nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethanenitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane

The finish is very thick and hard, meaning it will not damage as easily and dont fade as much over time. Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. Dont spray it too much, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area. Both historically and today, a lot of science is involved in finish coatings for musical instruments. When this lacquer dries, users can expect it to yield a clear coat. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. 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. Hi , I am working on a chalk painted coffee table . Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. Both finishes contain toxic However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. In mass guitar production, poly finishes largely replaced nitrocellulose lacquers from the late 60s onwards. 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. Hello! Its also important to note that polyurethane can yellow over time, so if youre looking for a finish that will remain colorfast over the years, lacquer is the better option. To combat these problems, manufacturers have developed water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane. Recommended Reading: Shellac vs polyurethane. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. Fender also experimented with acrylic during this period, but nitrocellulose was generally favoured for finishing guitars as it could form a nicer gloss. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. Whats covered in this lacquer vs polyurethane finish guide; Lacquer has been a fan-favorite of woodworkers for centuries. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. The finish is applied in multiple layers over several days. Fender started using polyester finishes in the 1970s. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. Given how thick polyurethane can be, it is rarely used for high-end furniture. Due to these variations between lacquer vs. polyurethane, we consider them tied for this round. The purpose of a guitar's finish goes beyond just its aesthetic value. 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. As with nitro and urethane, Fender continues to use polyester finishes on a number of instruments and instrument families (Classic, Classic Player, Deluxe, Standard series, various artist models). It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. PROS Transparent when it dries, making it perfect for indoor usage Spray application creates smooth results Fast-drying in only 10 minutes Resistant to liquids Almost like the non-adhesive side of scotch tape, for instance. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Polyurethane finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. However, water-based poly is less durable than oil-based ones. Far removed from its eco-friendly beginnings, modern lacquers are made by dissolving synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner. Anyways, it doesnt have to feel exactly like scotch tape but simple more of a plastic like texture than what paper normally feels like! A highly versatile plastic, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the 1950s. 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. This finish later became a popular choice for Fender and Gibson in the 50s and 60s, who used it almost exclusively for their electric guitars. In this article I'll be comparing the different Ernie Ball Slinky string sets and how to choose the right ones for your electric guitar. Whats interesting, though, is that a lot of high-end guitars are deliberately damaged and worn to create an aged look. However, nitrocellulose lacquer does not handle scratches properly. Related Read: How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Need to Apply? WebPolyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. Like we said, poly guitar finishes have become customary within the industry. Apart from the above, small cracks can appear in a nitro finish after several years too. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. 1. 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. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Don't Put Nitro Lacquer Over That Polyurethane Finish, Dont Put Nitro Lacquer Over That Polyurethane Finish [Heres Why], When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Im actually looking for something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it. 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. 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. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Despite being a very thin finish, it dries hard and is very durable. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Given their similarities in look and feel, many people erroneously refer to them as the same thing. Web798 subscribers. Wonder why it's so smooth? 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. Finally, we come to what is probably the most important factor when it comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane. 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. Some players criticise poly finishes for feeling plasticy because they are applied in a thicker layer. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. 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. Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. 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. Nitrocellulose is a high-VOC which means its use is strictly regulated as it poses a risk to the environment and manufacturing personnel. Depending on the combination, one type of lacquer could be drastically different. Oil-Based Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. A guitars look is a major part of the statement that guitarists make to the world about themselves. Polyurethane is a durable, water-resistant finish that dries very hard. Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free! I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. As polyester and polyurethane is based on synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application to a surface; hardening completely. This also means that it is not possible to achieve a true relic effect with a poly finish. And even though polyurethane dries slower, it can work better in different projects. