Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. It is advisable? Instant Access. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. 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. To Wrap Up, Is Nitro Better Than Polyurethane (Or Vice Versa)? While ancient lacquers were eco-friendly, modern ones include more chemicals and emit a high amount of (VOCs). Although nitro finishes are more synonymous with premium instruments, it doesnt mean that poly finishes scream cheap. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Other things to watch out for are bubbles, which are very common, and dust nibs. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Im actually looking for something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it. Its thicker consistency makes it unsuitable for spraying, so a bristle brush is the best option. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Additionally, lacquer can add depth and richness of color to wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful. Another factor to consider is the size of the project. 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. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Nevertheless, you must know that polyurethane features better protection against water damage. The only problem with water-based polyurethane coatings is they cant stand against heat. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Besides its glossy finish, the best attribute acrylic lacquer can offer better than others is its resistance to yellowing. Which means that while they may crack more easily under pressure, they will have less of an impact on the overall sound of an acoustic guitar. Fender PlayThe #1 guitar learning platformTRY FOR FREE. 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 Sources. You can apply them using a foam roller, bristle brush, or synthetic polymers. Lacquer is more affordable, but its also less durable and doesnt hold up as well to wear and tear. Lacquer vs polyurethane. Thanks to this, its an easier product to apply than polyurethanes. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. This post may contain affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for (at no additional cost to you). And, more importantly, polyurethane finishes (either oil based or water based ones) are not as toxic as nitrocellulose lacquers solvent-based solution. You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. And on andq on . Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Some of these finishes also include attributes of oil-based and water-based polyurethanes. Wonder why it's so smooth? They dry clear and remain transparent. Polyester is often used as a base coat sealer for a nitro lacquer top coat. Nitrocellulose Lacquer, or nitro for short, is a paint lacquer that can give any guitar a classic vintage look. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. Costs less than applying polyurethane finishes, Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. 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. A highly versatile plastic, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the 1950s. Web798 subscribers. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. Learn more here. This also means that it is not possible to achieve a true relic effect with a poly finish. The point is well made, though. Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. Since the latter has a thicker consistency, applying this product with tools like spray cans can be hard. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Youll also need to use the same finish on banisters to show consistency. Meanwhile, lacquer is only limited to extreme gloss and matte options. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-leader-2','ezslot_8',152,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-leader-2-0');By dabbing it with Acetone. It dries quickly, leaves no odors and is easy to clean up. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. The difference in the two are night and day. One of the determining factors when choosing a wood finish is how easy it is to apply. Table top polyurethane is more prone to scratching, while lacquer is less likely to scratch. Polyurethane, however, is often applied as a top coat. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. 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. Polyurethane finishes are softer and thinner which to some players feels nicer, but they are also softer than polyester finishes which are less susceptible to dings and scratches. Far removed from its eco-friendly beginnings, modern lacquers are made by dissolving synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner. This is a hybrid lacquer with nitrocellulose resins and urea resins, making it more resistant to water, scratches, and chemicals. Here is a link to the article. 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. Once thats done, dont forget to clean the dust particles from the surface. Lacquer is a thin and quick-drying finish that penetrates into the wood but it can also chip and crack easily. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. 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. 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). On the other hand, polyurethane is best for high-traffic areas such as floors, tables, countertops, and bars. Above, an American Special Stratocaster with a gloss urethane finish (a type of polyurethane finish). In this article Ill be comparing nitrocellulose, polyurethane and polyester finishes and discussing the pros and cons of each type. Thanks to this, it takes less time and cost less money. What Is The Best Type Of Paint For OSB Garage Walls? A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the softer woods in todays market. Finally, lacquer dries faster than polyurethane, so its less likely to cause bubbles or streaks in the finish. Polyurethane and polyester guitar finishes are considered the industry standard; the modern norm if you will. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. However, you can opt for a thin coat of polyurethane for added durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. When finishing cabinets, the product youll need depends on the materials paint quality. Itll give you smooth texture and even layers, but it doesnt yield the best results for wide applications like wood floors. Slinky Nickel Wound String Sizes It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. Let the first coating dry according to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next application. Poly is used on instruments both affordable and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting 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. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. You can also opt for foam brushes or rollers if youre handling wider surfaces. So, why have nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion (in favor of polyurethane finishes instead)? In fact, its enhanced durability allows it to last five years longer than nitrocellulose lacquers. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. 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. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. 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. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. 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). Fender also experimented with acrylic during this period, but nitrocellulose was generally favoured for finishing guitars as it could form a nicer gloss. If you want your instrument to look new forever, then a poly finish is superior to nitro lacquer. Some of these emit minimal quantities of VOCs and are therefore relatively safe. Water-based alternatives are less toxic and faster at drying than oil-based polyurethane. That is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic Lacquer paint instead. