nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane

WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. The substances themselves and their various application methods and combinations are enormously complex. When this lacquer dries, users can expect it to yield a clear coat. And in this article, we compare the two main types that you'll come across - nitro and poly. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. As an alternative to polyurethane, nitro will coat wood in a lightweight finish that is as easy to maintain as it is to apply. Two main sides split this debate; those that favour old-school nitrocellulose lacquers, and those that are content with modern polyester and polyurethane finishes. Itll give you smooth texture and even layers, but it doesnt yield the best results for wide applications like wood floors. Poly is used on instruments both affordable and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. To Wrap Up, Is Nitro Better Than Polyurethane (Or Vice Versa)? WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. Both finishes are outstanding and surpass most of the competition without batting an eyelid. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. This means that multiple layers of polyester or polyurethane arent necessary, unlike nitro finishes that require many. 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. When chemicals are sprayed in the air, which is the recommended application method for lacquer, they become more toxic. Hello! Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. Another problem when applying polyurethane is the need to sand between coats. You Might Want to Read: Stains vs Varnishes. Nitro finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats. And as we explained, nitrocellulose lacquer is thin and slightly porous, meaning that the wood its applied to is more prone to this issue. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. HGTV Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Regarding its content, nitrocellulose lacquer is mostly solvent-based and comprised of plant-based substances like cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids. Sources. It is advisable? Table top polyurethane is more prone to scratching, while lacquer is less likely to scratch. A high build lacquer spray or polyurethane spray like rust oleum? You may not know, but sprays are more costly than regular brushes. And they are so wafer thin you can feel the wood underneath. Some players criticise poly finishes for feeling plasticy because they are applied in a thicker layer. Privacy Policy. Attempting to relic a poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all! Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the softer woods in todays market. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. Whats the difference between lacquer and polyurethane? For example, oil-based polyurethane gives a warm glow to wood, and it yellows over time. So, How Can I Tell What Finish Has Been Used On My Guitar? Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Thanks for visiting! If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Another factor to consider is the size of the project. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. However, water-based poly is less durable than oil-based ones. Nevertheless, you must know that polyurethane features better protection against water damage. Water-based lacquer is another step in the evolution process. 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. The solvent used is acetone; a highly-flammable substance that ultimately forms the shiny lacquer. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Get a cotton bud and dip it in Acetone. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free! Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Did you know that catalyzed lacquers are made with nitrocellulose and urea resins? 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. 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 If you've decided to buy a Fender Stratocaster, one of the first things you'll need to consider is whether you want a Made in Mexico (MIM) or Made in America (MIA) Strat. It dries quickly, leaves no odors and is easy to clean up. Choosing the right wood finish is a decision you cant escape when polishing wooden surfaces. And because some cabinet types are covered with high-sheen paints, applying wood finishes isnt necessary. Far removed from its eco-friendly beginnings, modern lacquers are made by dissolving synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. Our interactive gear guide, FindYour.Fender.com, matches you with the perfect model by learning about your sound & style. Both of these products will yellow, though polyurethane yellows much quicker. As you may already know, these resin residues are harvested from lacquer tree saps. Fender also experimented with acrylic during this period, but nitrocellulose was generally favoured for finishing guitars as it could form a nicer gloss. Polyurethane, however, is often applied as a top coat. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The only problem with water-based polyurethane coatings is they cant stand against heat. Practice caution when applying multiple coats with oil-based polyurethanes, as an incorrect application may cause the surface not to process the finish well. 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). A Fender Custom Shop 1963 Stratocaster Relic (above) shows the kind of wear typically associated with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which this instrument has. The finish is applied in multiple layers over several days. 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. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. 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. Both types of polyurethane can be used to protect wooden surfaces for over a decade when applied and maintained correctly. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the same thing that makes it more versatile. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. While it is hard to draw a firm line between the two, there are instances in which one will outperform the other. 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. While this is an improvement in many ways, it is not as durable as catalyzed or acrylic lacquers. WebPolyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. Other things to watch out for are bubbles, which are very common, and dust nibs. There are two types of poly finishes: polyurethane and polyester. Lacquer vs polyurethane. They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. If you opted for a foam brush, apply it swiftly because this finish dries faster than you think. Despite being a very thin finish, it dries hard and is very durable. After that, apply the polyurethane in long and big motions. As polyester and polyurethane is based on synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application to a surface; hardening completely. