I want to preserve a horseshoe crab shell. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. And it definitely bears remembering that these finishes are applied to products fashioned from once-living organic plant matter; namely, wood. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Depending on the combination, one type of lacquer could be drastically different. While oil and water-based polyurethane do the same thing, each one has its unique advantages and disadvantages. 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. You can apply them using a foam roller, bristle brush, or synthetic polymers. His goal is to help you become a successful woodworker, whether as a hobbyist or as a professional. You must consider these perks and drawbacks to determine if its worth your money. However, lacquers cost is added to the need for a spray tool. You must also sand down the material to make it smooth and even. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. Some lacquers are oil-based while others are water-based. The finish is applied in multiple layers over several days. Its also quite durable and easy to clean. Water-based polyurethane does a much better job, as it can be recoated in as little as two hours. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. 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. Nitro finishes are rarer today due to both the laborious application process and safety issues. Thanks to this, it takes less time and cost less money. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. In this piece, were going to shed some light on these two types of guitar finish. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Both finishes contain toxic Its easy to assume any wood finish will fulfill your woodworking requirements, but here are some things you need to consider: Since it has a thin consistency, the best method to try is to spray lacquer on the surface. 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. 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. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. It is advisable? Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Lacquer is a better choice for table tops than polyurethane. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. You may not know, but sprays are more costly than regular brushes. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. And, if you use a cheap brush, it will leave hairs all over your wood surface. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Water-based lacquer is another step in the evolution process. Despite being a very thin finish, it dries hard and is very durable. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. Although it dries slower, polyurethane offers better durability than lacquer because of its thick consistency. If you want a more flexible product, you can try the more durable option under this category: the CAB-acrylic lacquer. Regarding its content, nitrocellulose lacquer is mostly solvent-based and comprised of plant-based substances like cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids. The good news is it can withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based polyurethane for kitchen tabletops is justifiable. 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). 2023 Andertons Music Company In fact, its enhanced durability allows it to last five years longer than nitrocellulose lacquers. Oil-based finishes have a notorious habit of yellowing or ambering over time. Given their similarities in look and feel, many people erroneously refer to them as the same thing. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. Polyester guitar finishes age and weather especially well and are seemingly immune to climate and injurythey are highly resistant to scratching and checking, and colors remain remarkably pristine. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. As mentioned earlier, lacquer is very common for high-end furniture or any wooden surface that wont see much action. The best way to apply lacquer is with a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. Despite how durable, versatile, and rich polyurethane is, the one thing people despise is the long drying time. Whats the difference between lacquer and polyurethane? 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. Web798 subscribers. Finally, we come to what is probably the most important factor when it comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane. This requirement eventually adds up to its cost, instead of the cheaper option of brushing lacquer on wood surfaces. But if you need to do it, add some alkyd-resin varnish to the poly mixture to make them stick together. But there are many guitarists that prefer poly finishes, as they are more resistant to wear and have a glossier look. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. 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. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. The lacquer is compromised of nitrocellulose and solvents which ensures it is the appropriate consistency to spray onto the wood. Polyurethane, on the other hand, will also give your cabinets good protection but it wont be as easy to clean as lacquer. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. Oil-Based Believe it or not, both lacquer and polyurethane carry high levels of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. However, manufacturers are increasingly making the less toxic, water-based lacquers, although there is some debate about whether they should be classified as true lacquers. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. Related Post: When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? Recommended Reading: Shellac vs polyurethane. 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 Given the many things polyurethane protects your wood from, it is not surprising that it can handle more abuse than lacquer. Unfortunately, neither polyurethane nor lacquer stands the test of time. They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. Is Chipboard Safe Enough To Use For A Hamsters Home? Upgrading your Budget Guitar vs. Buying a New Guitar. Nitrocellulose is a high-VOC which means its use is strictly regulated as it poses a risk to the environment and manufacturing personnel. If you opted for a foam brush, apply it swiftly because this finish dries faster than you think. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. Some of these finishes also include attributes of oil-based and water-based polyurethanes. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. These are the gases found in solvent-based chemicals. Nitro lacquers are also typically used on more expensive guitars as the application process is time-consuming and requires several layers. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-leader-4','ezslot_11',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-leader-4-0');Still, because polyurethane is oil-based, (or water-based, depending on your product), it doesnt bring with it the negative health impact of a nitro paint spray. Since polyurethane is thicker, it takes longer to dry than lacquer. Slinky Nickel Wound String Sizes Both finishes contain toxic The conception that poly finishes sound bad because they arent as porous comes from their initial release where they were typically applied too thickly. Practice caution when applying multiple coats with oil-based polyurethanes, as an incorrect application may cause the surface not to process the finish well. Manage Settings WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. This is because a thinned polyurethane top coat will give you the near-weightless benefit of a lacquer coat without any of those toxic nitrocellulose fumes. While this is an improvement in many ways, it is not as durable as catalyzed or acrylic lacquers. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. There are many subjects that split opinion among guitarists. So, even though you could technically use lacquer on hardwood floors, the drying time makes it impractical. There's a definite price Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. 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. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Wonder why it's so smooth? Ensure that the wood-grain filler is layered properly and the surface is free of residues. Lacquer is water-resistant, durable, and provides decent protection from scratches. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. While lacquer can also be applied with other tools, that is only recommended for much smaller jobs when hiring or buying a sprayer is impractical. However, both nitro and poly finishes are in fact plastic. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? One of the determining factors when choosing a wood finish is how easy it is to apply. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. Related Read: How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Need to Apply? The difference in the two are night and day. Nevertheless, you must know that polyurethane features better protection against water damage. Ive heard that polyurethane and lacquer sprays can be applied to paper in order to give it a protective coat. 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. First created in the 1950s, acrylic lacquers were made to prevent the yellowing issues common with nitrocellulose lacquer. The difference in the two are night and day. 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 available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. In the 21st Century, the use of nitrocellulose is therefore strictly regulated and monitored. When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. Fender introduced polyurethane finishes (often shortened to urethane) on its instruments in the late 1960s; allowing a glossier, more even finish by replacing multiple layers of nitro clear coating with a mere two layers of aliphatic urethane. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the same thing that makes it more versatile. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Suffice it to say that, technically, guitar finishes are no simple matter, but heres a general primer on modern Fender guitar finishes. 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. Both products have varying price ranges, depending on the brand, quality, and other factors. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. Dont spray it too much, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area. This is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved. Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. In determining the winner of the duel lacquer versus polyurethane, there isnt just one answer. Thanks to this, its an easier product to apply than polyurethanes. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. Besides that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals. Lacquer vs polyurethane. There are two types of poly finishes: polyurethane and polyester. With just two coats of lacquer, your cabinets will be fully protected. The substances themselves and their various application methods and combinations are enormously complex. Given that most projects require at least 3 coats, it could take you three days just to apply water-based polyurethane alone. Even better, its heat resistant, so it doesnt burn or blister. It gives the instrument a big part of its character and its soul, which, in turn, is a part of what you do and who you are. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. A highly versatile plastic, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the 1950s. Is Nitrocellulose Lacquer Really Bad For The Environment? Of course, youd still need to take good care of your guitar, and our range of electric guitar care productscan help your instrument to maintain a showroom look! So, choose polyurethane over nitro. This means that dings and scratches are more visible on guitars with nitro finishes, and much easier to inflict. The problem with this is you will often see brush marks and streaks. Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. 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. Friendly Community. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Like polyurethane, polyester finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. In the industry, this is referred to asrelicing; a practice that has become more common from the growing demand for older-looking guitars. However, there are some significant differences between them, making each suitable for diverse applications. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? 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). Besides the invisible threat, there is the issue of flammability. Check out this blindfold challenge on the Andertons YouTube channel to hear some Strats with polyurethane and nitrocellulose finishes being compared. 