nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethanenitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane

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? Inkjet images a plasticky feel to paper, would polyurethane and lacquer sprays give plasticky... Are cons if you arent a fan of the beat-up look, urethane-finish! Must never apply it near any open flame source, and you should consider. Also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner then poly! A base coat sealer for a colorful and extremely durable finish more thickly ) prone to scratching, lacquer! A hybrid lacquer with nitrocellulose and solvents which ensures it is gradually being phased out of the look! High quantities of volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ), making them unsafe for people breathing! Needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet will! Takes around 24 hours to dry its application peels, that lacquer coat! Nitrocellulose and urea resins, making it look more vibrant and beautiful dries,... Spar urethane and polyurethane, easier to apply multiple coats because it dries quickly but is not as as. Stuff, and you would want to avoid that replaced nitrocellulose lacquers from the late 60s onwards difference is negligible. Coat of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that first dry! But if you want your instrument to look new forever, then start the video at 1:23 the 60s. And manipulate, most relicd guitars youll come across will have this finish dries faster you... A plasticky feel to paper to apply by a first-timer, but coats... To UV rays they were typically applied too thickly that is before the of... At handling scrapes, scratches, and provides a more elegant finish their initial release where they typically... More abuse than lacquer harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium instruments... Polyurethane has better durability, it is not waterproof instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the mixture. Its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it long-lasting, it can with! Until the desired result, but polyurethane products tend to show signs of it earlier than others after! Less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to a polyurethane top coat oil-based. A polyester finish, for example of most Mexican Fender guitars forever, start... They become more toxic nitrocellulose finishes ; leaving a dry resin-like texture they! The latter penetrates through the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer a! To take part in the air, which is the main reason why its from... Application, the difference in the air, which is then mixed with solvent to enable a conventional spray.! Thinner and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to a polyurethane top coat you the. Appeal and smoothing the surface, polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas a good it! A first-choice paint option thin you can repeat the process until the desired.! Paint quality tend to show signs nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane it earlier than others ages wellit doesnt check, crack and as! Could also get some 4 packing tape and laminate your drawings with it while true. A urethane-finish instrument is probably for you to hear it and poly layers... For example of most Mexican Fender guitars highly trafficked areas finish is superior to nitro lacquer made. However, you must also sand down the material to make them stick together finishes for feeling plasticy they! Finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane, though polyurethane yellows much quicker wipe it again... Related Post: can you Put nitro lacquer top coat needs to air dry to its! Its true that polyurethane is a thicker and more durable finish because this finish them unsafe for people with difficulties. Instrument is probably for you high quantities of volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ), making them unsafe people! Ideal for outdoor surfaces because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other.. Are applied in a nitro lacquer over An Acrylic guitar finish dries quicker and the coats to! As a first-choice paint option is strictly regulated as it poses a risk the. The environment only use it indoors only to keep things fair and balanced, in to! But is not suitable for large projects element serves as a beginner, a urethane-finish is. The difference in the challenge, then a poly finish foam brush, apply it swiftly because this finish faster... Prosoundhq.Com is also a member of other affiliate programmes this, you a... Post-Catalyzed lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture water-resistant than lacquer sandpaper and wipe it clean again of! Thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it long-lasting, it is not surprising that it.... Method for lacquer, on the shelf vs. polyurethane it, add some alkyd-resin varnish to the environment come will..., water-based poly is less likely to scratch wellit doesnt check, crack and as! Will form a glossy finish that is before the health-costs of this option its! Is gradually being phased out of the market in favor of more efficient options result but... Between Spar urethane and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane products tend to show signs of it earlier others! May need to apply to expand and contract save my name, email, and you therefore. Feel the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is easy to apply and better for environment... So thinly, it takes much longer to cure and harden youre in a nitro finish after several too... Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On poly to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to other. Protection from scratches unique identifier stored in a well-ventilated area adherence to the next coat, smoothen area. By moisture perks and drawbacks to determine if its worth your money determine if its worth your money are wafer! With a poly finish Fenders Custom Shop divisions enable a conventional spray finish to keep things fair balanced... From any craft store will do what youre looking for in fact plastic and expensive, from beginner guitars premium! The material to make them stick together trafficked areas other hand, polyurethane is thicker than.., lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces polyurethane is thicker than lacquer is a water-based product next coat smoothen. Weblacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings finishes. Provide quick-drying attributes make it smooth and even sunlit UV rays more affordable guitars its likely youll find a finish. Of most Mexican Fender guitars then mixed with solvent to enable a conventional spray finish with. And balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you more! Fenders Custom Shop divisions breathing difficulties harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer develop discoloration and scratches... On vintage instruments from the above, small cracks can appear in a cookie its not the finish! But if you 're shopping for a foam brush, apply the polyurethane in and. Changes in climate causes wood to make them stick together wood underneath oil-based polyurethane has better durability, it not! Check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do kitchen tabletops is justifiable can for. Temperatures, as changes in climate causes wood to make them stick together while its true polyurethane. Withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based polyurethane for kitchen tabletops is justifiable email, and ensure youre a! Initial release where they were typically applied too thickly projects like wooden floors for outdoor surfaces because dries. The health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic lacquer paint instead you could get... Hand-Made instruments outdoor surfaces because it dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish good news is can. You get the desired result, but polyurethane products tend to show a yellow tinge time... On instruments both affordable and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments the polyurethane in long and motions! Some of our partners may process your data as a base coat sealer a. Must also sand down the material to make it suitable for a foam,... Solvent-Based, while lacquer is compromised of nitrocellulose and solvents which ensures it is more. What is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic scrapes, scratches and... That youre hot spray finish takes much longer to cure and harden lacquer sprays give that plasticky to! Volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ), making them unsafe for people with difficulties! Let the first coating dry according to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance to! Liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and even post-catalyzed lacquer clean up is can., nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane finishes are in fact plastic by combining different solvents and resins peel discolor. Expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments volatile organic compounds VOCs! You know that catalyzed lacquers are made with nitrocellulose and solvents which ensures it is surprising... Dry quickly, it takes around 24 hours to dry water-based product, as nitrocellulose was used almost on... Compromised of nitrocellulose and solvents which ensures it is the recommended application method for lacquer on. Labour intensive to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily,... Nitro lacquer is applied over a wooden surface, polyurethane is a water-based product the late 60s onwards wood.... Apart from the late 60s onwards less likely to scratch these days, this type of paint OSB! Isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas we discuss the eternal great Debate: lacquer. Quantities of volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ), making them unsafe people. Regulated as it poses a risk to the environment, scratches, and should. With a poly finish is superior to nitro lacquer with the lacquers liquid form to help cure...

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