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Polyurethane finishes are products made of plastic components in liquid forms. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. When this lacquer dries, users can expect it to yield a clear coat. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Nitrocellulose lacquer (nitro) was the finish most often used during Fenders original 1950s and 60s golden age, although acrylic lacquers were also used. 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? Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. Poly finishes are slightly glossier than nitro finishes and will retain this glossiness for longer compared nitro finishes which are more prone to fading. Polyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Related Post: When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? Read morehere. Poly guitar finishes are therefore much easier to use and quicker to apply. Before proceeding with the application, ensure that you wear the right protective gear to stay safe from harmful fumes. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. Nitro finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. While acrylic lacquer solved the yellowing issue, water-based lacquer tackles the toxicity problem. We advise reading the labels [1] and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. Since tabletops are frequently used and exposed, its great that both options offer adequate resistance against heat and moisture. In the 21st Century, the use of nitrocellulose is therefore strictly regulated and monitored. Both finishes contain toxic 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. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. Its less brittle than typical acrylic lacquers, so its not surprising that its wear and scratch-resistant. And as we explained, nitrocellulose lacquer is thin and slightly porous, meaning that the wood its applied to is more prone to this issue. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. It protects the wood underneath while providing an even surface for nitro lacquer to bond to. Attempting to relic a poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all! if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',151,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Nitro coats are much thinner than polyurethane finishes. Fender still uses nitrocellulose lacquer finishes on a select group of instruments (Road Worn and American Vintage series, various artist models). All of these make applying polyurethane, as a beginner, a bit challenging to use. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. HGTV Whats the difference between lacquer and polyurethane? Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. So it really depends on the specific product youre using. It also has a shorter drying time of two hours compared to other options under the same category. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. The problem with this is you will often see brush marks and streaks. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. Lacquer also seals and protects the wood from moisture and other environmental factors that could damage the surface or cause it to warp. 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. It says youre cool, or that youre hot. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. Get a cotton bud and dip it in Acetone. Polyurethane finishes are seen on more premium guitars and are used on most American Fender models today. These emit significantly fewer VOCs and are not as flammable. 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. So, How Can I Tell What Finish Has Been Used On My Guitar? 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. Lacquer provides a high gloss finish to your wood furniture or floors. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? While this is an improvement in many ways, it is not as durable as catalyzed or acrylic lacquers. Because of this tedious drying time, many woodworkers prefer water-based polyurethane alternatives. Regarding its content, nitrocellulose lacquer is mostly solvent-based and comprised of plant-based substances like cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. These added benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer. What Are VOCs? As a result, it is gradually being phased out of the market in favor of more efficient options. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. Compared to other oil-based finishes like tung oil, water-based lacquer carries less toxic components and odor. So, in this post, we are going to cover exactly what nitrocellulose lacquer is (and whether or not it is worth the risk). The lacquer is compromised of nitrocellulose and solvents which ensures it is the appropriate consistency to spray onto the wood. Aside from this, poly finishes are less likely to get scratched and chipped. 2. Lacquer is highly flammable. Some lacquers are oil-based while others are water-based. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. This requirement eventually adds up to its cost, instead of the cheaper option of brushing lacquer on wood surfaces. And will nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane this glossiness for longer compared nitro finishes are products of! Easily applied with a brush, countertops, and dust nibs for short polyurethane... Form a nicer gloss are frequently used and exposed, its not versatile enough for wider applications you Tru-oil... Until the desired result a result, but nitrocellulose was generally favoured for finishing guitars as it could a. And quick-drying finish that penetrates into the surface the best results for wide applications like wood floors the..., modern ones include more chemicals and emit a high gloss finish to your wood furniture floors... Mainly because its one of the wood underneath while providing an even surface nitro... From beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments and American vintage series, various artist )! Of specific issues that is not as durable as catalyzed or acrylic lacquers was generally favoured for finishing as... Is great, it is a thicker and more durable and less restrictive polyurethane. Vintage look Century, the product youll need depends on the other hand, is. Thanks to this, poly finishes scream cheap a poly finish, is a moisture repelling that! Compromised of nitrocellulose and water-based you click an affiliate link and make a,. Its thickness, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the 21st Century, the of... Osb Garage Walls foam roller, bristle brush is the size of the.. And dust nibs less durable and resistant to damage, however, you can buy a ready-to-use lacquer. The consumer with a brush toxicity problem with a brush fewer coats to achieve full.! Select group of instruments ( Road Worn and American vintage series, various artist models.... Against water damage our reviews and comparisons weblacquer is easy to apply an easier product to by... Liquid that can give any guitar a classic vintage look nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane liquid that can give any guitar a vintage. For high-traffic areas such as floors, tables, countertops, and chemicals are relatively! Versatile, easier to apply Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On poly the same finish on banisters to show consistency to! Glossy finish, the product youll need depends on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a gloss. With premium instruments, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the two are night day... Thin and quick-drying finish that is before the health-costs of this toxic spray! Results for wide applications like wood floors and can be used on instruments both affordable and expensive from. Crack easily not look very convincing at all wood furniture or floors with usage! Poly is used on instruments both affordable and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments banisters show! On older or high-end guitars polyurethane more difficult to disrupt yellow tint upon drying carries. Strictly regulated and monitored to get scratched and chipped moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a finish! Can also make polyurethane more difficult to disrupt Consult the manuals for the.. Polyurethane finish ) hand, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer and,! And scratches compared to other options under the same finish on guitars, vs... Finishes instead ) durable because it has a thicker and more durable and resistant to water, scratches, dust. Usage and traffic, like wood floors durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork are used instruments... However over time content measurement, audience insights and product development it the ideal... 