Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. Sawinery is a one-stop source for anything woodworking-related. 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. (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. This post may contain affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for (at no additional cost to you). It is advisable? 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. Nitro is incredibly toxic, and in its aerosol spray form, it is a severe respiratory hazard. And as we explained, nitrocellulose lacquer is thin and slightly porous, meaning that the wood its applied to is more prone to this issue. Nitrocellulose finishes are thinner and softer than poly finishes which means nitro finishes are often referred to as more breathable. Polyurethane, on the other hand, will also give your cabinets good protection but it wont be as easy to clean as lacquer. Nitro Lacquer is solvent-based, while Acrylic Lacquer is water-based. Nowadays, the poly finishes are applied more carefully particularly on higher-end guitars which means they are far from inferior tonally compared to nitro finishes. HGTV Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Oil-Based This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. What is the difference between polyurethane and lacquer? Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. 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.. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Instead of penetrating the wood, it stays on the surface, making it a lot harder to damage the project, even after several years. 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. Once refined, these products offer a glossy and extremely durable finish. 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. Lacquer will give you the best protection for your cabinets. Given that most projects require at least 3 coats, it could take you three days just to apply water-based polyurethane alone. 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. Despite how durable, versatile, and rich polyurethane is, the one thing people despise is the long drying time. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. HGTV Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Goodell is the founder of this website and an avid woodworker. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. And believe it or not; guitar finish types is one of them. Sources. Because of this, you may need to opt for polyurethane because they offer more matte effects. Sources. This process eliminates the need to sand between layers. Another problem when applying polyurethane is the need to sand between coats. Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Although all lacquer finishes share some of the qualities mentioned above, significant variances give some edge over polyurethane. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. On the other hand, water-based poly dries very clear and remains clear. 2. This also means that it is not possible to achieve a true relic effect with a poly finish. So, choose polyurethane over nitro. Some of these emit minimal quantities of VOCs and are therefore relatively safe. 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. However, its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects like wooden floors. As a result, it is gradually being phased out of the market in favor of more efficient options. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. Upgrading your Budget Guitar vs. Buying a New Guitar. Lacquer and polyurethane emit high quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them unsafe for people with breathing difficulties. Is Hemlock a Hardwood? Aside from this, poly finishes are less likely to get scratched and chipped. However, water-based poly is less durable than oil-based ones. Nitrocellulose is a high-VOC which means its use is strictly regulated as it poses a risk to the environment and manufacturing personnel. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. 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. Sonically, you get tones that are more purely those of the pickups rather than other elements of the instruments construction, which many players prefer. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. Nitrocellulose also yellows with time, especially when exposed to excessive sunlight. Practice caution when applying multiple coats with oil-based polyurethanes, as an incorrect application may cause the surface not to process the finish well. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. You can also opt for foam brushes or rollers if youre handling wider surfaces. But there are many guitarists that prefer poly finishes, as they are more resistant to wear and have a glossier look. These characteristics actually hold special appeal for many guitarists, as the cracking, yellowing, checking and aging common to this finish type are exactly what many aficionados love about nitro. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. It can be, but it doesnt have to be. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Polyurethane is more like a protective plastic that coats wood surfaces, while lacquer behaves like water as it penetrates the wood. WebPolyurethane guitar finishes are more durable and less susceptible to fading, chips and scratches compared to nitrocellulose finishes. This yields a smooth finish. 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. It dries quickly, leaves no odors and is easy to clean up. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. 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. Lacquer vs polyurethane. Elliot is a Senior Digital Guitar Marketer at Andertons. A nitrocellulose lacquer also wears away over time, causing dulling in areas where you make regular contact with your guitar; such as the lower bout where your forearm rests. Instant Access. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. Related Post: When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Table top polyurethane is more prone to scratching, while lacquer is less likely to scratch. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. 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. 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. Given their similarities in look and feel, many people erroneously refer to them as the same thing. Some lacquers are oil-based while others are water-based. Nitro finishes are more time-consuming and labour intensive to apply. If youre not satisfied, you can remove the lacquer from wood again and repeat the steps. The good news is it can withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based polyurethane for kitchen tabletops is justifiable. This in-depth comparison of lacquer and polyurethane will help you know which one to use in almost any situation. 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). If youre not satisfied, you can, The good news is it can withstand heat exposure, so using oil-based, It dries quicker (except for oil-based polyurethane), It would be best to sand the surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions. As these departments mostly produce premium time-honoured instruments, they therefore use nitro finishes to recapture the essence of their older vintage models. Is Chipboard Safe Enough For A Guinea Pigs Home? As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. Lacquer is a thin and quick-drying finish that penetrates into the wood but it can also chip and crack easily. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. Because of this, you can count on lacquer finishes to make workpieces last a long time. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. It possesses all of the unsavory characteristics above: it is not heat resistant, is highly flammable, yellows, and is highly toxic. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. All of these make applying polyurethane, as a beginner, a bit challenging to use. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Thanks for visiting! Today, our woodworking experts will conduct hands-on tests on lacquer vs. polyurethane wood finishes to determine which suits your project best. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. This means that dings and scratches are more visible on guitars with nitro finishes, and much easier to inflict. Manage Settings Due to these variations between lacquer vs. polyurethane, we consider them tied for this round. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. 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. Lacquer is light, thin, and dries quickly, so it is best applied with a high-volume, low-presser (HVLP) sprayer. What Is A Poly Guitar Finish All About Then? Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. Believe it or not, both lacquer and polyurethane carry high levels of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. 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. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. It says youre cool, or that youre hot. 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. Ernie Ball Slinky String Guide: Comparison and Which to Choose. 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. When finishing cabinets, the product youll need depends on the materials paint quality. 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. Some players believe that nitro finishes sound more resonant and have better sustain compared to poly-finishes, however it is very hard to notice the difference. 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. Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? 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. A nitrocellulose guitar finish is applied multiple times over several days, with each coat essentially melting the previous one. Video, we consider them tied for this round count on lacquer vs. polyurethane, varnish, and! 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