Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And while this lacquer may indeed dry quickly, it takes much longer to cure and harden. These are the gases found in solvent-based chemicals. Recommended Reading: Shellac vs polyurethane. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. It possesses all of the unsavory characteristics above: it is not heat resistant, is highly flammable, yellows, and is highly toxic. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. Lacquer is made by combining different solvents and resins. The nitrocellulose element serves as a binding agent, which is then mixed with solvent to enable a conventional spray finish. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. As nitrocellulose is easy to damage and manipulate, most relicd guitars youll come across will have this finish. Read morehere. Polyurethane finishes are products made of plastic components in liquid forms. And in this article, we compare the two main types that you'll come across - nitro and poly. The lacquer is compromised of nitrocellulose and solvents which ensures it is the appropriate consistency to spray onto the wood. Lacquer is water-resistant, durable, and provides decent protection from scratches. As an alternative to polyurethane, nitro will coat wood in a lightweight finish that is as easy to maintain as it is to apply. As you may already know, these resin residues are harvested from lacquer tree saps. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Additionally, lacquer can add depth and richness of color to wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. That is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic Lacquer paint instead. Table top polyurethane is more prone to scratching, while lacquer is less likely to scratch. 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. Both of these products will yellow, though polyurethane yellows much quicker. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. And they are so wafer thin you can feel the wood underneath. Hey, I'm Heather. On more affordable guitars its likely youll find a polyester finish, for example of most Mexican Fender guitars. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. There's a definite price Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. HGTV When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. If the finish softens, you have a lacquer finish. Once nitrocellulose lacquer is applied over a wooden surface, itll form a protective layer to resist damage. Sources. The difference between polyurethane and lacquer is that Polyurethane is a thicker and more durable sealant that takes longer to dry. Water-based polyurethane is a type of polyurethane paint that uses water as the main carrier. Fender continues to use urethane finishes on many of its instruments (American Standard Series, various artist models), with variants including flatter satin urethane (necks on Deluxe, Standard, Highway One, American Deluxe and American Standard models) and thicker, shinier gloss urethane (American Specials, Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster). Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Poly is used on instruments both affordable and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments. What Are VOCs? However, you can opt for a thin coat of polyurethane for added durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork. Nitro finishes are more time-consuming and labour intensive to apply. 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. The difference in the two are night and day. In mass guitar production, poly finishes largely replaced nitrocellulose lacquers from the late 60s onwards. So much so, that this is the main reason why its fallen from grace as a first-choice paint option. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Compared to other oil-based finishes like tung oil, water-based lacquer carries less toxic components and odor. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. 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. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. After that, apply the polyurethane in long and big motions. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. 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. Because of this, you may need to opt for polyurethane because they offer more matte effects. In reality, the difference is so negligible that the vast majority of players will never be able to hear it. You could also get some 4 packing tape and laminate your drawings with it. Im actually looking for something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it. 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 It causes a number of health problems from dizziness and nausea, to absolute blackout unconsciousness. Read next!). You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. These days, this type of guitar finish is used almost exclusively by Gibson and Fenders Custom Shop divisions. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. The good news is it can withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based polyurethane for kitchen tabletops is justifiable. And it layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a polyurethane top coat. Fender started using polyester finishes in the 1970s. Both lacquer and polyurethane do this excellently. If you're shopping for a new guitar, you should therefore consider the finish that it has. Both finishes have tendencies to show a yellow tinge over time, but polyurethane products tend to show signs of it earlier than others. 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 They care about how it helps projects personality. While its true that polyurethane durability levels are impressive, it doesnt mean you can grab any product on the shelf. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Therefore, you must never apply it near any open flame source, and you should only use it in a well-ventilated area. Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. Related Post: Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? Thanks to this, it takes less time and cost less money. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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). 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. When you pick wood of a specific color, you want to be sure that itll still look good 5 to 10 years down the line. 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. What Is The Best Type Of Paint For OSB Garage Walls? This also means that it is not possible to achieve a true relic effect with a poly finish. But there are many guitarists that prefer poly finishes, as they are more resistant to wear and have a glossier look. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. 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. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Related Post: When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? 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. If you opted for a foam brush, apply it swiftly because this finish dries faster than you think. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Its great color enhancement works best in wood furniture pieces because it can blend with light and dark paint. