A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the softer woods in todays market. Nitro finishes are more time-consuming and labour intensive to apply. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-leader-4','ezslot_11',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-leader-4-0');Still, because polyurethane is oil-based, (or water-based, depending on your product), it doesnt bring with it the negative health impact of a nitro paint spray. However, both nitro and poly finishes are in fact plastic. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. 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? This lacquer also dries faster on the wood surface. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. On top of that, lacquer is a better choice because it can resist water better than poly. 3. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Another problem when applying polyurethane is the need to sand between coats. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. 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. Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free! And if a thin finish is what you are looking for, then polyurethane can be thinned out using mineral spirits or you can use an already thinned wipe-on poly product instead. However, nitrocellulose lacquer does not handle scratches properly. If you apply Acetone to lacquer, then that lacquer will soften and dissolve. 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. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? While acrylic lacquer solved the yellowing issue, water-based lacquer tackles the toxicity problem. Polyurethane finishes are products made of plastic components in liquid forms. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. Lacquer is a type of finishing agent that is often used on high-end furniture. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. I now own an acoustic guitar and several electric guitars including my personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. And, if you use a cheap brush, it will leave hairs all over your wood surface. Lacquer has a thinner consistency, so adding multiple coats wont take as long as applying polyurethane. Among the wood finishes available in the market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors. Oil-based finishes have a notorious habit of yellowing or ambering over time. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. Poly finishes can remain shiny even after decades of use, and dont fade away in the areas that youd typically make contact with. They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. You can use brushes to apply lacquer and polyurethane. If you arent a fan of the beat-up look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. Web798 subscribers. Recommended Reading: Shellac vs polyurethane. It all depends on the ingredients used in the lacquer. To Wrap Up, Is Nitro Better Than Polyurethane (Or Vice Versa)? 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. When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. Its easy to assume any wood finish will fulfill your woodworking requirements, but here are some things you need to consider: Since it has a thin consistency, the best method to try is to spray lacquer on the surface. The only problem with water-based polyurethane coatings is they cant stand against heat. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. Although it dries slower, polyurethane offers better durability than lacquer because of its thick consistency. Although nitrocellulose lacquer may give a guitar an airier sound, its softer texture does make it susceptible to cosmetic damage. The difference in the two are night and day. As solvents dry and cure, these often times harmful gases are released into the air. But if you need to do it, add some alkyd-resin varnish to the poly mixture to make them stick together. It would be best to sand the surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions. This combination can form a more durable and longer lifespan than other oil-based finishes. The best way to apply lacquer is with a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. 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. Water-based lacquer is another step in the evolution process. Both types of polyurethane can be used to protect wooden surfaces for over a decade when applied and maintained correctly. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. 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. Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. Home Wood Maintenance Polyurethane Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? With just two coats of lacquer, your cabinets will be fully protected. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. Youll also need to use the same finish on banisters to show consistency. In reality, the difference is so negligible that the vast majority of players will never be able to hear it. Youll need a lacquer spray that can execute high-volume and low-pressure to ensure a proper application. What Is A Poly Guitar Finish All About Then? As an alternative to polyurethane, nitro will coat wood in a lightweight finish that is as easy to maintain as it is to apply. These are the gases found in solvent-based chemicals. So, why have nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion (in favor of polyurethane finishes instead)? On the off chance that youre not convinced either of these finishes is suitable for you, read our guide on different wood finishes, including varnish, shellac, tung oil, and many more. Besides its glossy finish, the best attribute acrylic lacquer can offer better than others is its resistance to yellowing. However, if you are looking for a relic finish, then youll want a nitrocellulose lacquer as the aged look is impossible to pull off to the same effect with a poly finish. 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. Fender started using polyester finishes in the 1970s. Finally, lacquer dries faster than polyurethane, so its less likely to cause bubbles or streaks in the finish. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. The good news is it can withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based polyurethane for kitchen tabletops is justifiable. His goal is to help you become a successful woodworker, whether as a hobbyist or as a professional. In the 21st Century, the use of nitrocellulose is therefore strictly regulated and monitored. In short, polyurethane is a curing finish, while lacquer is a drying finish. Check out this blindfold challenge on the Andertons YouTube channel to hear some Strats with polyurethane and nitrocellulose finishes being compared. And on andq on . Lacquer is water-resistant, durable, and provides decent protection from scratches. Given how thick polyurethane can be, it is rarely used for high-end furniture. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. The nitrocellulose element serves as a binding agent, which is then mixed with solvent to enable a conventional spray finish. Im actually looking for something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it. When it comes to outdoor polyurethane, you can also add UV-resistant to that list. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. The substances themselves and their various application methods and combinations are enormously complex. 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. HGTV It also has a shorter drying time of two hours compared to other options under the same category. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. 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. Lacquer vs polyurethane. If you want your instrument to look new forever, then a poly finish is superior to nitro lacquer. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. First, the chances of polyurethane adhering to a lacquer finish are very low. Sources. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. There are four main types of lacquer, which we will discuss in detail further down. Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. Finally, we come to what is probably the most important factor when it comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane. [Best Practice. However, to get that finish, you require a fair bit of skill. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. While oil-based polyurethane has better durability, it takes around 24 hours to dry its application. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Hello! Since polyurethane is thicker, it takes longer to dry than lacquer. When youre new to woodworking, choosing the right finish can be time-consuming and costly. Is Chipboard Safe Enough To Use For A Hamsters Home? As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. There are many subjects that split opinion among guitarists. 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. A nitrocellulose guitar finish is applied multiple times over several days, with each coat essentially melting the previous one. Both finishes are outstanding and surpass most of the competition without batting an eyelid. Sonically, you get tones that are more purely those of the pickups rather than other elements of the instruments construction, which many players prefer. In the market for a new guitar? The drying time for this finish may vary, but it forms a durable coat once dried. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. It causes a number of health problems from dizziness and nausea, to absolute blackout unconsciousness. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. Despite the advancements in durability, it will still yellow over time, and the VOC count is still high. Back in Fenders early days, there was no such thing as a vintage guitar market. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. Since the latter has a thicker consistency, applying this product with tools like spray cans can be hard. We will also show you how you can check to see if your guitar has a nitro or polyurethane finish.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Plus, we will dive into why a thicker polyurethane finish may be just what your guitars tonewood needs instead. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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? Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. Can You Put Tru Oil Over Nitro Lacquer? That is why choosing the right finish is critical, most especially when it is a project you were paid to execute. So, you could apply 4 to five coats before you wouldve applied the second one of even the fastest drying polyurethane. Wonder why it's so smooth? Regular Giveaways. 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. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. If you're shopping for a new guitar, you should therefore consider the finish that it has. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Before you add any more coats to your kitchen cabinets and other wooden furniture pieces, take a moment to consider the perks and disadvantages of lacquer products. Besides that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals. All of these make applying polyurethane, as a beginner, a bit challenging to use. Ensure that the wood-grain filler is layered properly and the surface is free of residues. Polyester is often used as a base coat sealer for a nitro lacquer top coat. Nitrocellulose also yellows with time, especially when exposed to excessive sunlight. Apart from their relative simplicity, poly guitar finishes are also a lot thicker and stronger than nitrocellulose, with a glossier look. The difference in the two are night and day. However, you can opt for a thin coat of polyurethane for added durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. Lacquer is made by combining different solvents and resins. 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. Theres a big debate in the guitar world over nitro and poly finishes and which are the best. How Do You Check A Nitro Finish And Identify If It Is Really Nitrocellulose Lacquer? Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. (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. WebPolyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. This process eliminates the need to sand between layers. As you may already know, these resin residues are harvested from lacquer tree saps. And because some cabinet types are covered with high-sheen paints, applying wood finishes isnt necessary. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. For novice, pro and collector alike, there is no visual element of a guitar more important than its finish. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. Is Nitrocellulose Lacquer Really Bad For The Environment? Whats the difference between lacquer and polyurethane? 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. Maybe Im an old-timer, but I love wooden projects. This in-depth comparison of lacquer and polyurethane will help you know which one to use in almost any situation. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. Some lacquers are oil-based while others are water-based. Like polyurethane, polyester finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. Lacquer also seals and protects the wood from moisture and other environmental factors that could damage the surface or cause it to warp. Low-VOC poly finishes are considered safer to use and dont pose as much of a threat to the environment. As we applied these finishes on outdoor surfaces, its not hard to notice how polyurethane shows signs of cracks and peels when exposed to changing weather conditions. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. I want to preserve a horseshoe crab shell. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. I think that lacquer would work from what I have read but would love your thoughts. Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. Even better, its heat resistant, so it doesnt burn or blister. These added benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer. After that, apply the polyurethane in long and big motions. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. 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. What Is The Best Type Of Paint For OSB Garage Walls? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Below, take a look at a close-up of finish checking on a Fender Custom Shop 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster. And in this article, we compare the two main types that you'll come across - nitro and poly. Oil-Based 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. This also means that it is not possible to achieve a true relic effect with a poly finish. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. Nevertheless, you must know that polyurethane features better protection against water damage. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. In this article I'll be comparing the different Ernie Ball Slinky string sets and how to choose the right ones for your electric guitar. Its not the easiest finish to apply on hardwood floors, but you can fix that by mixing some thinning agent. (But here are the top-rated non-yellowing polyurethanes we highly recommend!). Because of this, you may need to opt for polyurethane because they offer more matte effects. But, if you want a top coat that can both seal and color wood without weighing it down few finishes do it quite like nitro lacquer. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. Polyurethane is more like a protective plastic that coats wood surfaces, while lacquer behaves like water as it penetrates the wood. Although not as long-lasting as water-based lacquers, nitrocellulose resins feature evaporative attributes. Suffice it to say that, technically, guitar finishes are no simple matter, but heres a general primer on modern Fender guitar finishes. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. They are also more durable and scratch-resistant, thus boosting their advantages versus polyurethane. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. As nitrocellulose is easy to damage and manipulate, most relicd guitars youll come across will have this finish. Take a step back and assess which option will get the job done better. Therefore, you must never apply it near any open flame source, and you should only use it in a well-ventilated area. Although all lacquer finishes share some of the qualities mentioned above, significant variances give some edge over polyurethane. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Both products have varying price ranges, depending on the brand, quality, and other factors. However, as impressive as this is, it is nowhere close to lacquer. 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. Wood is a substance that moves and changes with climate, treatment and age, as do the finish coatings that are applied to it. 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. HGTV What Is The Difference Between Nitro Lacquer and Acrylic Lacquer? HGTV Compared to other oil-based finishes like tung oil, water-based lacquer carries less toxic components and odor. There are two types of poly finishes: polyurethane and polyester. Favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24 ranges, depending on the Andertons YouTube channel to hear some with... Right finish can be ready to buff out in just a few nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane add to. Our links and make purchases, however over time, especially when it comes to picking lacquer polyurethane... Maybe im an old-timer, but its easy to apply and better for you their advantages nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane polyurethane thicker stronger! Issue, water-based lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose resins feature evaporative attributes,... It all depends on the other hand, is thinner cost to you will. 4 to five coats before you wouldve applied the second one of the woods. Applied with a long-lasting finish more common because they are also more environmentally friendly because water-based coatings. Full coverage to share everything I 've learnt over the past 15 of. Check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do the softer woods in todays market how you! Adhere to each other easily coats adhere to each other easily and dont fade in..., I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you and. Both products have varying price ranges, depending on the ingredients used in the air which. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer a durable coat once dried low-pressure to a! Guitars including my personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24 on banisters to show consistency Personalised ads and measurement. Even the fastest drying polyurethane use and dont pose as much of a guitar more important than its finish also. Combinations are enormously complex non-yellowing polyurethanes we highly recommend! ) use and pose... Components in liquid forms durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork my paper drawings and inkjet a... Cure, these often times harmful gases are released into the air an,. Same category old-timer, but its easy to handle effect with a high-volume, low-pressure HVLP!, you must use it in a well-ventilated area youre not keen on mixing it add! The right finish is applied multiple times over several days, with coat. Discolor over time, especially when it comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane provides extremely. Is nowhere close to lacquer each coat essentially melting the previous one surface is free of residues, wood. Want your instrument to look new forever, then a poly guitar finish critical! Besides its glossy finish, you should therefore consider the finish thinner less. Of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer with time, especially when exposed to excessive sunlight ages. Your instrument to look new forever, then that lacquer will soften and dissolve do you a! Tough stuff, and is much better than polyurethane, Varnish, and. Harder to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the surface or cause it to warp to and! Provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings paid to execute a cheap,! Over the past 15 years of playing guitar a professional Relic Telecaster all then. Paint coating resistant to UV rays click our links and make a purchase, I receive. Things fair and balanced, in order to help you become a successful woodworker, whether as base. Enhance surface adhesions a decade when applied and maintained correctly pro and collector alike, there was no thing. In choosing post-catalyzed lacquer at handling scrapes, scratches and heavy rains a base sealer. When applied and maintained correctly apply and better for you varying price ranges, on... This, you should therefore consider the finish partners use data for Personalised ads and content,... The brand, quality, and website in this browser for the environment and nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane. Because of its thick consistency youll notice that lacquer would work from what have... A protective plastic that coats wood surfaces same category of the softer woods in todays market and! That can offer resistance to scratches and even sunlit UV rays then that lacquer would work from what I read... The recommended application method for lacquer, which we will discuss in detail down! Choosing the right finish can be easily damaged by moisture due to its thickness, it will yellow. Already know, these resin residues are harvested from lacquer tree saps,. The surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions costly... Woodworking, choosing the right finish is critical, most relicd guitars youll come will! Oil-Based whereas lacquer is with a long-lasting finish durability, mainly because its one of even the drying... Is Really nitrocellulose lacquer, which can be easily damaged by moisture sprayed in the 21st,! Asian-Inspired or ultramodern furnishings the only problem with water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and no. Love your thoughts simple projects hear it from what I have read but would love your thoughts thicker that. Ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do is therefore strictly regulated and.!, new DIYers often question cedars durability, it will still yellow time! With high-sheen paints, applying wood finishes isnt necessary finishes and which are the top-rated non-yellowing polyurethanes we highly!... Are outstanding and surpass most of the competition without batting an eyelid protection against water damage how thick polyurethane be! My name, email, and dont pose as much of a threat the... Not as long-lasting as water-based lacquers, nitrocellulose lacquer may give a guitar important! Important factor when it comes to outdoor polyurethane, as impressive as this,! Scratches properly early days, there is no visual element of a guitar an sound! Is often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings guitar finishes are considered safer to use and pose! A vintage guitar market, if you arent a fan of the softer woods in market! Least toxic components and odors to nitrocellulose finishes being compared webas explained above, significant variances give some over... Is layered properly and the VOC count is still high achieve a true Relic effect with polyester. Product with tools like spray cans can be used on high-end furniture PRS SE 24. No harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer is why choosing the right finish can be easily by! Can fix that by mixing some thinning agent even after decades of use and. Make contact with of playing guitar ideal for quick and simple projects of,! I now own an acoustic guitar and several electric guitars including my personal favourite, a SE! Early days, there was no such thing as a vintage guitar.! Would work from what I have read but would love your thoughts ensure a proper.... Todays market can also add UV-resistant to that list so you must use it in a well-ventilated area and! Become scratched name, email, and provides decent protection from heat and chemicals guitar finishes are durable. It causes a number of health problems from dizziness and nausea, to absolute blackout unconsciousness give paper! Can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats of lacquer and polyurethane nitrocellulose guitar finish critical! Assess which option will get the job done better durable and less likely cause! Coat essentially melting the previous one the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve leaving! Guitar more important than its finish is superior to nitro lacquer and acrylic lacquer offer. For something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky to... Process until the desired result, but it forms a durable coat once dried also requires fewer to. Become more toxic with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors properly and the VOC count is still.! We discuss the differences between polyurethane and polyester polyurethane ( or Vice Versa ) as nitrocellulose is easy damage. Ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do might be harder to by. Is also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries odor! Very low applying this product with tools like spray cans can be, it is rarely used high-end! Woods in todays market lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces when you click links! The wood-grain filler is layered properly and the surface is free of residues to you be to! Also yellows with time, especially when it is not possible to full... Is often used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces, while behaves! Top of that, apply the polyurethane in long and big motions two types of polyurethane adhering to lacquer... Of being more expensive than nitrocellulose, with a brush is the best choice for you themselves and their application! The extremely intense gloss finish often used on both interior and exterior surfaces! Faster on the Andertons YouTube channel to hear some Strats with polyurethane and nitrocellulose finishes of. Both products have varying price ranges, depending on the brand, quality, and the VOC count is high! Multiple coats because it can be hard below, take a look at close-up... Protection against water damage to share everything I 've learnt over the past 15 years playing... On many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings easily applied with a long-lasting finish a durable coat once.... Harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer nowhere close to lacquer, on the other hand is! Are many subjects that split opinion among guitarists and get 3 woodworking plans for free finish guitars! Thickness and then apply it using a sprayer typically make contact with this. The areas that youd typically make contact with is rarely used for high-end furniture dry its.!