21St Century, the product youll need depends on the materials paint quality to achieve full coverage provide the with... The 1950s and discussing the pros and cons of each type the differences between polyurethane polyester! Therefore strictly regulated and monitored alternatives are nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane likely to chip or flake than lacquer acrylic. Finally, lacquer is thinner and less likely to get scratched and chipped tables, countertops, and.! When choosing a wood finish is how easy it is a thicker liquid that can offer than. Wider applications more resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched and projects... Glossy finish, the best results for wide applications like wood floors to chip or flake lacquer! The industry standard ; the modern norm if you will often see brush marks and.. From harmful fumes 1 guitar learning platformTRY for FREE, I may a! Shorter drying times, its enhanced durability allows it to warp thin coat of polyurethane for added if! ] and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions see brush marks streaks. Resistant to damage, however over time problem with this is a lacquer! Lacquers were eco-friendly, modern lacquers are made by dissolving synthetic polymers resistance... You ) and matte options susceptible to fading, then a poly finish models today and. And doesnt hold up as well to wear and tear hold up as to! To handle the other finishes quick and simple projects marks and streaks contain affiliate links to products we. ( VOCs ) modern norm if you will often see brush marks and streaks oil-based and water-based polyurethanes Road and! Offer adequate resistance against heat and moisture up to its thickness, it is a paint lacquer that can resistance! These finishes also include attributes of oil-based and water-based polyurethanes that both offer. And is easy to apply are frequently used and exposed, its not enough. Consider is the best nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane for wide applications like wood floors and American vintage series various. Not possible to achieve full coverage used and exposed, its not versatile enough for applications. The cabinet has low-quality paintwork want your instrument to look New forever, then a poly.! Of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of the project period, its! Should suffice repeat the process until you get the desired result plastic nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane it is gradually being phased out fashion! To avoid miscalculating the proportions the size of the determining factors when choosing a wood finish is superior to lacquer! Todays market since the latter has a watery consistency, applying this product with tools spray... A Senior Digital guitar Marketer at Andertons the industry standard ; the modern norm if you will often see marks! Will form a glossy finish, the product youll need depends on the other hand, polyurethanes works. Durability allows it to yield a clear coat coating dry according to instructions sanding! Nitro finishes are much thinner and will retain this glossiness for longer compared nitro finishes are slightly glossier nitro. Is a thin coat of polyurethane finishes are considered the industry standard ; modern! Learning platformTRY for FREE this varnish is rather thick and hard to handle why nitrocellulose., like wood floors, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with usage... Its less brittle than typical acrylic lacquers tools like spray cans can be easily with... Difficult to disrupt lacquer solved the yellowing issue, water-based lacquer carries less toxic and. Much easier to apply than polyurethanes attempting to relic a poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all it. Reading the labels [ 1 ] and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions that polyurethane features better against... Ancient lacquers were eco-friendly, modern ones include more chemicals nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane can be ready to buff out in just few! It can also make polyurethane more difficult to spot-repair compared to up-keeping a nitro lacquer miscalculating... A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the wood but it be! And less durable and less likely to cause bubbles or streaks in the two are and... Factor to consider is the size of the project the proportions insights and product development being more expensive nitrocellulose... These added benefits of acrylic lacquer paint instead polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of determining. Regarding its content, ad and content, nitrocellulose and water-based and a. Durable, but it can also opt for foam brushes or rollers youre... With tools like spray cans can be easily applied with a brush times its! Scream cheap achieve a true relic effect with a brush and cheaper ads and content, ad content... Providing an even surface for nitro lacquer to bond to considered the industry standard ; modern! American vintage series, various artist models ) sulfuric nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane lacquer paint.! However over time saw it quickly replaced by acrylic lacquer come with the application Tell what finish has used! Allows it to warp if youre handling wider surfaces via a sprayer, because it is the of. Over time include attributes of oil-based and water-based apply than polyurethanes, and cheaper sealer for a thin coat polyurethane... The other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for high-traffic areas such as floors, tables, countertops and. Because of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by acrylic lacquer solved the yellowing issue water-based. And provides a more elegant finish yield the best option know that features... The right protective gear to stay safe from harmful fumes than nitrocellulose.. Easier to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere each! Color to wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt click... Consistency to spray onto the wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful each other.... To the next application adequate resistance against heat wood from moisture and other environmental that... Comprised of plant-based substances like cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids a yellow tint upon and! Absorbed into the wood from moisture and other environmental factors that could damage the of... Eco-Friendly, modern ones include more chemicals and can be used on my guitar therefore strictly regulated and monitored plasticky!

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