That is why choosing the right finish is critical, most especially when it is a project you were paid to execute. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! Above, an American Special Stratocaster with a gloss urethane finish (a type of polyurethane finish). (How about painting over a lacquer finish? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'thewoodworkplace_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-medrectangle-3-0');The beauty of a nitro finish isnt hurt by a little bit of time either. Oil-based polyurethane dries to the touch in about 4 to 6 hours but isnt ready for the next coat in 12 to 24 hours. Despite being a very thin finish, it dries hard and is very durable. The overwhelmingly negative health effects of nitro lacquer has meant that its rarely used by manufacturers in mass-production lines (such as car manufacturing). In this article Ill be comparing nitrocellulose, polyurethane and polyester finishes and discussing the pros and cons of each type. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Learn how to put polyurethane over lacquer. Invented in 1921 by the DuPont chemical company for the auto industry, nitro was the first spray-on paint, and it was quickly adopted by the furniture and musical instrument industries. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. It forms a hard, glossy finish that is durable and easy to clean. It can be, but it doesnt have to be. Poly finishes are slightly glossier than nitro finishes and will retain this glossiness for longer compared nitro finishes which are more prone to fading. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. 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. There are two types of poly finishes: polyurethane and polyester. 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. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Here is a link to the article. Suffice it to say that, technically, guitar finishes are no simple matter, but heres a general primer on modern Fender guitar finishes. It says your style is flamboyant or that its laid-back. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? It also has a shorter drying time of two hours compared to other options under the same category. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. 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.. Choosing the right wood finish is a decision you cant escape when polishing wooden surfaces. With just two coats of lacquer, your cabinets will be fully protected. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. And while the latter penetrates through the wood to make it long-lasting, it can develop discoloration and visible scratches over time. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. This means that multiple layers of polyester or polyurethane arent necessary, unlike nitro finishes that require many. 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 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. 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. It is so bad that it has almost single-handedly caused most woodworkers to switch to water-based polyurethane. In this piece, were going to shed some light on these two types of guitar finish. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewoodworkplace_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',154,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Polyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. Back in Fenders early days, there was no such thing as a vintage guitar market. Compared to other oil-based finishes like tung oil, water-based lacquer carries less toxic components and odor. Since tabletops are frequently used and exposed, its great that both options offer adequate resistance against heat and moisture. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. 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. 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. Despite the advancements in durability, it will still yellow over time, and the VOC count is still high. Below, take a look at a close-up of finish checking on a Fender Custom Shop 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster. In short, polyurethane is a curing finish, while lacquer is a drying finish. But there are many guitarists that prefer poly finishes, as they are more resistant to wear and have a glossier look. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. In the industry, this is referred to asrelicing; a practice that has become more common from the growing demand for older-looking guitars. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Polyurethane was invented in Germany in 1937. Lacquer is more affordable, but its also less durable and doesnt hold up as well to wear and tear. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Polyurethane offers excellent protection against scratches and wears and is best used on floors as they get lots of traffic. Aside from this, poly finishes are less likely to get scratched and chipped. You can also use a natural bristle brush, but you must apply every single coat carefully and consistently to avoid leaving brush marks. They get thinner and more brittle as they age because the thinners in them continue to evaporate throughout an instruments lifetime. Home Wood Maintenance Polyurethane Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? After all, its better to have an excellent finish with an inferior product than a terrible one with a better product. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The finish is applied in multiple layers over several days. Lacquer and polyurethane emit high quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them unsafe for people with breathing difficulties. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. So, even though you could technically use lacquer on hardwood floors, the drying time makes it impractical. However, once nitro cures, it becomes non-toxic. In mass guitar production, poly finishes largely replaced nitrocellulose lacquers from the late 60s onwards. Besides that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals. It protects the wood underneath while providing an even surface for nitro lacquer to bond to. If youre not satisfied, you can remove the lacquer from wood again and repeat the steps. Lacquer is a classic choice for furniture and cabinets, and it has a beautiful, glossy sheen. The point is well made, though. You must consider these perks and drawbacks to determine if its worth your money. To combat these problems, manufacturers have developed water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane. Lacquer provides a high gloss finish to your wood furniture or floors. There are four main types of lacquer, which we will discuss in detail further down. While oil and water-based polyurethane do the same thing, each one has its unique advantages and disadvantages. Related Read: How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Need to Apply? WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. The problem with this is you will often see brush marks and streaks. As polyester and polyurethane is based on synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application to a surface; hardening completely. Unlike nitro finishes which need layering, poly finishes can be applied in a single thicker layer which is much faster and better suited to mass production. Meanwhile, lacquer often takes only ten minutes. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. Both of these products will yellow, though polyurethane yellows much quicker. Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. Both lacquer and polyurethane do this excellently. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. 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. Additionally, lacquer can add depth and richness of color to wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful. 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. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Sources. This requirement eventually adds up to its cost, instead of the cheaper option of brushing lacquer on wood surfaces. When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. This lacquer paint is mostly used as a way to give wooden instruments a bold change of color. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Besides the invisible threat, there is the issue of flammability. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. However, its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects like wooden floors. They care about how it helps projects personality. Although all lacquer finishes share some of the qualities mentioned above, significant variances give some edge over polyurethane. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Web798 subscribers. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Is Nitro Lacquer Stronger Than Polyurethane? Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. It dries quickly, leaves no odors and is easy to clean up. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. And it layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a polyurethane top coat. But after working for days or weeks on a project, it can be heart-breaking to watch it wilt away in a matter of weeks. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. All of our partners may process your data as a vintage guitar.! 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