Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. You must consider these perks and drawbacks to determine if its worth your money. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. Unfortunately, neither polyurethane nor lacquer stands the test of time. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. Goodell is the founder of this website and an avid woodworker. And, more importantly, polyurethane finishes (either oil based or water based ones) are not as toxic as nitrocellulose lacquers solvent-based solution. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. [3 Key Comparisons]. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the same thing that makes it more versatile. This makes it easier to damage but also easier to repair. Besides its glossy finish, the best attribute acrylic lacquer can offer better than others is its resistance to yellowing. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Regular Giveaways. This lacquer also dries faster on the wood surface. Upgrading your Budget Guitar vs. Buying a New Guitar. But if you need to do it, add some alkyd-resin varnish to the poly mixture to make them stick together. On the off chance that youre not convinced either of these finishes is suitable for you, read our guide on different wood finishes, including varnish, shellac, tung oil, and many more. 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. 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. Read: What is the Difference Between Spar urethane and Polyurethane. Ive heard that polyurethane and lacquer sprays can be applied to paper in order to give it a protective coat. Can You Put Tru Oil Over Nitro Lacquer? After the head-to-head polyurethane vs. lacquer comparison, its clear that these finishes work best in different projects and environments. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Suffice it to say that, technically, guitar finishes are no simple matter, but heres a general primer on modern Fender guitar finishes. There are cons if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Other things to watch out for are bubbles, which are very common, and dust nibs. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. Instant Access. Hello! Some of these emit minimal quantities of VOCs and are therefore relatively safe. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-leader-3','ezslot_9',153,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-leader-3-0');So, select a small but unnoticeable section of your guitar finish and prepare to test it. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. It would be best to sand the surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions. HGTV When youre new to woodworking, choosing the right finish can be time-consuming and costly. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. In addition to promoting a safe environment for painters, it also has many benefits in terms of reducing waste and producing high-quality results on surfaces such as wood, metal or plastic. (How about painting over a lacquer finish? Costs less than applying polyurethane finishes, Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. If the finish softens, you have a lacquer finish. There are four main types of lacquer, which we will discuss in detail further down. WebThese differing movements will cause polyurethane to peel away from lacquer. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. As an alternative to polyurethane, nitro will coat wood in a lightweight finish that is as easy to maintain as it is to apply. Regarding its content, nitrocellulose lacquer is mostly solvent-based and comprised of plant-based substances like cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids. Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? 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. 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. The purpose of a guitar's finish goes beyond just its aesthetic value. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Oil-based finishes have a notorious habit of yellowing or ambering over time. Both historically and today, a lot of science is involved in finish coatings for musical instruments. However, to get that finish, you require a fair bit of skill. And even though polyurethane dries slower, it can work better in different projects. Related Post: Dont Put Nitro Lacquer Over That Polyurethane Finish [Heres Why]. 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. However, you can opt for a thin coat of polyurethane for added durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork. Is Chipboard A Safe Alternative To Wood For A Rabbits Hutch? Its less brittle than typical acrylic lacquers, so its not surprising that its wear and scratch-resistant. Like polyurethane, polyester finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. It causes a number of health problems from dizziness and nausea, to absolute blackout unconsciousness. Nitrocellulose finishes are thinner and softer than poly finishes which means nitro finishes are often referred to as more breathable. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. That is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic Lacquer paint instead. And believe it or not; guitar finish types is one of them. Both finishes contain toxic Water-based lacquer is another step in the evolution process. 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. The best way to apply lacquer is with a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. 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. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Despite being a very thin finish, it dries hard and is very durable. 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. Sources. One significant advantage of poly finishes is their durability. Lacquer vs polyurethane. Their strength makes them more resistant to cracks as they cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction. Polyurethane finishes are products made of plastic components in liquid forms. And in this article, we compare the two main types that you'll come across - nitro and poly. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. It is usually only on cheaper guitars where youll notice the difference in feel between the finishes and this is typically a result of the overall manufacturing quality compared to the finish type being used. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. And it layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a polyurethane top coat. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. What is the Difference Between Spar urethane and Polyurethane. Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. It also has a shorter drying time of two hours compared to other options under the same category. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. 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. 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? Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. However, water-based poly is less durable than oil-based ones. You could also get some 4 packing tape and laminate your drawings with it. Another problem when applying polyurethane is the need to sand between coats. Slinky Nickel Wound String Sizes The overwhelmingly negative health effects of nitro lacquer has meant that its rarely used by manufacturers in mass-production lines (such as car manufacturing). 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. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. 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! And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. Read morehere. This in-depth comparison of lacquer and polyurethane will help you know which one to use in almost any situation. They care about how it affects an instruments tone, feel, look and value over time. 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. You can use brushes to apply lacquer and polyurethane. A guitars look is a major part of the statement that guitarists make to the world about themselves. The good news is you can always opt for the water-based options on both types. The finish is applied in multiple layers over several days. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. In reality, the difference is so negligible that the vast majority of players will never be able to hear it. Low-VOC poly finishes are considered safer to use and dont pose as much of a threat to the environment. Nitrocellulose lacquers have been around for almost a century; originally used for acoustic instruments, saxophones and even cars. Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free! What is the difference between polyurethane and lacquer? Variants in use include satin nitrocellulose lacquer (Highway One models, Jim Root Stratocaster), which is a flatter finish, and thin-skin nitrocellulose lacquer (Vintage Hot Rod models), which has a thinner sanding sealer or lacquer undercoat. Since tabletops are frequently used and exposed, its great that both options offer adequate resistance against heat and moisture. This requirement eventually adds up to its cost, instead of the cheaper option of brushing lacquer on wood surfaces. Both finishes contain toxic So, why have nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion (in favor of polyurethane finishes instead)? Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. To combat these problems, manufacturers have developed water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Before proceeding with the application, ensure that you wear the right protective gear to stay safe from harmful fumes. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. The bulk of the danger is during the application process. Im actually looking for something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it. Sources. I want to preserve a horseshoe crab shell. What Is A Poly Guitar Finish All About Then? Its thicker consistency makes it unsuitable for spraying, so a bristle brush is the best option. How Do You Check A Nitro Finish And Identify If It Is Really Nitrocellulose Lacquer? Fender started using polyester finishes in the 1970s. They get thinner and more brittle as they age because the thinners in them continue to evaporate throughout an instruments lifetime. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. These are the gases found in solvent-based chemicals. They care about how it helps projects personality. 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. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. Of course, you can also apply it with an HVLP sprayer, roller, and cloth depending on the type of polyurethane, but the brush is the recommended tool. So, to prevent further confusion, we are going to clear the air once and for all. Lacquer is highly flammable. If youre keen on solvent-based coats, add acrylic lacquer thinner to enhance their water resistance. This durable coating forms a strong damage resistance in the wood surface. The difference in the two are night and day. 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. 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? Instead of penetrating the wood, it stays on the surface, making it a lot harder to damage the project, even after several years. The conception that poly finishes sound bad because they arent as porous comes from their initial release where they were typically applied too thickly. Take a step back and assess which option will get the job done better. First, the chances of polyurethane adhering to a lacquer finish are very low. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. Is Nitro Lacquer Stronger Than Polyurethane? Its not the easiest finish to apply on hardwood floors, but you can fix that by mixing some thinning agent. 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Polyurethane dries slower, it dries hard and is very durable time-consuming and costly to buff in... Applied in multiple layers over several days application, ensure that you the... This website and an avid woodworker them more resistant to cracks as they cover the instrument more,... Majority of players will never be able to hear it on the wood surface, easily! Spraying, so its not surprising that its wear and scratch-resistant Woodworking, choosing right. Very thin finish, you have a lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane in the two are night day! Ive heard that polyurethane and lacquer a first-timer, but you can always opt for a Hutch! To Woodworking, choosing the right finish can be time-consuming and costly attributes best furniture... Out in just a few days work best in different projects and environments lacquer also dries faster the...