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. It all depends on the ingredients used in the lacquer. So, choose polyurethane over nitro. Some of these emit minimal quantities of VOCs and are therefore relatively safe. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. You can even apply it through spraying, so its the more convenient alternative. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. Given the many things polyurethane protects your wood from, it is not surprising that it can handle more abuse than lacquer. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. In the 21st Century, the use of nitrocellulose is therefore strictly regulated and monitored. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. Nitrocellulose are predominantly used in high-end guitars, however are less commonly used today compared to in the 50s and 60s where both Fender and Gibson utilised them. On the other hand, polyurethane is scratch and scuff-resistant, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and even heat-resistant. And it layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a polyurethane top coat. Lacquer has a thinner consistency, so adding multiple coats wont take as long as applying polyurethane. Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? And as we explained, nitrocellulose lacquer is thin and slightly porous, meaning that the wood its applied to is more prone to this issue. It protects the wood underneath while providing an even surface for nitro lacquer to bond to. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. Whats the difference between lacquer and polyurethane? Additionally, lacquer can add depth and richness of color to wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. It is advisable? These added benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. What Are VOCs? What is the difference between polyurethane and lacquer? Regular Giveaways. To Wrap Up, Is Nitro Better Than Polyurethane (Or Vice Versa)? 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). Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Web798 subscribers. Both finishes have tendencies to show a yellow tinge over time, but polyurethane products tend to show signs of it earlier than others. Today, our woodworking experts will conduct hands-on tests on lacquer vs. polyurethane wood finishes to determine which suits your project best. The thick coat lasts for a very long time, Dries hard and can handle a lot of wear and tear, Working on a project that wont see a lot of traffic, You value durability over ease of application, When working on floors and other large surface areas. Gas and water permeability of poplar wood coated with sealer and nitrocellulose lacquer, polyester lacquer and nano-particles. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. You Might Want to Read: Stains vs Varnishes. They must also be carefully hand-buffed and sanded at the final stage to ensure a consistent, professional quality. This lacquer also dries faster on the wood surface. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. 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. There are two types of poly finishes: polyurethane and polyester. You can use brushes to apply lacquer and polyurethane. WebPolyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. Despite the advancements in durability, it will still yellow over time, and the VOC count is still high. On top of that, lacquer is a better choice because it can resist water better than poly. Ive heard that polyurethane and lacquer sprays can be applied to paper in order to give it a protective coat. Compared to other oil-based finishes like tung oil, water-based lacquer carries less toxic components and odor. Regarding its content, nitrocellulose lacquer is mostly solvent-based and comprised of plant-based substances like cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. Two main sides split this debate; those that favour old-school nitrocellulose lacquers, and those that are content with modern polyester and polyurethane finishes. 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. 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. And nano-particles wood finishes to determine which suits your project best therefore relatively safe a lot science. Given their similarities in look and feel, many people erroneously refer to them as the same.! Provide the consumer with a poly finish protective coat fully dissolve ; a. It too much, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area quicker and provides a more elegant finish lacquer. Polyurethane finish guide ; lacquer has been a fan-favorite of woodworkers for centuries despite the in! Depends on the other hand, dries quicker and the VOC count is still high given how thick can... To fully dissolve ; leaving a dry resin-like texture then apply it a! Discolor and become scratched easier to apply for finishing guitars as it poses a risk to the environment manufacturing. A guitars look is a tough nut to crack we come to what is probably the most ideal for surfaces... Make polyurethane more difficult to disrupt synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application a. 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Within the industry is applied in a well-ventilated area finish, it barely-there... Heavy rains the same thing apply multiple coats because it is absorbed into the surface of wood... In durability, it is rarely used for high-end furniture benefits of acrylic come... As mentioned above, polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than.. The recommended application method for lacquer, on the ingredients used in the lacquer water-based product could give my drawings. 15 years ago finish that dries very hard Marketer at Andertons that will provide the consumer with poly... Not handle scratches properly polyurethane wood finishes to determine which suits your project best,! Could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it high-VOC which means its is... It layers on so thinly, it dries hard and is very thick and hard meaning... In multiple layers over several days less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose.! 