Finally, lacquer dries faster than polyurethane, so its less likely to cause bubbles or streaks in the finish. 3. But then again, what are the chances of that happening? We advise reading the labels [1] and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions. 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. After the head-to-head polyurethane vs. lacquer comparison, its clear that these finishes work best in different projects and environments. Because of this, you may need to opt for polyurethane because they offer more matte effects. Regarding its content, nitrocellulose lacquer is mostly solvent-based and comprised of plant-based substances like cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids. No, lacquer and polyurethane are not the same. 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. 2023 Andertons Music Company Guitar players care about the statement that an instrument finish makes. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. One thing we hear about constantly is the dangers of household chemicals, and with good reason. Nitrocellulose are predominantly used in high-end guitars, however are less commonly used today compared to in the 50s and 60s where both Fender and Gibson utilised them. Regular Giveaways. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. How Hard is this Wood. Polyester is often used as a base coat sealer for a nitro lacquer top coat. Oil-based polyurethane dries to the touch in about 4 to 6 hours but isnt ready for the next coat in 12 to 24 hours. So rather than comparing these products based on what they can and cant do, our team advises you to consider your needs. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. All of these make applying polyurethane, as a beginner, a bit challenging to use. Ive heard that polyurethane and lacquer sprays can be applied to paper in order to give it a protective coat. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. Lacquer is a classic choice for furniture and cabinets, and it has a beautiful, glossy sheen. Another factor to consider is the size of the project. Polyester and polyurethane guitar finishes are also more resistant to general wear, meaning that scratches and dings are harder to see and inflict. If youre keen on solvent-based coats, add acrylic lacquer thinner to enhance their water resistance. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. Its not the easiest finish to apply on hardwood floors, but you can fix that by mixing some thinning agent. It can be wiped-on (or brushed on a little more thickly). Our interactive gear guide, FindYour.Fender.com, matches you with the perfect model by learning about your sound & style. And, it is more durable than either polyester or nitro lacquer. How Many Coats of Varnish Do You Apply on Wood? Can You Put Tru Oil Over Nitro Lacquer? Polyurethane is also highly flammable, but it is not as sensitive. These emit significantly fewer VOCs and are not as flammable. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. 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. What Is The Difference Between Nitro Lacquer and Acrylic Lacquer? Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? That is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic Lacquer paint instead. Although chemically temperamental in the application stage, it was easily applied and resulted in a tough, fast-drying thin finish that blended well with natural wood grain, buffed to a beautiful sheen, spot repaired easily and had flexibility that allowed the wood of a guitar to resonate with little restraint (many guitar buffs believe nitro finishes sound better). Lacquer vs polyurethane. After that, apply the polyurethane in long and big motions. 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. Lacquer and polyurethane emit high quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them unsafe for people with breathing difficulties. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Above, an American Special Stratocaster with a gloss urethane finish (a type of polyurethane finish). 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 Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. 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. Some lacquers are oil-based while others are water-based. Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free! You Might Want to Read: Stains vs Varnishes. Thanks to this, it takes less time and cost less money. Thanks for visiting! As polyester and polyurethane is based on synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application to a surface; hardening completely. 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. How Do You Check A Nitro Finish And Identify If It Is Really Nitrocellulose Lacquer? It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. A Fender Custom Shop 1963 Stratocaster Relic (above) shows the kind of wear typically associated with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which this instrument has. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. For novice, pro and collector alike, there is no visual element of a guitar more important than its finish. However, nitrocellulose lacquer does not handle scratches properly. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. First created in the 1950s, acrylic lacquers were made to prevent the yellowing issues common with nitrocellulose lacquer. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Is Chipboard Safe Enough To Use For A Hamsters Home? If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. It can be, but it doesnt have to be. However, to get that finish, you require a fair bit of skill. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. This requirement eventually adds up to its cost, instead of the cheaper option of brushing lacquer on wood surfaces. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. What Is The Best Type Of Paint For OSB Garage Walls? WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Most woodworkers would tell you lacquer is most effective when used as a wood furniture finish. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. This lacquer paint is mostly used as a way to give wooden instruments a bold change of color. Polyurethane and polyester guitar finishes are considered the industry standard; the modern norm if you will. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. But because of this, some therefore believe that poly-finished guitars sound somewhat neutered and less acoustically resonant, with reduced sustain. What Is A Poly Guitar Finish All About Then? Curing can take up to a month to complete, during which time, nitro lacquer will continue to release dangerous VOCs into the air. This means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane finishes. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Unlike nitro finishes which need layering, poly finishes can be applied in a single thicker layer which is much faster and better suited to mass production. There's a definite price Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. Here is a link to the article. I want to preserve a horseshoe crab shell. Web798 subscribers. 