However, to get that finish, you require a fair bit of skill. Even better, its heat resistant, so it doesnt burn or blister. In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. Also Read: Can You Roll Polyurethane On Wood? When this lacquer dries, users can expect it to yield a clear coat. However, once nitro cures, it becomes non-toxic. Unfortunately, neither polyurethane nor lacquer stands the test of time. Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Both finishes have tendencies to show a yellow tinge over time, but polyurethane products tend to show signs of it earlier than others. Learn how to put polyurethane over lacquer. Both lacquer and polyurethane do this excellently. Web798 subscribers. 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. 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. 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. In short, polyurethane is a curing finish, while lacquer is a drying finish. The solvent used is acetone; a highly-flammable substance that ultimately forms the shiny lacquer. After all, its better to have an excellent finish with an inferior product than a terrible one with a better product. Anyways, it doesnt have to feel exactly like scotch tape but simple more of a plastic like texture than what paper normally feels like! Continue with Recommended Cookies. Whats the difference between lacquer and polyurethane? Polyester is often used as a base coat sealer for a nitro lacquer top coat. And even though polyurethane dries slower, it can work better in different projects. When applied to paper, would polyurethane and lacquer sprays give that plasticky feel to paper? Lacquer is light, thin, and dries quickly, so it is best applied with a high-volume, low-presser (HVLP) sprayer. Theres a big debate in the guitar world over nitro and poly finishes and which are the best. The only problem with water-based polyurethane coatings is they cant stand against heat. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. Lacquer also seals and protects the wood from moisture and other environmental factors that could damage the surface or cause it to warp. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. Despite being a very thin finish, it dries hard and is very durable. Itll give you smooth texture and even layers, but it doesnt yield the best results for wide applications like wood floors. That is why you should always use a respirator when applying any chemicals. Sources. This is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved. There are two types of poly finishes: polyurethane and polyester. As these departments mostly produce premium time-honoured instruments, they therefore use nitro finishes to recapture the essence of their older vintage models. Ernie Ball Slinky String Guide: Comparison and Which to Choose. Some lacquers are oil-based while others are water-based. Related Read: How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Need to Apply? There's a definite price Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. One significant advantage of poly finishes is their durability. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. [3 Key Comparisons]. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. However, both nitro and poly finishes are in fact plastic. (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. Fender uses a variety of finish types on its instruments, from the original nitrocellulose lacquer finishes used so often in the companys 1950s-60s era (and beloved of vintage guitar enthusiasts) to more modern urethane and polyester finishes. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. Below, take a look at a close-up of finish checking on a Fender Custom Shop 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster. Although the latter requires fewer coats because of its thickness, its hard to deny that itll take longer than the other option. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. If it does not, you have a poly finish. They are also more durable and scratch-resistant, thus boosting their advantages versus polyurethane. 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 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. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. Its thicker consistency makes it unsuitable for spraying, so a bristle brush is the best option. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. 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. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. On the other hand, polyurethane is scratch and scuff-resistant, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and even heat-resistant. Fender PlayThe #1 guitar learning platformTRY FOR FREE. As solvents dry and cure, these often times harmful gases are released into the air. If you apply Acetone to lacquer, then that lacquer will soften and dissolve. Upgrading your Budget Guitar vs. Buying a New Guitar. 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. This combination can form a more durable and longer lifespan than other oil-based finishes. 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. This makes it easier to damage but also easier to repair. Polyurethane is a durable, water-resistant finish that dries very hard. Curing can take up to a month to complete, during which time, nitro lacquer will continue to release dangerous VOCs into the air. Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. Traditionalists find the former more appealing, as nitrocellulose was used almost exclusively on vintage instruments from the golden era of guitar production. Because its slow drying, expert woodworkers generally prefer lacquer or water-based polyurethane over oil-based polyurethane. 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. Back in Fenders early days, there was no such thing as a vintage guitar market. The point is well made, though. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. 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. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Fender started using polyester finishes in the 1970s. 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. HGTV A guitars look is a major part of the statement that guitarists make to the world about themselves. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. When applied, polyurethane coats surfaces with thick and glossy resin. Meanwhile, lacquer often takes only ten minutes. WebPolyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. Did you know that catalyzed lacquers are made with nitrocellulose and urea resins? 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. Like polyurethane, polyester finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. These emit significantly fewer VOCs and are not as flammable. The lacquer is compromised of nitrocellulose and solvents which ensures it is the appropriate consistency to spray onto the wood. Because of this, you can count on lacquer finishes to make workpieces last a long time. When youre new to woodworking, choosing the right finish can be time-consuming and costly. Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. This post may contain affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for (at no additional cost to you). On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. Hey, I'm Heather. Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. Both historically and today, a lot of science is involved in finish coatings for musical instruments. As mentioned earlier, lacquer is very common for high-end furniture or any wooden surface that wont see much action. And, it is more durable than either polyester or nitro lacquer. While it is hard to draw a firm line between the two, there are instances in which one will outperform the other. 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. Is Nitrocellulose Lacquer Really Bad For The Environment? Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. 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. Besides its glossy finish, the best attribute acrylic lacquer can offer better than others is its resistance to yellowing. They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. There are cons if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that. 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. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the same thing that makes it more versatile. This means that dings and scratches are more visible on guitars with nitro finishes, and much easier to inflict. How Many Coats of Varnish Do You Apply on Wood? Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Manage Settings As polyester and polyurethane is based on synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application to a surface; hardening completely. You can use brushes to apply lacquer and polyurethane. There are cons, Time Limited: Join our woodworking contest on Facebook and Get 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly. Low-VOC poly finishes are considered safer to use and dont pose as much of a threat to the environment. Polyester and polyurethane guitar finishes are also more resistant to general wear, meaning that scratches and dings are harder to see and inflict. You must add an acid catalyst with the lacquers liquid form to help it cure well. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. Privacy Policy. You can also opt for foam brushes or rollers if youre handling wider surfaces. Nitrocellulose lacquers have been around for almost a century; originally used for acoustic instruments, saxophones and even cars. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. HGTV 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. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Nitro finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. 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. 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