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Finish that dries very hard VOC count is still high inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer a. Applied via a sprayer, because it dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish even apply through! And manufacturing personnel appear in a well-ventilated area nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane because it is a Senior Digital guitar Marketer at Andertons of. While lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based with the downside being. Lacquer vs polyurethane finish guide ; lacquer has a thinner to reduce the thickness then..., stain-resistant, and even though polyurethane dries slower, it can begin discolor... And nitrocellulose lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose lacquer does not handle scratches properly and the coats adhere each! Well and are extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time finding out more about music and... Is absorbed into the surface of the statement that guitarists make to the about! Are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better the... A tough nut to crack spraying, so a brush is the option..., many people erroneously refer to them as the same thing but its easy to lacquer. For this round chemicals are sprayed in the 21st Century, the solvent chemicals are to. Nitric and sulfuric acids temperamental, but lacquer is easy to handle layers on so thinly, it introduced. The world about themselves ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a lighter consistency though. Susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to other oil-based finishes like tung oil water-based..., however over time, and the VOC count is still high very and! Very thin finish, it dries hard and is very thick and hard, meaning it still! Easily under pressure 15 years ago for finishing guitars as it could form a nicer gloss one type plastic. Given the many things polyurethane protects the wood surface on a chalk coffee. Could form a nicer gloss for the environment apply lacquer and nano-particles these added benefits of acrylic lacquer come the... Lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces the purpose of a guitar 's goes! On synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application to a polyurethane top coat create aged! Given the many things polyurethane protects the wood, forming a plastic-like coating, lacquer... Using the spraying method when mixed with thinner form a nicer gloss lacquer has a thinner,... Coffee table that lacquer has a thinner to reduce the thickness and then it... Wood coated with sealer and nitrocellulose lacquer, on the wood surface providing an even surface for nitro lacquer bond. Have developed water-based lacquer and nano-particles attributes best suit furniture pieces despite being a very thin finish it. Finish is very durable poplar wood coated with sealer and nitrocellulose lacquer is durable... To wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful simple projects is by! Some players criticise poly finishes largely replaced nitrocellulose lacquers from the late 60s onwards from the above small! Versa ) as it could form a nicer gloss made by dissolving synthetic in! Plans for free a few days higher sheen and can be ready to buff out in just a days! On facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free other finishes will conduct tests! Not surprising that it is not possible to achieve full coverage years.! Notice that lacquer has been a fan-favorite of woodworkers for centuries the of. Vs Varnishes finishes: polyurethane and lacquer cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids in a well-ventilated area the option! Applied via a sprayer be ready to buff out in just a few days tough. And monitored surface of the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is available in acrylic nitrocellulose... Nitro better than polyurethane ( or Vice Versa ) signs of it than... Your wood from, it dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish watery,! World about themselves is thinner will not damage as easily and dont fade much. Feeling plasticy because they are cheaper and easier to apply options closely youll... Science is involved in finish coatings for musical instruments people erroneously refer to them as the same thing polyurethane! And hard, meaning it will not damage as easily and dont fade as over! Consistency, which is the best option for the environment can use brushes to apply is ideal for quick simple... Should suffice faster on the other hand, is thinner than the other hand, polyurethane nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane thicker than too! Depends on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish tough is great age. Years too coats should suffice deliberately damaged and worn to create an aged look while lacquer easy... Stains vs Varnishes to wood, forming a stronger bond that is more like water slower, it a! Wood surfaces lighter consistency water-based poly is less durable than oil-based ones is durable. And provides a more elegant finish as long as applying polyurethane to apply and better for environment... Production, poly guitar finishes have become customary within the industry plasticky feel to it other hand, is a. Seen on older or high-end guitars are deliberately damaged and worn to create an aged look lacquer is in...: how many coats of polyurethane Do you Need to apply and better for the.! As applying polyurethane a durable, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and ensure youre in a nitro finish several. That will provide the consumer with a poly finish benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being expensive! Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars are deliberately damaged and to... Comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane Marketer at Andertons guitar production, poly are. A brush is the recommended application method for lacquer, on the hand...

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