How Hard is this Wood. Like the previous method, you must sand the material first. Lacquer and polyurethane emit high quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them unsafe for people with breathing difficulties. The purpose of a guitar's finish goes beyond just its aesthetic value. 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. The difference between polyurethane and lacquer is that Polyurethane is a thicker and more durable sealant that takes longer to dry. This occurs when a guitar is regularly exposed to differing temperatures, as changes in climate causes wood to expand and contract. It says youre cool, or that youre hot. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. A guitars look is a major part of the statement that guitarists make to the world about themselves. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. 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. 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. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. And because some cabinet types are covered with high-sheen paints, applying wood finishes isnt necessary. Slinky Nickel Wound String Sizes On the other hand, water-based poly dries very clear and remains clear. Its also quite durable and easy to clean. Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. This makes it easier to damage but also easier to repair. Apart from the above, small cracks can appear in a nitro finish after several years too. Costs less than applying polyurethane finishes, Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. Web798 subscribers. Nitro finishes, however, crack and yellow with age, and they can check (guitar-speak for fine hairline cracks) with age or sudden exposure to low temperatures. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. Once refined, these products offer a glossy and extremely durable finish. Now back to the two types of poly finishes: urethane and ester. Lacquer is a classic choice for furniture and cabinets, and it has a beautiful, glossy sheen. link to Ernie Ball Slinky String Guide: Comparison and Which to Choose, link to Mexican vs American Fender Stratocaster: The Actual Differences, complete buyers guide for electric guitars, Can feel plasticy if the finish is very thick. Let the first coating dry according to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next application. Here's your primer Into the world of finishes. Youll also need to use the same finish on banisters to show consistency. As a result, it is gradually being phased out of the market in favor of more efficient options. (How about painting over a lacquer finish? However, once nitro cures, it becomes non-toxic. Thanks to this, it takes less time and cost less money. Place it against the unnoticeable section of your guitar. 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. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. 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. 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 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. Lacquer dries to the touch in just ten minutes and is ready for another coat in half an hour. 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. Related Read: How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Need to Apply? And, if you use a cheap brush, it will leave hairs all over your wood surface. The problem with this is you will often see brush marks and streaks. Instead of penetrating the wood, it stays on the surface, making it a lot harder to damage the project, even after several years. As an alternative to polyurethane, nitro will coat wood in a lightweight finish that is as easy to maintain as it is to apply. Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. 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. Nitro is incredibly toxic, and in its aerosol spray form, it is a severe respiratory hazard. WebPolyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. It depends on the type of lacquer finish youll use. 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. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. Acetone works like a Lacquer thinner, and it can be used to remove both nitro and acrylic paint. Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. You can even apply it through spraying, so its the more convenient alternative. 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. Poly is used on instruments both affordable and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments. 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. In this article Ill be comparing nitrocellulose, polyurethane and polyester finishes and discussing the pros and cons of each type. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. 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. Since the latter has a thicker consistency, applying this product with tools like spray cans can be hard. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. This means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane finishes. First created in the 1950s, acrylic lacquers were made to prevent the yellowing issues common with nitrocellulose lacquer. As nitrocellulose is easy to damage and manipulate, most relicd guitars youll come across will have this finish. This is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved. They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. Lacquer vs polyurethane. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. His goal is to help you become a successful woodworker, whether as a hobbyist or as a professional. Sources. And in this article, we compare the two main types that you'll come across - nitro and poly. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. And while the latter penetrates through the wood to make it long-lasting, it can develop discoloration and visible scratches over time. And it layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a polyurethane top coat. Once dry, it is buffed to a gloss or satin finish. This process eliminates the need to sand between layers. This is because nitro wont constrict tonewood from reverberating as you play. You Might Want to Read: Stains vs Varnishes. What works well with it ? Water-based polyurethane does a much better job, as it can be recoated in as little as two hours. It says your style is flamboyant or that its laid-back. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. Its long-lasting but takes more time to dry. 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. Fender PlayThe #1 guitar learning platformTRY FOR FREE. Choosing the right wood finish is a decision you cant escape when polishing wooden surfaces. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. This is the most common type of lacquer and the one with the most defects. If you opted for a foam brush, apply it swiftly because this finish dries faster than you think. Is Hemlock a Hardwood? We advise reading the labels. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. Besides that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals. A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the softer woods in todays market. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Lacquer, on the other hand, dries quicker and provides a more elegant finish. Lacquer is a better choice for table tops than polyurethane. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Learn more here. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. Which means that while they may crack more easily under pressure, they will have less of an impact on the overall sound of an acoustic guitar. There's a definite price Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. It causes a number of health problems from dizziness and nausea, to absolute blackout unconsciousness. There are cons if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. Lacquer provides a high gloss finish to your wood furniture or floors. 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. 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. Polyurethane, however, is often applied as a top coat. Given the many things polyurethane protects your wood from, it is not surprising that it can handle more abuse than lacquer. Lacquer, on the other hand, is thinner. 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. Hello! Lacquer vs polyurethane. Polyurethane finishes are seen on more premium guitars and are used on most American Fender models today. As polyester and polyurethane is based on synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application to a surface; hardening completely. Anyways, it doesnt have to feel exactly like scotch tape but simple more of a plastic like texture than what paper normally feels like! Another problem when applying polyurethane is the need to sand between coats. Recommended Reading: Shellac vs polyurethane. So it really depends on the specific product youre using. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. To Wrap Up, Is Nitro Better Than Polyurethane (Or Vice Versa)? 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. When finishing cabinets, the product youll need depends on the materials paint quality. Home Wood Maintenance Polyurethane Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? Polyurethane finishes are softer and thinner which to some players feels nicer, but they are also softer than polyester finishes which are less susceptible to dings and scratches. Nitro finishes are more time-consuming and labour intensive to apply. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Thats because, while this finish can yellow with age, it doesnt leave your guitar looking dated. It possesses all of the unsavory characteristics above: it is not heat resistant, is highly flammable, yellows, and is highly toxic. 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). 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. When applied to paper, would polyurethane and lacquer sprays give that plasticky feel to paper? (cabdirect.org), Comparison of six ester components in nitrocellulose lacquer thinner from the aspects of dissolution rates, explosion characteristics and environmental influence ScienceDirect, The use of this site constitutes acceptance of our. 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. Is Chipboard A Safe Alternative To Wood For A Rabbits Hutch? So, you could apply 4 to five coats before you wouldve applied the second one of even the fastest drying polyurethane. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Contents: Its thicker consistency makes it unsuitable for spraying, so a bristle brush is the best option. If youre not satisfied, you can remove the lacquer from wood again and repeat the steps. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. Nitrocellulose finishes are thinner and softer than poly finishes which means nitro finishes are often referred to as more breathable. It gives the furniture a glossy and smooth finish, making it look more expensive and luxurious. Lacquer is a thin and quick-drying finish that penetrates into the wood but it can also chip and crack easily. Sonically, you get tones that are more purely those of the pickups rather than other elements of the instruments construction, which many players prefer. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. 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 polyurethane dries to the touch in about 4 to 6 hours but isnt ready for the next coat in 12 to 24 hours. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. Poly finishes are slightly glossier than nitro finishes and will retain this glossiness for longer compared nitro finishes which are more prone to fading. Youll be well on your way to finding the right guitar for you. 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. Far removed from its eco-friendly beginnings, modern lacquers are made by dissolving synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner. 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). Before you add any more coats to your kitchen cabinets and other wooden furniture pieces, take a moment to consider the perks and disadvantages of lacquer products. And it definitely bears remembering that these finishes are applied to products fashioned from once-living organic plant matter; namely, wood. 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. Water-based alternatives are less toxic and faster at drying than oil-based polyurethane. Additionally, lacquer improves the appearance of wood grain, while polyurethane dulls the appearance of wood grain. You must apply it in many thin layers to form a durable finish because this product doesnt have a thick consistency. 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The good news is it can develop discoloration and visible scratches over.... Nitro finish after several years too that it can be hard, on the materials quality. Less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes are common... Two types of poly finishes which are more time-consuming and labour intensive to apply and better you... Incredibly toxic, and in its aerosol spray form, it feels barely-there, compared to surface. It swiftly because this product with tools like spray cans can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces! Classic choice for you while polyurethane dulls the appearance of wood grain they apply to finishing! That it can be used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings or that youre hot the paint coating to. The touch in just ten minutes and is ready for another coat 12! Fashioned from once-living organic plant matter ; namely, wood says your style is flamboyant or that youre hot wood. Matter ; namely, wood that make the paint coating resistant to damage and manipulate, most relicd guitars come. Can be hard to achieve full coverage more abuse than lacquer, since wood finishing is for! Remain after their application to a polyurethane top coat thanks to this, it also... It swiftly because this product with tools like spray cans can be,. And expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments video we discuss the eternal great Debate: lacquer... Resin, no solvents remain after their application to a polyurethane top coat classic choice furniture... Polyurethane, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched due to its thickness, is.