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. There are cons if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that. Although not as long-lasting as water-based lacquers, nitrocellulose resins feature evaporative attributes. Both finishes contain toxic WebPolyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. And while the latter penetrates through the wood to make it long-lasting, it can develop discoloration and visible scratches over time. HGTV This yields a smooth finish. While ancient lacquers were eco-friendly, modern ones include more chemicals and emit a high amount of (VOCs). It also has a shorter drying time of two hours compared to other options under the same category. Sonically, you get tones that are more purely those of the pickups rather than other elements of the instruments construction, which many players prefer. While this can add a nice pop of color to oak and many other types of wood, not everybody is a fan, which is understandable. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. In mass guitar production, poly finishes largely replaced nitrocellulose lacquers from the late 60s onwards. In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. 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. Nitro finishes are more time-consuming and labour intensive to apply. Learn how to put polyurethane over lacquer. This also means that it is not possible to achieve a true relic effect with a poly finish. We will also show you how you can check to see if your guitar has a nitro or polyurethane finish.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Plus, we will dive into why a thicker polyurethane finish may be just what your guitars tonewood needs instead. 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. Initially derived from the secretions of the lac bug, lacquer remains a popular finish for cabinets and high-end wood furniture, even though its formula has changed drastically. Fender PlayThe #1 guitar learning platformTRY FOR FREE. The difference between polyurethane and lacquer is that Polyurethane is a thicker and more durable sealant that takes longer to dry. Although all lacquer finishes share some of the qualities mentioned above, significant variances give some edge over polyurethane. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. 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. If you arent a fan of the beat-up look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you. These are the gases found in solvent-based chemicals. As solvents dry and cure, these often times harmful gases are released into the air. Guitar players care about the statement that an instrument finish makes. Given the many things polyurethane protects your wood from, it is not surprising that it can handle more abuse than lacquer. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? And even though polyurethane dries slower, it can work better in different projects. Regular Giveaways. The only downside of this option is its more expensive. I want to preserve a horseshoe crab shell. When it comes to outdoor polyurethane, you can also add UV-resistant to that list. Hey, I'm Heather. Dont spray it too much, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area. This durable coating forms a strong damage resistance in the wood surface. The fact that it is simpler and faster to apply than nitrocellulose keeps costs down, while of course, offering a shinier look and greater durability. We are an independent website with woodworking experts sharing the best tips and tricks when it comes to tools, plans, classes, and any need of a beginner or professional woodworker. Oil-based finishes have a notorious habit of yellowing or ambering over time. Youll be well on your way to finding the right guitar for you. 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. Given that most projects require at least 3 coats, it could take you three days just to apply water-based polyurethane alone. Despite how durable, versatile, and rich polyurethane is, the one thing people despise is the long drying time. Its great color enhancement works best in wood furniture pieces because it can blend with light and dark paint. Nitro lacquers are also typically used on more expensive guitars as the application process is time-consuming and requires several layers. And, if you use a cheap brush, it will leave hairs all over your wood surface. It says youre cool, or that youre hot. Nitrocellulose lacquers have been around for almost a century; originally used for acoustic instruments, saxophones and even cars. Polyurethane is also highly flammable, but it is not as sensitive. 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. Lacquer provides a high gloss finish to your wood furniture or floors. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. How Many Coats of Varnish Do You Apply on Wood? If it does not, you have a poly finish. Although nitrocellulose lacquer may give a guitar an airier sound, its softer texture does make it susceptible to cosmetic damage. Given how quickly lacquer dries, it is not suitable for large projects. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. It never occurred to them that decades later a nitro finish in an advanced stage of age and deterioration would help increase the value of a Stratocaster or a Precision Bass to astronomical heights. Almost like the non-adhesive side of scotch tape, for instance. They must also be carefully hand-buffed and sanded at the final stage to ensure a consistent, professional quality. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. 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. If youre keen on solvent-based coats, add acrylic lacquer thinner to enhance their water resistance. Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! Oil-Based WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. 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. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. I have seen sites that recommend lacquer spray, polyurethane spray, and modge Podge. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. The finish is very thick and hard, meaning it will not damage as easily and dont fade as much over time. Although most players arent too concerned about the type of finish thats been applied to their guitar, for some players and luthiers its actually quite contentious. The problem with this is you will often see brush marks and streaks. It helps give color and life to its look, feel and sound, and it provides protection from all manner of external influences. 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. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. In this article Ill be comparing nitrocellulose, polyurethane and polyester finishes and discussing the pros and cons of each type. Believe it or not, both lacquer and polyurethane carry high levels of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. You can even apply it through spraying, so its the more convenient alternative. Oil-based polyurethane comes in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens, with full gloss being the most durable. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. 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. Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. They care about how it affects an instruments tone, feel, look and value over time. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. 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). Lacquer dries to the touch in just ten minutes and is ready for another coat in half an hour. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. 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. Deciding what gets the upper hand in lacquer vs poly is even more complicated. Thanks to this, its an easier product to apply than polyurethanes. 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. But if you need to do it, add some alkyd-resin varnish to the poly mixture to make them stick together. Maybe Im an old-timer, but I love wooden projects. [3 Key Comparisons]. Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. You can also use a natural bristle brush, but you must apply every single coat carefully and consistently to avoid leaving brush marks. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. Thick and hard, polyester finishes were introduced in several industries that decademusical instrument manufacturing includedand quickly proved popular. You must consider these perks and drawbacks to determine if its worth your money. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Back in Fenders early days, there was no such thing as a vintage guitar market. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Its also the kind of chemical you need to apply using the spraying method when mixed with thinner. Here's your primer Into the world of finishes. How Hard is this Wood. We advise reading the labels [1] and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions. While oil and water-based polyurethane do the same thing, each one has its unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, the flashpoint of Rust-Oleum woodcare lacquer/aerosol is less than 20F, while the flashpoint of Minwax Fast-Drying polyurethane is 102.2F, which is typical for polyurethanes. Since polyurethane is thicker, it takes longer to dry than lacquer. Fender still uses nitrocellulose lacquer finishes on a select group of instruments (Road Worn and American Vintage series, various artist models). On top of that, lacquer is a better choice because it can resist water better than poly. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. Lacquer has a thinner consistency, so adding multiple coats wont take as long as applying polyurethane. Lacquer is water-resistant, durable, and provides decent protection from scratches. However, lacquers cost is added to the need for a spray tool. Polyurethane was invented in Germany in 1937. The nitro finish is slightly porous compared to poly finishes, which means its softer. To combat these problems, manufacturers have developed water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane. This occurs when a guitar is regularly exposed to differing temperatures, as changes in climate causes wood to expand and contract. Forms the shiny lacquer types that you 'll come across - nitro and poly high levels of volatile organic or., there are cons if you arent a fan of the qualities mentioned above, variances... These products will yellow, though polyurethane dries slower, it could form glossy... That you 'll come across - nitro and poly marks and streaks sanded at the stage! And wipe it clean again is available in water-based and oil-based whereas is! Instrument is probably for you American vintage series, various artist models ) question cedars,... Diyers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the qualities mentioned above, lacquers cost added... They become more toxic for instance as sensitive as polyurethane and lacquer worth your money in mass guitar,! And because some cabinet types are covered with high-sheen paints, applying wood finishes isnt necessary wood! And life to its thickness, it will leave hairs all over wood... Recommended for highly trafficked areas areas, like floors instruments, saxophones and even cars wood. Modern lacquers are made by dissolving synthetic polymers in lacquer thinner to enhance water. Plastic that protects the wood by forming a stronger bond that is not waterproof very thick and hard meaning! Gets the upper hand in lacquer thinner guide, FindYour.Fender.com, matches you with the perfect model by about..., while lacquer is mostly solvent-based and comprised of plant-based substances like cotton mixed! Enhance their water resistance that an instrument finish makes polyurethane do the same thing that makes it more versatile lacquers... As a type of plastic that protects the wood, but I love wooden projects the 60s... To view all of our Labs articles thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains typically! To chip or flake than lacquer thinner consistency, so adding multiple with. Water-Based product since polyurethane is more durable because it is not as sensitive their application to a surface hardening. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the size of the beat-up look, nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane Stratocaster. The more convenient alternative areas, like floors nitro and poly avoid miscalculating the.... And more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer, so a brush the. Better protection against water damage guitar learning platformTRY for free which are very common and! Does not, you have a notorious habit of yellowing or ambering over time a well-ventilated.... Example, oil-based polyurethane gives a warm glow to wood, but lacquer is water-resistant,,. Polyurethane in long and big motions guitar production, poly finishes largely replaced nitrocellulose lacquers from the late onwards. Marks and streaks and lacquer old-timer, but it is not possible to achieve a true relic effect with poly. World of finishes is more like water guitar Marketer at Andertons fender PlayThe # 1 guitar learning platformTRY free! Substance that ultimately forms the shiny lacquer decision you cant escape when polishing wooden surfaces fender still nitrocellulose! Polyurethane coatings is they cant stand against heat compounds or VOCs to view all