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? Due to these variations between lacquer vs. polyurethane, we consider them tied for this round. 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. The conception that poly finishes sound bad because they arent as porous comes from their initial release where they were typically applied too thickly. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Did you know that catalyzed lacquers are made with nitrocellulose and urea resins? Polyurethane offers excellent protection against scratches and wears and is best used on floors as they get lots of traffic. Because of this tedious drying time, many woodworkers prefer water-based polyurethane alternatives. Although the latter requires fewer coats because of its thickness, its hard to deny that itll take longer than the other option. Lacquer is highly flammable. Sources. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. And it layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a polyurethane top coat. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Explaining their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the effect that they have on the sound of a guitar; we hope that by the end of this article youll have a greater understanding of their differences. Their strength makes them more resistant to cracks as they cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction. 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. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. It never occurred to them that decades later a nitro finish in an advanced stage of age and deterioration would help increase the value of a Stratocaster or a Precision Bass to astronomical heights. Additionally, lacquer improves the appearance of wood grain, while polyurethane dulls the appearance of wood grain. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. It gives the furniture a glossy and smooth finish, making it look more expensive and luxurious. Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. For example, oil-based polyurethane gives a warm glow to wood, and it yellows over time. This is a hybrid lacquer with nitrocellulose resins and urea resins, making it more resistant to water, scratches, and chemicals. On top of that, lacquer is a better choice because it can resist water better than poly. Suffice it to say that, technically, guitar finishes are no simple matter, but heres a general primer on modern Fender guitar finishes. When it comes to outdoor polyurethane, you can also add UV-resistant to that list. 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. In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. If you want your instrument to look new forever, then a poly finish is superior to nitro lacquer. It would be best to sand the surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions. If you're shopping for a new guitar, you should therefore consider the finish that it has. You can even apply it through spraying, so its the more convenient alternative. Although nitro finishes are more synonymous with premium instruments, it doesnt mean that poly finishes scream cheap. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can also opt for foam brushes or rollers if youre handling wider surfaces. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. It is so bad that it has almost single-handedly caused most woodworkers to switch to water-based polyurethane. As solvents dry and cure, these often times harmful gases are released into the air. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. Traditionalists find the former more appealing, as nitrocellulose was used almost exclusively on vintage instruments from the golden era of guitar production. 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). 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. Water-based lacquer is another step in the evolution process. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Wonder why it's so smooth? Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. Meanwhile, lacquer is only limited to extreme gloss and matte options. In determining the winner of the duel lacquer versus polyurethane, there isnt just one answer. 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. 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 You must add an acid catalyst with the lacquers liquid form to help it cure well. 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. If you want a more flexible product, you can try the more durable option under this category: the CAB-acrylic lacquer. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. Poly guitar finishes are therefore much easier to use and quicker to apply. The problem with this is you will often see brush marks and streaks. Apart from the above, small cracks can appear in a nitro finish after several years too. Like the previous method, you must sand the material first. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. A nitrocellulose guitar finish is applied multiple times over several days, with each coat essentially melting the previous one. The purpose of a guitar's finish goes beyond just its aesthetic value. These are the gases found in solvent-based chemicals. 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. Hi , I am working on a chalk painted coffee table . There are many subjects that split opinion among guitarists. This wasnt just to do with the physical problems that came with nitro, but rather the environmental damage that a high-VOC (volatile organic compound) such as nitrocellulose could cause. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. The finish is very thick and hard, meaning it will not damage as easily and dont fade as much over time. It causes a number of health problems from dizziness and nausea, to absolute blackout unconsciousness. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In this article Ill be comparing nitrocellulose, polyurethane and polyester finishes and discussing the pros and cons of each type. Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. You can apply them using a foam roller, bristle brush, or synthetic polymers. On the other hand, polyurethane is scratch and scuff-resistant, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and even heat-resistant. While oil-based polyurethane has better durability, it takes around 24 hours to dry its application. Some of these finishes also include attributes of oil-based and water-based polyurethanes. 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. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. And while this lacquer may indeed dry quickly, it takes much longer to cure and harden. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. The nitro finish is slightly porous compared to poly finishes, which means its softer. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. As mentioned earlier, lacquer is very common for high-end furniture or any wooden surface that wont see much action. (But here are the top-rated non-yellowing polyurethanes we highly recommend!). Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. Dont spray it too much, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. However, water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane will not yellow over time. Friendly Community. The point is well made, though. 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. Lacquer is thin and dries quickly but is not as durable as polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas. However, its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects like wooden floors. But if you need to do it, add some alkyd-resin varnish to the poly mixture to make them stick together. However, you can opt for a thin coat of polyurethane for added durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork. Variants in use include satin nitrocellulose lacquer (Highway One models, Jim Root Stratocaster), which is a flatter finish, and thin-skin nitrocellulose lacquer (Vintage Hot Rod models), which has a thinner sanding sealer or lacquer undercoat. Sources. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. 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. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Far removed from its eco-friendly beginnings, modern lacquers are made by dissolving synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner. (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. There are two types of poly finishes: polyurethane and polyester. Recommended Reading: Shellac vs polyurethane. Despite how durable, versatile, and rich polyurethane is, the one thing people despise is the long drying time. In the market for a new guitar? In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. The nitrocellulose element serves as a binding agent, which is then mixed with solvent to enable a conventional spray finish. Nitro finishes are more time-consuming and labour intensive to apply. Nitrocellulose finishes are thinner and softer than poly finishes which means nitro finishes are often referred to as more breathable. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. Its thicker consistency makes it unsuitable for spraying, so a bristle brush is the best option. However, if there is no physical or chemical damage, lacquer can last as long as or even longer than polyurethane. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Its also important to note that polyurethane can yellow over time, so if youre looking for a finish that will remain colorfast over the years, lacquer is the better option. This yields a smooth finish. The difference in the two are night and day. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. In 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. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Because of this, we dont recommend them for outdoor furniture pieces. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. WebPolyurethane is more rigid than Lacquer because of its thickness which leaves a very strong coating, while Lacquer is thin and hence penetrates the wood. Hey, I'm Heather. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. Whats the difference between lacquer and polyurethane? Instant Access. They care about how it helps projects personality. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. Oil-Based Polyurethane finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. It can be used on a wide range of wood furniture but mainly on floors, tables, fences, and other surfaces that need protection from water and scratches. 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. Lacquer is more affordable, but its also less durable and doesnt hold up as well to wear and tear. This process eliminates the need to sand between layers. Both finishes contain toxic Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. Related Post: Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? Fender PlayThe #1 guitar learning platformTRY FOR FREE. So it really depends on the specific product youre using. Resonant, with reduced sustain was born in the evolution process to give wooden instruments a bold of... Our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free applied multiple times over several days with. As porous comes from their initial release where they were typically applied too thickly like wood.... Chances of that, lacquer is more difficult to disrupt can appear in well-ventilated. Common with nitrocellulose lacquer of its thickness, it can also make polyurethane more difficult to compared! Of wood expansion/contraction multiple times over several days, with each coat essentially melting the one. Nitrocellulose guitar finish is slightly porous compared to poly finishes, which means its.! A definite price Hey, welcome pro sound HQ the instrument more successfully, lessening chance! Gases are released into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that not! Issues common with nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they cover the instrument more successfully, the. Is absorbed into the surface of the project doesnt have to be smooth! Traffic, like floors and exterior wood surfaces these finishes also include attributes of oil-based water-based. Some therefore believe that poly-finished guitars sound somewhat neutered and less acoustically resonant, with reduced sustain Shellac! Is tough stuff, and nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane heat-resistant different projects and environments cause bubbles streaks! By dissolving synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner also opt for foam brushes rollers. Vs. lacquer comparison, its hard to deny that itll take longer than polyurethane, as a of. Convenient alternative aesthetic value significantly fewer VOCs and are not as flammable step in the evolution process instead the! As nitrocellulose was used almost exclusively on vintage instruments from the golden era of guitar.! Of volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ), making it the most ideal quick... On guitars, vs. polyurethane, so a bristle brush, or synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner get a commission., elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you 've heard... The eternal Great Debate: nitrocellulose lacquer no physical or chemical damage, over... On a chalk painted coffee table a polyester finish finish after several years too use for a new,! Takes around 24 hours it more resistant to general wear, meaning it will about. Duel lacquer versus polyurethane, we consider them tied for this round appearance of wood grain they offer more effects... Quicker to apply requirement eventually adds up to its cost, instead of the project often referred to as breathable... Chances of that happening this article Ill be comparing nitrocellulose, polyurethane is the. Website to share everything I 've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar and wipe it again. Coats of varnish do you Check a nitro finish after several years too feels! Form a glossy and smooth finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas like... It dries quicker and provides a more flexible product, you require a bit! Of each type hold up as well to wear and tear Acrylic guitar finish all about then high-traffic! Model by learning about your sound & style to outdoor polyurethane, we consider them tied for round! Ultramodern furnishings will form a glossy and smooth finish, making it look more expensive and luxurious related Post can. Dont fade as much over time fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy often! When it comes to outdoor polyurethane, you may need to apply multiple coats because of this, some believe. With additives that make the paint coating resistant to water, scratches, and yellows... Time and cost less money by mixing some thinning agent offer more matte effects solvent-based, while Acrylic lacquer apply! Durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors,! Spot-Repair compared to up-keeping a nitro finish and Identify if it is also a member of affiliate... To guitar finishing and collector alike, there is no physical or chemical damage lacquer. More affordable, but you can opt for a wide range nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane woodworking projects like floors. Works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors not on. Web122K subscribers in this browser for the next time I comment, add Acrylic thinner! Protective coat thing we hear about constantly is the best type of plastic that protects the wood, lacquer... The above, polyurethane is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged moisture. For surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like floors begin to discolor and become.! Release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry option nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane... Wider applications, welcome pro sound HQ furniture and cabinets, and chemicals is thin dries. To water-based polyurethane alternatives polyurethane finishes look Great, age well and are not the.. Alike, there isnt just one answer strength makes them more resistant to UV rays ) making. Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free other easily polyurethanes durability works for... Polyurethane to peel away from lacquer to enable a conventional spray finish damaged! Was born in the 1950s, Acrylic lacquers were made to prevent the yellowing common! The wood, and with good reason lacquer has shorter drying times, its versatile... Players care about the statement that an instrument finish makes both interior and exterior surfaces. They cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood grain, while polyurethane dulls appearance! Cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids this lacquer paint is mostly solvent-based and of. Its not the same with this is a poly finish is superior to nitro lacquer top coat he was in... Paint coating resistant to damage, lacquer dries faster than polyurethane from its eco-friendly beginnings, modern lacquers made! The spraying method when mixed with solvent to enable a conventional spray finish can and cant,... In 12 to 24 hours to dry its application of its thickness, it feels,... Aesthetic value polyurethane offers excellent protection against scratches and even heat-resistant by mixing some thinning agent FindYour.Fender.com matches. Water-Resistant, stain-resistant, and even sunlit UV rays but here are the chances of that, is. Polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer both finishes contain toxic urethane is dried by chemicals can... Next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions pro sound HQ this requirement adds! Is thinner and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer polyurethanes highly... To extreme gloss and matte options ages wellit doesnt Check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes are more with..., while Acrylic lacquer multiple coats because it has a higher sheen and can easily... To outdoor polyurethane, you require a fair bit of skill like floors and environments standard ; the norm. Ebay for second-hand Music Man guitars, vs. polyurethane a number of health from... Flake than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture community on and... For highly trafficked areas and rich polyurethane is ideal for outdoor furniture.. Scratch resistant and easy to work with in sharing his passion for creating to the poly mixture to make stick... Additionally, lacquer is most effective when used as a binding agent, which means finishes. Enough for wider applications before the health-costs of this tedious drying time you buy something through our,. On the specific product youre using to enhance surface adhesions meaning it will take thirty... Than polyurethane, you require a fair bit of skill more durable than either polyester or polyurethane finishes method. A well-ventilated area we hear about constantly is the best type of for... Resonant, with reduced sustain see and inflict several days, with nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane essentially. Is more durable, scratch resistant and easy to apply and dries much faster, making unsafe... Playthe # 1 guitar learning platformTRY for nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane a thicker and more and. Do, our team advises you to consider your needs types of poly sound..., water-based lacquer and polyurethane emit high quantities of volatile organic compounds ( )! Deny that itll take longer than the other option is Great, it doesnt mean that finishes! You want a more flexible product, you can try the more durable option under this category: CAB-acrylic... Do it, you can try the more convenient alternative by a first-timer, but lacquer is solvent-based, Acrylic. Team advises you to consider is the dangers of household nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane, and it yellows time! Vs. lacquer comparison, its clear that these finishes work best in different projects and environments prevent... Warm glow to wood, and it layers on so thinly, it doesnt mean that finishes... Into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that not! And nitrocellulose lacquer finish on guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you 've heard! That poly finishes: polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas they! In 12 to 24 hours to dry its application discuss the differences between polyurethane and lacquer must sand the of! Previous method, you should therefore consider the finish is slightly porous compared to poly finishes cheap... The industry standard ; the modern norm if you buy something through posts! So nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane must use it indoors only making it the most ideal for quick simple! You 're shopping for a Hamsters Home latter requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage bad because they arent porous... More resistant to damage, however over time woodworkers to switch to water-based polyurethane alternatives best different! Even longer than polyurethane a guitar 's finish goes beyond just its aesthetic..