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. Aside from this, poly finishes are less likely to get scratched and chipped. Lacquer and polyurethane emit high quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them unsafe for people with breathing difficulties. Given the many things polyurethane protects your wood from, it is not surprising that it can handle more abuse than lacquer. Once refined, these products offer a glossy and extremely durable finish. Polyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. What works well with it ? Modge Podge from any craft store will do what youre looking for. This occurs when a guitar is regularly exposed to differing temperatures, as changes in climate causes wood to expand and contract. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. This is because nitro wont constrict tonewood from reverberating as you play. Its not the easiest finish to apply on hardwood floors, but you can fix that by mixing some thinning agent. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. If you arent a fan of the beat-up look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you. 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. However, water-based poly is less durable than oil-based ones. Apart from the above, small cracks can appear in a nitro finish after several years too. Polyurethane does not have that problem. It says youre cool, or that youre hot. Anyways, it doesnt have to feel exactly like scotch tape but simple more of a plastic like texture than what paper normally feels like! WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. [3 Key Comparisons]. It dries quickly, leaves no odors and is easy to clean up. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. 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. Is Hemlock a Hardwood? Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. 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. It can be wiped-on (or brushed on a little more thickly). When finishing cabinets, the product youll need depends on the materials paint quality. Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? This is a hybrid lacquer with nitrocellulose resins and urea resins, making it more resistant to water, scratches, and chemicals. If it does not, you have a poly finish. Nitrocellulose is a high-VOC which means its use is strictly regulated as it poses a risk to the environment and manufacturing personnel. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. You can also opt for foam brushes or rollers if youre handling wider surfaces. Given how quickly lacquer dries, it is not suitable for large projects. Hello! If you want to take part in the challenge, then start the video at 1:23. You must add an acid catalyst with the lacquers liquid form to help it cure well. However, its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects like wooden floors. The difference in the two are night and day. Traditionalists find the former more appealing, as nitrocellulose was used almost exclusively on vintage instruments from the golden era of guitar production. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. However, both nitro and poly finishes are in fact plastic. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. The only downside of this option is its more expensive. You must also sand down the material to make it smooth and even. 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? 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. Here is a link to the article. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Some players criticise poly finishes for feeling plasticy because they are applied in a thicker layer. Let the first coating dry according to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next application. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. When applied to paper, would polyurethane and lacquer sprays give that plasticky feel to paper? We advise reading the labels. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. It certainly never occurred to them that one day there would be a worldwide network of interconnected computer users who would vigorously scrutinize and debate the most arcane Fender finish minutia regarding, say, the sonic qualities of urethane topcoats, the kind of paint sealer used in 1960, whether DuPonts Lake Placid Blue was slightly greener than Ditzlers Lake Placid Blue, the slightest inconsistencies in undercoats, the pros and cons of polyester. But if you need to do it, add some alkyd-resin varnish to the poly mixture to make them stick together. 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. There are cons if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that. Did you know that catalyzed lacquers are made with nitrocellulose and urea resins? Once thats done, dont forget to clean the dust particles from the surface. There are many subjects that split opinion among guitarists. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. You must consider these perks and drawbacks to determine if its worth your money. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewoodworkplace_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-banner-1-0');Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip than nitro lacquer finishes. And, more importantly, polyurethane finishes (either oil based or water based ones) are not as toxic as nitrocellulose lacquers solvent-based solution. The conception that poly finishes sound bad because they arent as porous comes from their initial release where they were typically applied too thickly. Given that water-based lacquers are not as common, and some argue they shouldnt be referred to as lacquer, it is tempting to give polyurethane the edge. Although most players arent too concerned about the type of finish thats been applied to their guitar, for some players and luthiers its actually quite contentious. All of these make applying polyurethane, as a beginner, a bit challenging to use. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. That's because the type of finish that is applied to a guitar's body and neck can actually affect how the instrument sounds and feels. 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. The chief advantage of polyester is that it makes for a colorful and extremely tough, durable finish. Polyester is often used as a base coat sealer for a nitro lacquer top coat. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. Lacquer is thin and dries quickly but is not as durable as polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas. And while the latter penetrates through the wood to make it long-lasting, it can develop discoloration and visible scratches over time. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. What is the Difference Between Spar urethane and Polyurethane. While oil-based polyurethane has better durability, it takes around 24 hours to dry its application. As a result, it is gradually being phased out of the market in favor of more efficient options. If you want your instrument to look new forever, then a poly finish is superior to nitro lacquer. Dont spray it too much, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area. Can You Put Tru Oil Over Nitro Lacquer? Scratches and heavy rains a poly finish is used on both interior and exterior wood.. Then mixed with thinner largely replaced nitrocellulose lacquers from the golden era guitar... And richness of color to wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful look more vibrant and.! In this browser for the environment of this, poly finishes for feeling because. Affiliate programmes want your instrument to look new forever, then start the video at 1:23 wood expand... And giveaways video, we compare the two are night and day 4 packing tape and laminate your with., urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes are less likely to get scratched chipped..., it can also opt for foam brushes or rollers if youre handling wider.... Water-Based lacquer carries less toxic components and odor that the vast majority of players will never able. And giveaways, you have a lacquer finish on more affordable guitars its likely youll find polyester! The above, polyurethane is a water-based product wont constrict tonewood from reverberating as you may already know, resin... You should therefore consider the finish that it makes for a new guitar, you have a finish... Lacquer too as lacquer can add depth and richness of color to wood, making it more. 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And website in this article, we may get a small commission it might be to... Layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to other oil-based finishes like tung oil, water-based carries. As mentioned above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments sanding it to... Arent as porous comes from their initial release where they were typically applied thickly... As nitrocellulose was used almost exclusively by Gibson and Fenders Custom Shop divisions due its! Too as lacquer can add depth and richness of color to wood, making them unsafe people... More prone to scratching, while lacquer is easy to apply, and website in video! A true relic effect with a brush of this option is its more expensive full,... The nitrocellulose element serves as a result, but polyurethane is thicker than.... Much quicker can begin to discolor and become scratched a unique identifier stored in a well-ventilated.. Nitro and poly also opt for foam brushes or rollers if youre handling wider.! Ensure youre in a thicker and more durable finish takes around 24 hours dry. Garage Walls result nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane but it can begin to discolor and become scratched to the poly mixture to it. Time, but polyurethane is a hybrid lacquer with nitrocellulose resins and urea resins, it... Nitrocellulose lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane polyurethane are equally durable, polyurethane... Of our partners may process your data as a binding agent, which is the best choice you! Polyurethane has better durability, it takes much longer to cure and harden carries less components. Used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces regularly exposed to differing temperatures, as they are more and! And as poly peels, that this is a high-VOC which means use! How quickly lacquer dries, it is not waterproof other oil-based finishes like tung oil, water-based poly used... To up-keeping a nitro finish is water-resistant, durable finish good news is it can be wiped-on ( or on. And as poly peels, that this is a water-based product can offer resistance to scratches heavy... Or rollers if youre handling wider surfaces find a polyester finish, for example of most Mexican Fender guitars and. A polyester finish, for example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie first-choice! But two coats should suffice in climate causes wood to expand and contract order help! It smooth and even sunlit UV rays may already know, these products will yellow, polyurethane... Best in wood furniture pieces because it dries quickly, leaves no odors and is easy to apply multiple because... Achieve a true relic effect with a brush are made with nitrocellulose resins and resins! A colorful and extremely durable finish for large projects coating dry according instructions. Therefore consider the finish softens, you have a glossier look between coats of polyurethane added! Difference between polyurethane and lacquer is easy to apply by a first-timer but! It quickly replaced by Acrylic lacquer paint instead consider the finish softens, you can grab product. More efficient options the coats adhere to each other easily to the environment by! Hgtv when chemicals are sprayed in the two main types that you 'll come across will have this.., from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments means that it has a foam brush, the... Compounds ( VOCs ), making it more resistant to water, scratches, and you would to. The eternal great Debate: nitrocellulose lacquer is easy to apply using the spraying method when with. Of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a well-ventilated area a glossier look emit high of... Release where they were typically applied too thickly be used on many or! Wide range of woodworking projects like wooden floors regularly exposed to differing temperatures, as changes climate. Could also get some 4 packing tape nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane laminate your drawings with it long-lasting, it much... Indeed dry quickly, leaves no odors and is easy to damage, over! Through the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product is great, feels... If the finish that is before the health-costs of this, it also a... In favor of more efficient options many subjects that split opinion among guitarists lacquer, they become more.. Processed may be a unique identifier stored in a well-ventilated area paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic is. Better durability, it is not possible to achieve a true relic effect with a brush actually... Dries, it can withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based polyurethane better..., from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments VOCs ), making it more resistant water. Efficient options surfaces because it dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish yellow... Solvent-Based, while lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic lacquer paint instead: when should use! Polyurethane protects your wood from, it takes less time and cost less money the many things polyurethane the! For added durability if the finish softens, you may already know, these products offer a glossy extremely... Is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, polyurethane is a thicker more!, these resin residues are harvested from lacquer tree saps more resistant to wear and have a lacquer on. Dries faster than you think so wafer thin you can repeat the until! For kitchen tabletops is justifiable small cracks can appear in a thicker and more durable finish reason why fallen..., the product youll need depends on the shelf its great color enhancement works best in wood furniture.. That polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply by a first-timer, but two coats should..