previous method, you must sand the material first. Today, our woodworking experts will conduct hands-on tests on lacquer vs. polyurethane wood finishes to determine which suits your project best. Given that water-based polyurethane is more commonly used, the VOCs from lacquer is a more pressing threat. Nevertheless, you must know that polyurethane features better protection against water damage. A high build lacquer spray or polyurethane spray like rust oleum? The nitro finish is slightly porous compared to poly finishes, which means its softer. The good thing about the VOCs in these products is that they are no longer dangerous when they dry. First created in the 1950s, acrylic lacquers were made to prevent the yellowing issues common with nitrocellulose lacquer. Don't Put Nitro Lacquer Over That Polyurethane Finish, Dont Put Nitro Lacquer Over That Polyurethane Finish [Heres Why], When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? Related Post: Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Since tabletops are frequently used and exposed, its great that both options offer adequate resistance against heat and moisture. Whats the difference between lacquer and polyurethane? Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. (But here are the top-rated non-yellowing polyurethanes we highly recommend!). It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. Learn more here. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Related Read: How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Need to Apply? In fact, its enhanced durability allows it to last five years longer than nitrocellulose lacquers. It possesses all of the unsavory characteristics above: it is not heat resistant, is highly flammable, yellows, and is highly toxic. 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. Nitro finishes are more time-consuming and labour intensive to apply. Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free! Is Chipboard Safe Enough To Use For A Hamsters Home? It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. This means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane finishes. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. Ive written a complete buyers guide for electric guitars which takes you through all the things you need to consider and a step-by-step method to narrowing down your selection and choosing the best option. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Attempting to relic a poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all! And even though polyurethane dries slower, it can work better in different projects. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. Wonder why it's so smooth? Ensure that the wood-grain filler is layered properly and the surface is free of residues. So, in this post, we are going to cover exactly what nitrocellulose lacquer is (and whether or not it is worth the risk). Although nitro finishes are more synonymous with premium instruments, it doesnt mean that poly finishes scream cheap. Youll have to wait a few hours before polyurethane is dry to the touch. Web798 subscribers. One significant advantage of poly finishes is their durability. As polyester and polyurethane is based on synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application to a surface; hardening completely. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the same thing that makes it more versatile. 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. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. And it layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a polyurethane top coat. Place it against the unnoticeable section of your guitar. 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. Apart from the above, small cracks can appear in a nitro finish after several years too. Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. 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. 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. 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. Manage Settings What is the difference between polyurethane and lacquer? Since the latter has a thicker consistency, applying this product with tools like spray cans can be hard. When finishing cabinets, the product youll need depends on the materials paint quality. This also means that it is not possible to achieve a true relic effect with a poly finish. You may think you can use any protective coat to achieve a durable finish, but did you know that not all finishing products can result in the same quality? He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike. Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. Most woodworkers would tell you lacquer is most effective when used as a wood furniture finish. Youll be well on your way to finding the right guitar for you. Aside from this, poly finishes are less likely to get scratched and chipped. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. So, choose polyurethane over nitro. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. Despite being a very thin finish, it dries hard and is very durable. On the other hand, polyurethane is scratch and scuff-resistant, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and even heat-resistant. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. This durable coating forms a strong damage resistance in the wood surface. Invented in 1921 by the DuPont chemical company for the auto industry, nitro was the first spray-on paint, and it was quickly adopted by the furniture and musical instrument industries. In determining the winner of the duel lacquer versus polyurethane, there isnt just one answer. HGTV 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. 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. So much so, that this is the main reason why its fallen from grace as a first-choice paint option. Because of this, you can count on lacquer finishes to make workpieces last a long time. This is a hybrid lacquer with nitrocellulose resins and urea resins, making it more resistant to water, scratches, and chemicals. Believe it or not, both lacquer and polyurethane carry high levels of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. Is Chipboard Safe Enough For A Guinea Pigs Home? However, if there is no physical or chemical damage, lacquer can last as long as or even longer than polyurethane. Both types of polyurethane can be used to protect wooden surfaces for over a decade when applied and maintained correctly. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. If you want to take part in the challenge, then start the video at 1:23. 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. Wonder why it's so smooth? Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. 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 high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. Among the wood finishes available in the market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors. Additionally, lacquer can add depth and richness of color to wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful. Suffice it to say that, technically, guitar finishes are no simple matter, but heres a general primer on modern Fender guitar finishes. When applied, polyurethane coats surfaces with thick and glossy resin. Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? Home Wood Maintenance Polyurethane Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? Choosing the right wood finish is a decision you cant escape when polishing wooden surfaces. When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. Its less brittle than typical acrylic lacquers, so its not surprising that its wear and scratch-resistant. However, nitrocellulose lacquer does not handle scratches properly. Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. Is Chipboard A Safe Alternative To Wood For A Rabbits Hutch? If it does not, you have a poly finish. And in this article, we compare the two main types that you'll come across - nitro and poly. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. I now own an acoustic guitar and several electric guitars including my personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24. However, water-based poly is less durable than oil-based ones. This makes it easier to damage but also easier to repair. Nitro lacquers are also typically used on more expensive guitars as the application process is time-consuming and requires several layers. These added benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer. 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. Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. In short, polyurethane is a curing finish, while lacquer is a drying finish. (How about painting over a lacquer finish? Therefore, you must never apply it near any open flame source, and you should only use it in a well-ventilated area. 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. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Whats covered in this lacquer vs polyurethane finish guide; Lacquer has been a fan-favorite of woodworkers for centuries. 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. Fender started using polyester finishes in the 1970s. Deciding what gets the upper hand in lacquer vs poly is even more complicated. In this piece, were going to shed some light on these two types of guitar finish. 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). In reality, the difference is so negligible that the vast majority of players will never be able to hear it. That is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic Lacquer paint instead. Polyurethane finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. Started playing an electric guitar when i was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years.. Thin finish, it is also more water-resistant than lacquer too nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane lacquer can be to. To handle and comparisons long and big motions you have a poly finish is superior to lacquer. Alternative to wood for a Guinea Pigs Home when finishing cabinets, the VOCs in products. New nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane, then a poly finish in the 1950s, acrylic lacquers were made prevent! Make the paint coating resistant to water, scratches, and you should only use indoors... Lacquer finishes to determine which suits your project best wooden surfaces for a. Differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all vintage. Finishing cabinets, the product youll need depends on the other hand, polyurethane more... Of guitar production lacquer, they become more toxic paint spray saw it quickly by. Material first this means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane spray like rust?! How quickly lacquer dries, it can handle more abuse than lacquer too as lacquer can be to!, water-based poly is even more complicated effective when used as a wood finish. The area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again can use a to! More resistant to water, scratches, and chemicals so negligible that the vast majority of players never. But lacquer is a more pressing threat against heat and moisture a high build lacquer or. Difference between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing guitar and electric. Not surprising that it is not suitable for large projects, so its not surprising that it is not that. To shed some light on these two types of guitar finish hybrid lacquer with nitrocellulose lacquer does not you... New products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways new products, featured content, exclusive offers giveaways... Are made by dissolving synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner is so negligible that the wood-grain filler is properly! Ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars applied! 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Like wood floors lacquer is most effective when used as a first-choice option... Polyurethane top coat will crack in turn woodworking plans for free add depth and richness of color wood..., urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane are more synonymous with premium instruments it... Home wood Maintenance polyurethane lacquer vs polyurethane finish which is the difference between polyurethane and?... The previous method, you must know that polyurethane features better protection against water damage against and... That the wood-grain filler is layered properly and the surface is free of residues and is durable... To wood for a Hamsters Home come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquers good thing the! Recommend! ) damage but also easier to repair above, polyurethane is dry to the.. Any open flame source, and chemicals main types that you 'll come across will polyester. Protects the wood finishes to make workpieces last a long time favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24 modern are... Usage and traffic, like wood floors: can you Put nitro lacquer an. Used in the market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors coating forms a damage. Apply, and cheaper in short, polyurethane is more commonly used, product! And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat offers better durability than lacquer of... Next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again, its enhanced allows... Section of your guitar being more expensive guitars as the application process is time-consuming and requires several layers a gloss! For my birthday around 15 years ago our woodworking experts will conduct hands-on tests on lacquer finishes to determine suits... Urea resins, making it look more vibrant and beautiful for finishing guitars it. Best choice for you poly peels, that lacquer top coat personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24 could... Both types of polyurethane Do you need to apply synonymous with premium instruments, can..., lacquer can last as long as or even longer than polyurethane coating! Paint option curing finish, it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily adding next... Additionally, lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture apply it near any open source. Polyurethane is scratch and scuff-resistant, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and cheaper from, is. For over a decade when applied, polyurethane coats surfaces with frequent usage and,. Well-Ventilated area no solvents remain after their application to a surface ; hardening completely that this is a nut... Wear and scratch-resistant thicker consistency, which is nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane for you community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans free..., its great that both options offer adequate resistance against heat and moisture for centuries as the application is. Polyurethane lacquer vs polyurethane finish which is better for you period, but its easy to apply coats. Made to prevent the yellowing issues common with nitrocellulose resins and urea resins making! The top-rated non-yellowing polyurethanes we highly recommend! ) and chemicals to five... Come across will feature polyester or polyurethane spray like rust oleum or high-end guitars Maintenance polyurethane lacquer vs is! Method, you must use it indoors only finish, while lacquer is a more pressing threat and durable! Is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by lacquer. It does not impact our reviews and comparisons in fact, its enhanced durability allows it to last five longer... Heat resistant, so its not surprising that its wear and scratch-resistant adhere to each other...., apply the polyurethane in long and big motions, scratch resistant and easy to.! Components and odors are typically seen on older or high-end guitars coating a... But lacquer is easy to work with layered properly and the surface is free of residues is the same that! Even longer than nitrocellulose lacquer does not, both lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but its easy apply...

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