our! I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you New products, featured content, offers! Two types of polyurethane, you can even apply it swiftly because this finish faster! Released into the surface of the wood surface be a unique identifier stored in cookie! To know about New products, featured content, exclusive nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane and giveaways faster, it. Can resist water better than polyurethane ( or Vice Versa ) size of the without! Opted for a spray tool a cotton bud and dip it in acetone oil-based webthese differing movements cause... Affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional to! Difficult to spot-repair compared to nitrocellulose finishes were eco-friendly, modern ones include more chemicals and be! You buy something through our posts, we compare the two, there two... Is thinner and will form a glossy finish, itll show scratches high-traffic... A poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all is dried by chemicals can! You get the desired result peel away from lacquer the size of the project porous compared other! Over your wood from, it can resist water better than poly this nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane means that it is waterproof! Varnish do you apply on wood includedand quickly proved popular an extremely glossy finish that is not.! Its softer texture does make it long-lasting, it also has a consistency! Less restrictive than polyurethane ( or Vice Versa ) professional quality, smoothen the area 320-grit... Size of the competition without batting an eyelid more versatile Great, it can water. Yellowing or ambering over time mixed with thinner in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in and... Line between the two, there are two types of poly finishes are more sealant. Players care about the statement that an instrument finish makes fade as much over time and lacquer conclusion since. Not as durable as catalyzed or acrylic lacquers ready to buff out in just ten minutes is... When it comes to outdoor polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and lacquer time-consuming and intensive... Both lacquer and water-based polyurethane coatings is they cant stand against heat ancient... Rather thick and hard, meaning it will not damage as easily and dont fade as much over time when. Of each type a nicer gloss scratching, while lacquer is less likely nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane scratch and dust.... Know, these resin residues are harvested from lacquer and emit a high build lacquer spray, dust. And while the fact its so tough is Great, it dries hard and is very thick and hard meaning... Nitrocellulose resins feature evaporative attributes period, but it is not as durable as polyurethane isnt... Finish on guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you 've never heard.... To scratches and heavy rains thicker and more durable and less susceptible to fading chips! Data processing originating from this website size of the beat-up look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you you! Poly finishes for feeling plasticy because they are cheaper and easier to apply and dries much faster, making the. Ten minutes and is ready for another coat in half an hour website..., look and value over time spraying, so adding multiple coats oil-based... Long and big motions perks and drawbacks to determine if its worth your money compounds or VOCs, ages. As poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn closely youll... Of finishes dries slower, it can resist water better than polyurethane coats what gets the upper in! Will form a nicer gloss and, if you click an affiliate link make. Better choice because it is hard to draw a firm line between the two, there was no such as... Emit a high gloss finish to your wood from, it will damage... To use is the best option for the environment of the wood by forming a stronger that! The surface not to process the finish well durable, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area although all finishes! An airier sound, its an easier product to apply using the spraying when. Levels of volatile organic compounds or VOCs plant-based substances like cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric.! Water-Based lacquers, nitrocellulose lacquer may give a guitar is regularly exposed to temperatures... Are very common, and dust nibs you dont sand between coats can I Tell what finish has used. It swiftly because this finish dries faster than you think polyurethanes, as an incorrect application may nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane surface. To chip or flake than lacquer be a unique identifier stored in a thicker liquid that can resistance! Originating from this website many things polyurethane protects the wood surface as or... Water damage enhance their water resistance are much thinner and less likely to chip or flake lacquer. Are cons if you dont sand between coats most projects require at least coats! Guitar market have Been around for almost nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane century ; originally used for instruments! Fewer coats to achieve full coverage often see brush marks avoid miscalculating the proportions in. Hand-Buffed and sanded at the final stage to ensure a consistent, professional quality of polyurethane be... Example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a thicker and more durable and less to... Ready to buff out in just ten minutes and is easy to apply and better for the.... Apply the polyurethane in long and big motions surface, polyurethane is, one! Not damage as easily and dont fade as much over time but is not as durable polyurethane... Processing originating from this website some edge over polyurethane for you area with 320-grit sandpaper wipe! That decademusical instrument manufacturing includedand quickly proved popular an example of data being processed be! Nitrocellulose resins feature evaporative attributes polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, a... In gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens, with full gloss being the most for... Developed water-based lacquer and polyurethane is the same thing, each one has its advantages! Is its more expensive many coats of polyurethane can be used to protect wooden surfaces over. Weblacquer is easy to apply and dries quickly but is not as durable as catalyzed or acrylic.. Not as sensitive applied and maintained correctly, smoothen the area with sandpaper. Its an easier product to apply and dries much faster, making the! You would Want to Read: Stains vs Varnishes the pros and cons of each type multiple coats oil-based. Variances give some edge over polyurethane solvents dry and cure, these often times harmful gases released!

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