However, water-based poly is less durable than oil-based ones. 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 WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. Upgrading your Budget Guitar vs. Buying a New Guitar. Read next!). A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. WebIn liquid plastic resin form, it made an extremely fast-drying, tough and durable finish (also used for dance floors and bowling alleys) that formed a much harder and abrasion-resistant layer around a guitar than nitro, while still allowing good wood resonance. No, lacquer and polyurethane are not the same. Sources. What Is The Difference Between Nitro Lacquer and Acrylic Lacquer? Its long-lasting but takes more time to dry. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. This lacquer paint is mostly used as a way to give wooden instruments a bold change of color. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Back in Fenders early days, there was no such thing as a vintage guitar market. Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. Related Read: How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Need to Apply? Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. In determining the winner of the duel lacquer versus polyurethane, there isnt just one answer. Its great color enhancement works best in wood furniture pieces because it can blend with light and dark paint. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. 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. You must also sand down the material to make it smooth and even. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. A highly versatile plastic, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the 1950s. This occurs when a guitar is regularly exposed to differing temperatures, as changes in climate causes wood to expand and contract. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Thats because, while this finish can yellow with age, it doesnt leave your guitar looking dated. Some players criticise poly finishes for feeling plasticy because they are applied in a thicker layer. Oil-Based Far removed from its eco-friendly beginnings, modern lacquers are made by dissolving synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner. But because of this, some therefore believe that poly-finished guitars sound somewhat neutered and less acoustically resonant, with reduced sustain. Currently, Gibson still use nitrocellulose gloss and satin finishes for both the necks and bodies on most of their guitars, whilst Fender typically only use them on custom shop models. Anyways, it doesnt have to feel exactly like scotch tape but simple more of a plastic like texture than what paper normally feels like! However, if there is no physical or chemical damage, lacquer can last as long as or even longer than polyurethane. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. 2. These are the gases found in solvent-based chemicals. You can also use a natural bristle brush, but you must apply every single coat carefully and consistently to avoid leaving brush marks. You must add an acid catalyst with the lacquers liquid form to help it cure well. Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. As a result, it is gradually being phased out of the market in favor of more efficient options. 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? and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. Lacquer is thin and dries quickly but is not as durable as polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. You can apply them using a foam roller, bristle brush, or synthetic polymers. It says your style is flamboyant or that its laid-back. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. However, both nitro and poly finishes are in fact plastic. The overwhelmingly negative health effects of nitro lacquer has meant that its rarely used by manufacturers in mass-production lines (such as car manufacturing). Oil-based polyurethane comes in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens, with full gloss being the most durable. Wonder why it's so smooth? And it definitely bears remembering that these finishes are applied to products fashioned from once-living organic plant matter; namely, wood. Let the first coating dry according to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next application. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Whats covered in this lacquer vs polyurethane finish guide; Lacquer has been a fan-favorite of woodworkers for centuries. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. 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. Most woodworkers would tell you lacquer is most effective when used as a wood furniture finish. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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). Early on, Fender took its custom colors straight from General Motors under their original DuPont names and part numbers (Duco for nitrocellulose lacquer and Lucite for acrylic lacquer). Acetone works like a Lacquer thinner, and it can be used to remove both nitro and acrylic paint. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. What is the difference between polyurethane and lacquer? Nitro lacquers are also typically used on more expensive guitars as the application process is time-consuming and requires several layers. However, you can opt for a thin coat of polyurethane for added durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. In the market for a new guitar? Table top polyurethane is more prone to scratching, while lacquer is less likely to scratch. Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? Here is a detailed polyurethane vs. lacquer comparison based onimportant considerations: The good thing about polyurethane is you can choose from gloss or semi-gloss up to satin and matte finishes. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. Oil-based finishes have a notorious habit of yellowing or ambering over time. Get a cotton bud and dip it in Acetone. Besides that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals. Wood is a substance that moves and changes with climate, treatment and age, as do the finish coatings that are applied to it. Besides the invisible threat, there is the issue of flammability. Besides its glossy finish, the best attribute acrylic lacquer can offer better than others is its resistance to yellowing. However, water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane will not yellow over time. 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. Choosing the right wood finish is a decision you cant escape when polishing wooden surfaces. Polyurethane finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. (But here are the top-rated non-yellowing polyurethanes we highly recommend!). However, lacquers cost is added to the need for a spray tool. 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. They are also more durable and scratch-resistant, thus boosting their advantages versus polyurethane. This means that multiple layers of polyester or polyurethane arent necessary, unlike nitro finishes that require many. They dry clear and remain transparent. Depends on what youre looking for in a finish. What Is The Best Type Of Paint For OSB Garage Walls? WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. And even though polyurethane dries slower, it can work better in different projects. Is Chipboard A Safe Alternative To Wood For A Rabbits Hutch? Is Nitro Lacquer Stronger Than Polyurethane? Take a step back and assess which option will get the job done better. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. To Wrap Up, Is Nitro Better Than Polyurethane (Or Vice Versa)? This means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane finishes. So, why have nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion (in favor of polyurethane finishes instead)? It says youre cool, or that youre hot. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. When applying these products, you can choose between natural-bristle and nylon-bristled brushes. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. The point is well made, though. Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. As such, it is a manufacturing marvel of both style and substancethere to both personalize and protect your instrument, and just as much a part as the pickups, neck, bridge, tuners and everything else. Hey, I'm Heather. Both finishes are outstanding and surpass most of the competition without batting an eyelid. You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. A Fender Custom Shop 1963 Stratocaster Relic (above) shows the kind of wear typically associated with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which this instrument has. Attempting to relic a poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all! Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? Goodell has been in love with woodworking for more than two decades. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',150,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');There are two types of popular poly guitar finishes, polyester and polyurethane. All of these make applying polyurethane, as a beginner, a bit challenging to use. Its less brittle than typical acrylic lacquers, so its not surprising that its wear and scratch-resistant. Prosoundhq.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca and amazon.co.uk. While it is hard to draw a firm line between the two, there are instances in which one will outperform the other. 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