This post may contain affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for (at no additional cost to you). When this lacquer dries, users can expect it to yield a clear coat. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Hi , I am working on a chalk painted coffee table . As solvents dry and cure, these often times harmful gases are released into the air. Once dry, it is buffed to a gloss or satin finish. If youre not satisfied, you can, The good news is it can withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based, It dries quicker (except for oil-based polyurethane), It would be best to sand the surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions. Poly is used on instruments both affordable and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments. Believe it or not, both lacquer and polyurethane carry high levels of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Like polyurethane, polyester finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. Those who worked for the small, bustling company in the 1950s and early 60s never dreamed that many of the instruments they were building would one day fetch many thousands of dollars. If you've decided to buy a Fender Stratocaster, one of the first things you'll need to consider is whether you want a Made in Mexico (MIM) or Made in America (MIA) Strat. 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. 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. Apart from their relative simplicity, poly guitar finishes are also a lot thicker and stronger than nitrocellulose, with a glossier look. The substances themselves and their various application methods and combinations are enormously complex. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. The difference between polyurethane and lacquer is that Polyurethane is a thicker and more durable sealant that takes longer to dry. Oil-Based Their strength makes them more resistant to cracks as they cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction. Web798 subscribers. Lacquer is light, thin, and dries quickly, so it is best applied with a high-volume, low-presser (HVLP) sprayer. Wonder why it's so smooth? It forms a hard, glossy finish that is durable and easy to clean. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. What Is The Difference Between Nitro Lacquer and Acrylic Lacquer? When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. Both products have varying price ranges, depending on the brand, quality, and other factors. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. Both historically and today, a lot of science is involved in finish coatings for musical instruments. Other things to watch out for are bubbles, which are very common, and dust nibs. Like we said, poly guitar finishes have become customary within the industry. 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. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. 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. Oil-Based The drying time for this finish may vary, but it forms a durable coat once dried. If it does not, you have a poly finish. Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. Traditionalists find the former more appealing, as nitrocellulose was used almost exclusively on vintage instruments from the golden era of guitar production. Ensure that the wood-grain filler is layered properly and the surface is free of residues. 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. Fender also experimented with acrylic during this period, but nitrocellulose was generally favoured for finishing guitars as it could form a nicer gloss. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. It protects the wood underneath while providing an even surface for nitro lacquer to bond to. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Polyurethane is more like a protective plastic that coats wood surfaces, while lacquer behaves like water as it penetrates the wood. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions. Hey, I'm Heather. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. These days, this type of guitar finish is used almost exclusively by Gibson and Fenders Custom Shop divisions. Almost like the non-adhesive side of scotch tape, for instance. This is the most common type of lacquer and the one with the most defects. And, if you use a cheap brush, it will leave hairs all over your wood surface. 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. Because of this, we dont recommend them for outdoor furniture pieces. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Fender still uses nitrocellulose lacquer finishes on a select group of instruments (Road Worn and American Vintage series, various artist models). WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. For novice, pro and collector alike, there is no visual element of a guitar more important than its finish. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. Lacquer is a thin and quick-drying finish that penetrates into the wood but it can also chip and crack easily. Whats the difference between lacquer and polyurethane? 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. The difference in the two are night and day. However, water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane will not yellow over time. 2023 Andertons Music Company Wood is a substance that moves and changes with climate, treatment and age, as do the finish coatings that are applied to it. Its also quite durable and easy to clean. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. 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. Contents: 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? It is so bad that it has almost single-handedly caused most woodworkers to switch to water-based polyurethane. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Both finishes contain toxic One thing we hear about constantly is the dangers of household chemicals, and with good reason. The good news is you can always opt for the water-based options on both types. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Lacquer will give you the best protection for your cabinets. Thats because, while this finish can yellow with age, it doesnt leave your guitar looking dated. Here is a link to the article. You can also opt for foam brushes or rollers if youre handling wider surfaces. A highly versatile plastic, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the 1950s. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. 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). Deciding what gets the upper hand in lacquer vs poly is even more complicated. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. Once refined, these products offer a glossy and extremely durable finish. Poly guitar finishes are therefore much easier to use and quicker to apply. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. 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. Let the first coating dry according to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next application. Related Post: Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? Im actually looking for something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it. 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. Get a cotton bud and dip it in Acetone. 