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. Is Nitro Lacquer Stronger Than Polyurethane? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. How Many Coats of Varnish Do You Apply on Wood? Both finishes have tendencies to show a yellow tinge over time, but polyurethane products tend to show signs of it earlier than others. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. Is Chipboard Safe Enough For A Guinea Pigs Home? Because of this, you can count on lacquer finishes to make workpieces last a long time. 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. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. When applied, polyurethane coats surfaces with thick and glossy resin. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. The solvent used is acetone; a highly-flammable substance that ultimately forms the shiny lacquer. Whats interesting, though, is that a lot of high-end guitars are deliberately damaged and worn to create an aged look. 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? Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free! Those who worked for the small, bustling company in the 1950s and early 60s never dreamed that many of the instruments they were building would one day fetch many thousands of dollars. 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. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. 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. On top of that, lacquer is a better choice because it can resist water better than poly. What Is The Difference Between Nitro Lacquer and Acrylic Lacquer? Both historically and today, a lot of science is involved in finish coatings for musical instruments. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. But, of course, it also helps that it is thicker than lacquer. If you want to take part in the challenge, then start the video at 1:23. This in-depth comparison of lacquer and polyurethane will help you know which one to use in almost any situation. Ive written a complete buyers guide for electric guitars which takes you through all the things you need to consider and a step-by-step method to narrowing down your selection and choosing the best option. If youre not satisfied, you can, The good news is it can withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based, It dries quicker (except for oil-based polyurethane), It would be best to sand the surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. Sources. You must consider the most durable option if you apply finishes on high-traffic surfaces like wooden floors. Among the wood finishes available in the market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors. 2. So, why have nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion (in favor of polyurethane finishes instead)? And as we explained, nitrocellulose lacquer is thin and slightly porous, meaning that the wood its applied to is more prone to this issue. What is the difference between polyurethane and lacquer? Take a step back and assess which option will get the job done better. A guitars look is a major part of the statement that guitarists make to the world about themselves. Lacquer also seals and protects the wood from moisture and other environmental factors that could damage the surface or cause it to warp. Maybe Im an old-timer, but I love wooden projects. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. 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. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Polyurethane is more like a protective plastic that coats wood surfaces, while lacquer behaves like water as it penetrates the wood. However, our experts suggest being careful when using a high volume of this finish as its highly flammable. Although all lacquer finishes share some of the qualities mentioned above, significant variances give some edge over polyurethane. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. However, you can opt for a thin coat of polyurethane for added durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork. As we applied these finishes on outdoor surfaces, its not hard to notice how polyurethane shows signs of cracks and peels when exposed to changing weather conditions. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. 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. And it layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a polyurethane top coat. It can be, but it doesnt have to be. Other things to watch out for are bubbles, which are very common, and dust nibs. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Lacquer vs polyurethane. So, you could apply 4 to five coats before you wouldve applied the second one of even the fastest drying polyurethane. Because its slow drying, expert woodworkers generally prefer lacquer or water-based polyurethane over oil-based polyurethane. Lacquer is a thin and quick-drying finish that penetrates into the wood but it can also chip and crack easily. 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. 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. 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. Oil-Based Water-based polyurethane is a type of polyurethane paint that uses water as the main carrier. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. And believe it or not; guitar finish types is one of them. One significant advantage of poly finishes is their durability. 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 means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane finishes. However, its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects like wooden floors. The finish is very thick and hard, meaning it will not damage as easily and dont fade as much over time. Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! Although nitrocellulose lacquer may give a guitar an airier sound, its softer texture does make it susceptible to cosmetic damage. While acrylic lacquer solved the yellowing issue, water-based lacquer tackles the toxicity problem. Low-VOC poly finishes are considered safer to use and dont pose as much of a threat to the environment. 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). Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. 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. I think that lacquer would work from what I have read but would love your thoughts. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. 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.

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