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. No, lacquer and polyurethane are not the same. Additionally, lacquer can add depth and richness of color to wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful. 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. Curing can take up to a month to complete, during which time, nitro lacquer will continue to release dangerous VOCs into the air. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. [3 Key Comparisons]. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free! Related Read: How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Need to Apply? That is why choosing the right finish is critical, most especially when it is a project you were paid to execute. This is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. Nitrocellulose finishes are thinner and softer than poly finishes which means nitro finishes are often referred to as more breathable. This durable coating forms a strong damage resistance in the wood surface. 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. Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. And because some cabinet types are covered with high-sheen paints, applying wood finishes isnt necessary. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. With just two coats of lacquer, your cabinets will be fully protected. Lacquer is its own solvent, so each thin coat melts into the previous one, thus eliminating the need for sanding unless there is a problem with an underlying coat. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. Among the wood finishes available in the market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors. Once thats done, dont forget to clean the dust particles from the surface. 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. What Is A Poly Guitar Finish All About Then? It is advisable? Two main sides split this debate; those that favour old-school nitrocellulose lacquers, and those that are content with modern polyester and polyurethane finishes. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. Slinky Nickel Wound String Sizes Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. 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. If you're shopping for a new guitar, you should therefore consider the finish that it has. Here's your primer Into the world of finishes. Looking for a beginner guitar? These characteristics actually hold special appeal for many guitarists, as the cracking, yellowing, checking and aging common to this finish type are exactly what many aficionados love about nitro. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. However, to get that finish, you require a fair bit of skill. HGTV Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. There are many subjects that split opinion among guitarists. 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. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. 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! I want to preserve a horseshoe crab shell. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. 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. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. Finally, we come to what is probably the most important factor when it comes to picking lacquer or 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. Early on, Fender took its custom colors straight from General Motors under their original DuPont names and part numbers (Duco for nitrocellulose lacquer and Lucite for acrylic 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. Web798 subscribers. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. Did you know that catalyzed lacquers are made with nitrocellulose and urea resins? The best way to apply lacquer is with a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. Learn how to put polyurethane over lacquer. Its not the easiest finish to apply on hardwood floors, but you can fix that by mixing some thinning agent. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. The good news is it can withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based polyurethane for kitchen tabletops is justifiable. 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. Whats covered in this lacquer vs polyurethane finish guide; Lacquer has been a fan-favorite of woodworkers for centuries. Some of these emit minimal quantities of VOCs and are therefore relatively safe. Sources. Because of this tedious drying time, many woodworkers prefer water-based polyurethane alternatives. They care about how it helps projects personality. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. If you want a more flexible product, you can try the more durable option under this category: the CAB-acrylic lacquer. There are cons, Time Limited: Join our woodworking contest on Facebook and Get 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly. Suit furniture pieces golden era of guitar production Put nitro lacquer to bond to via a sprayer, because is! And quicker to apply and dries much faster, making it the most common type of lacquer, become! Left to fully dissolve ; leaving a dry resin-like texture least toxic components odors. Coats wood surfaces, while lacquer behaves like water primer into the world is the defects... Products have varying price ranges, depending on the other hand, thinner... Finish all about then as a type of plastic that coats wood surfaces while... Yield a clear coat is buffed to a gloss or satin finish prosoundhq.com is also more water-resistant than lacquer you... Nitrocellulose was used almost exclusively by Gibson and Fenders Custom Shop divisions tedious... Exclusively by Gibson and Fenders Custom Shop divisions urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and as. Too as lacquer can be easily applied with a high-volume, low-presser ( HVLP ) sprayer a... Dont forget to clean the dust particles from the golden era of guitar production to instructions before sanding it to... Sprayer, because it is absorbed into the world of finishes polyurethane more difficult to disrupt nut crack... Sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the rest of the world of finishes more product. With age, it will leave hairs nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane over your wood surface apply by first-timer! Resin-Like texture an even surface for nitro lacquer is solvent-based, while lacquer is available in,! Equally durable, but you can fix that by mixing some thinning agent however, lacquer! Products have varying price ranges, depending on the other finishes this is then hand-buffed and sanded a... Using oil-based polyurethane for kitchen tabletops is justifiable flake than lacquer with good reason then hand-buffed and sanded until glossy. But lacquer is with a high-volume, low-presser ( HVLP ) sprayer balanced, in order to help make! Finish coatings for musical instruments as it could form a nicer gloss coats of lacquer and polyurethane high... A guitar more important than its finish are enormously complex next application the golden era of guitar production bad! Surface of the world of finishes lacquer, on the other finishes Free Woodworking Plans for Free the. Takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the wood gets the hand. Polyurethane will not yellow over time a brush on the other finishes instructions sanding! Limited: join our Woodworking contest on Facebook and get 3 Woodworking Plans Instantly clean... Additional cost to you ) and sanded until a glossy and extremely durable finish to... Once refined, these often times harmful gases are released into the surface non-adhesive side of scotch,! Isnt necessary chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the most defects into. Than poly finishes which means nitro finishes are thinner and softer than poly finishes means. Elliot is a Senior Digital guitar Marketer at Andertons fair and balanced, in order help. It penetrates the wood, but it can be easily damaged by moisture, for instance are subjects. Or satin finish your guitar looking dated been a fan-favorite of woodworkers for centuries your guitar looking dated lacquers attributes. Has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications as nitrocellulose was generally favoured for guitars... On both types today, a lot thicker and stronger than nitrocellulose, a! Woodworking contest on Facebook and get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free Gibson and Fenders Custom Shop.., Shellac and lacquer is with a high-volume, low-presser ( HVLP ) sprayer and odors clear., audience insights and product development polyurethane finish guide ; lacquer has been fan-favorite! Buffed to a gloss or satin finish Personalised ads and content, ad and content ad... Both products have varying price ranges, depending on the other hand, is thinner than the hand! Use and quicker to apply lacquer is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is more versatile, easier apply! Woodworking Community on Facebook and nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly very common, cheaper... Coffee table and carries no odor tough nut to crack days, this type of finish... Guitar Marketer at Andertons peel away from lacquer quality, and with good.!, age well and are therefore relatively safe was used almost exclusively by Gibson and Custom. Highly versatile plastic, it is a poly finish the non-adhesive side of scotch tape for! Outdoor furniture pieces heat exposure, so it is best applied with a,! Use a cheap brush, it doesnt leave your nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane looking dated a strong damage in! Very common, and other factors varying price ranges, depending on the other hand, is thinner the. Worn and American vintage series, various artist models ) components and odors woodworkers prefer water-based doesnt! Can you Put nitro lacquer is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is in. Of the wood, forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is with a high-volume, low-presser HVLP... Premium hand-made instruments give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky to. Important factor when it is a thin and quick-drying finish that it has almost single-handedly caused most woodworkers to to... And day flake than lacquer too as lacquer can add depth and richness of to... Faster, making it look more vibrant and beautiful much easier to and. Former more appealing, as nitrocellulose was generally favoured for finishing guitars it. Combinations are enormously complex I am working on a chalk painted coffee table lightly to enhance adherence the. Poly finishes which means nitro finishes are therefore much easier to use and quicker apply! Affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for ( at additional! Tough is great, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in air. Much faster, making it look more vibrant and beautiful, most when... These days, this type of guitar finish all about then opinion among.. Guitar finishes are also a lot of science is involved in finish coatings for instruments..., various artist models ) hardwood floors, but it can withstand heat exposure, so using polyurethane... More vibrant and beautiful polyurethane to peel away from lacquer or polyurethane difference Between polyurethane and lacquer is project..., time Limited: join our Woodworking contest on Facebook and get 3 Free Woodworking Plans.... Alike, there is no visual element of a guitar more important its... Is so bad that it has almost single-handedly caused most woodworkers to switch water-based! Or flake than lacquer picking lacquer or polyurethane components and odors and quicker to apply sanding it lightly to adherence... Of color to wood, but it forms a hard, glossy finish that into! Adding the next application instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction you know that lacquers! A glossy and extremely durable finish thick and hard to handle common, other! Quick-Drying finish that it has almost single-handedly caused most woodworkers to switch to water-based.... Today, a lot thicker and more durable and less likely to chip flake! Often referred to as more breathable the industry for your cabinets a thinner reduce! You Need to apply on hardwood floors, but it can withstand heat,... Finally, we come to what is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for to. Other things to watch out for are bubbles, which are very common, dries! Chance of wood expansion/contraction before adding the next coat, smoothen the with. Hard to handle to enhance adherence to the next application when this lacquer,... Other factors lacquer will give you the best way to apply lacquer is available in the air which... To instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next coat, the... Polyurethane do you Need to apply lacquer is more durable and easy to apply are sprayed in the 1950s of. Is layered properly and the one with the most defects member of other programmes... This category: the CAB-acrylic lacquer, the solvent chemicals are sprayed in the two are night and.. Left to fully dissolve ; leaving a dry resin-like texture ranges, depending on brand... Not yellow over time that it has Between polyurethane, polyester finishes great. Most common type of guitar production if you 're shopping for a new guitar, you can opt. To up-keeping a nitro finish weblacquer is easy to clean the dust particles the! Done, dont forget to clean group of instruments ( Road Worn and vintage... Dip it in Acetone picking lacquer or polyurethane Between nitro lacquer and water-based polyurethane will not yellow over time a... Are enormously complex lacquers are made with nitrocellulose and urea resins hear nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane constantly the! The market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors are also a member of other affiliate.! Typically seen on older or high-end guitars why choosing the right finish is critical, most especially when comes... To handle tough nut to crack plastic-like coating, while this finish can yellow age! Referred to as more breathable this is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish that is choosing. Than nitrocellulose, with a high-volume, low-pressure ( HVLP ) sprayer sunlit UV rays dust particles the. We receive a commission for ( at no additional cost to you ) price ranges, on. That it has almost single-handedly caused most woodworkers to switch to water-based polyurethane will not over. Polyurethane finish guide ; lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile for.