Itll give you smooth texture and even layers, but it doesnt yield the best results for wide applications like wood floors. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. 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. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? This is the most common type of lacquer and the one with the most defects. Nitro finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats. Its long-lasting but takes more time to dry. 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.. In this article Ill be comparing nitrocellulose, polyurethane and polyester finishes and discussing the pros and cons of each type. Explaining their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the effect that they have on the sound of a guitar; we hope that by the end of this article youll have a greater understanding of their differences. When applied, polyurethane coats surfaces with thick and glossy resin. 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 drying time for this finish may vary, but it forms a durable coat once dried. The substances themselves and their various application methods and combinations are enormously complex. Polyurethane is flexible, versatile, and can bond to many surfaces including plastics, primed metal, rubber, paper, leather, and even some fabrics. However, both nitro and poly finishes are in fact plastic. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the softer woods in todays market. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. On top of that, lacquer is a better choice because it can resist water better than poly. Some of these emit minimal quantities of VOCs and are therefore relatively safe. So, to prevent further confusion, we are going to clear the air once and for all. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. Lacquer is thin and dries quickly but is not as durable as polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas. These are the gases found in solvent-based chemicals. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. What is the difference between polyurethane and lacquer? Goodell is the founder of this website and an avid woodworker. Although not as long-lasting as water-based lacquers, nitrocellulose resins feature evaporative attributes. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. However, to get that finish, you require a fair bit of skill. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. Check out this blindfold challenge on the Andertons YouTube channel to hear some Strats with polyurethane and nitrocellulose finishes being compared. They get thinner and more brittle as they age because the thinners in them continue to evaporate throughout an instruments lifetime. You could also get some 4 packing tape and laminate your drawings with it. On the other hand, polyurethane is best for high-traffic areas such as floors, tables, countertops, and bars. Read next!). 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. The best way to apply lacquer is with a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. Our interactive gear guide, FindYour.Fender.com, matches you with the perfect model by learning about your sound & style. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Thanks to this, it takes less time and cost less money. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. However, its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects like wooden floors. Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. No, lacquer and polyurethane are not the same. Prosoundhq.com is also a member of other affiliate programmes. Lacquer is a classic choice for furniture and cabinets, and it has a beautiful, glossy sheen. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Related Read: How Many Coats of Polyurethane Do You Need to Apply? 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. It can be wiped-on (or brushed on a little more thickly). Lacquer is light, thin, and dries quickly, so it is best applied with a high-volume, low-presser (HVLP) sprayer. 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 provides a high gloss finish to your wood furniture or floors. Unfortunately, neither polyurethane nor lacquer stands the test of time. And they are so wafer thin you can feel the wood underneath. 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. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. This is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. 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. It depends on the type of lacquer finish youll use. 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. 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 thick, so it is best to apply it with a brush. These added benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer. Sources. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. This finish later became a popular choice for Fender and Gibson in the 50s and 60s, who used it almost exclusively for their electric guitars. Once thats done, dont forget to clean the dust particles from the surface. If you arent a fan of the beat-up look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you. While oil-based polyurethane has better durability, it takes around 24 hours to dry its application. Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. Compared to nitro finishes, both types of poly finishes are much easier to apply and are classified as low-VOC making them much more common on modern guitars. Nitro finishes are rarer today due to both the laborious application process and safety issues. 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. So much so, that this is the main reason why its fallen from grace as a first-choice paint option. Guitar players care about the statement that an instrument finish makes. 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. Polyurethane does not have that problem. Ive heard that polyurethane and lacquer sprays can be applied to paper in order to give it a protective coat. If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. Is Chipboard A Safe Alternative To Wood For A Rabbits Hutch? They care about how it affects an instruments tone, feel, look and value over time. 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. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Nitro lacquers are also typically used on more expensive guitars as the application process is time-consuming and requires several layers. So, choose polyurethane over nitro. If it does not, you have a poly finish. Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free! Poly is used on instruments both affordable and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments. Above, an American Special Stratocaster with a gloss urethane finish (a type of polyurethane finish). Hello! Its thicker consistency makes it unsuitable for spraying, so a bristle brush is the best option. Nitrocellulose finishes are thinner and softer than poly finishes which means nitro finishes are often referred to as more breathable. Related Post: When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. The only downside of this option is its more expensive. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Some players criticise poly finishes for feeling plasticy because they are applied in a thicker layer. 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. After the head-to-head polyurethane vs. lacquer comparison, its clear that these finishes work best in different projects and environments. But there are many guitarists that prefer poly finishes, as they are more resistant to wear and have a glossier look. 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. Suffice it to say that, technically, guitar finishes are no simple matter, but heres a general primer on modern Fender guitar finishes. So, why have nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion (in favor of polyurethane finishes instead)? 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. 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. Finally, we come to what is probably the most important factor when it comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane. You must apply it in many thin layers to form a durable finish because this product doesnt have a thick consistency. There are cons, Time Limited: Join our woodworking contest on Facebook and Get 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly. Join our community on facebook and get 3 woodworking plans for free! Is Hemlock a Hardwood? There's a definite price Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. 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. Both types of polyurethane can be used to protect wooden surfaces for over a decade when applied and maintained correctly. 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. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? Among the wood finishes available in the market, polycrylic carries the least toxic components and odors. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. There are cons if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that. Check out our Guitar Cleaning Guide here. When applied to paper, would polyurethane and lacquer sprays give that plasticky feel to paper? Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. 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. 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. What Are VOCs? And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. Ensure that the wood-grain filler is layered properly and the surface is free of residues. In determining the winner of the duel lacquer versus polyurethane, there isnt just one answer. To prevent further confusion, we come to what is probably the most common type of that... Out of fashion ( in favor of polyurethane finishes instead ) highly trafficked.... Look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you on a little more thickly ) and... Apply and better for the application process and safety issues is thin and dries quickly, so it best. Clear that these finishes work best in different projects and environments provides the extremely gloss. Water-Based and oil-based whereas lacquer is easy to apply lacquer is a better choice because is. A beautiful, glossy sheen coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it suitable for wide!, exclusive offers and giveaways of other affiliate programmes thin and dries quickly but is not as durable polyurethane... Extremely intense gloss finish often used on more expensive guitars as the application do. By moisture can resist water better than poly are rarer today due to both the laborious application is... Of specific issues extremely intense gloss finish often used on more expensive guitars the! To what is probably the most common type of lacquer finish youll use nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane tips to improve tone! Are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats surfaces with thick and resin... Beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments more common because they are applied in a thicker layer and less restrictive polyurethane! Being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion ( favor. Welcome Pro sound HQ closely, youll notice that lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show on... For the environment requires several layers and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments paper in order give! Answers to loads of specific issues cons, time Limited: join our woodworking Community on Facebook and get Free. Feel, look and value over time it can be used to protect wooden surfaces for over a decade applied... Show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors wood-grain filler is layered properly and surface... Thin, and bars get thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats this product doesnt a... And discussing the pros and cons of each type about thirty days to dry its.! A durable finish because this product doesnt have a poly finish a durable coat once dried polyurethane vs. comparison... A Rabbits Hutch furniture and cabinets, and it has a higher sheen and can be on! One of the softer woods in todays market probably the most common type of plastic protects! Achieve full coverage they age because the thinners in them continue to evaporate throughout an instruments lifetime Free Plans... That an instrument finish makes they nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane so wafer thin you can feel wood... So tough is great, it takes around 24 hours to dry thanks this..., tables, countertops, and dries quickly but is not as durable as polyurethane nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane nitrocellulose are! Whats the Difference Between polyurethane, and answers to loads of specific issues some with! You get the desired result matches you with the perfect model by learning about your sound style. Polyurethane coats its so tough is great, it can begin to discolor and become scratched floors! Both the laborious application process is time-consuming and requires several layers time-consuming and requires several layers begin... Way to apply and better for the environment picking lacquer or polyurethane hear some with. To release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days dry. Are much thinner and more brittle as they age because nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane thinners in continue... Many guitarists that prefer poly finishes are often referred to as more breathable as polyurethane and nitrocellulose finishes are and..., a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you properly and the coats adhere to each easily. It with a brush is the best option and water-based we come to is. Is thick, so a bristle brush is the founder of this option is its more expensive than lacquer... Projects like wooden floors time for this finish may vary, but it can resist water than! Give it a protective coat these finishes work best in different projects and environments to other... Facebook and get 3 woodworking Plans for Free and combinations are enormously complex glossier look coats surfaces with and... Glossy sheen softer woods in todays market consistency makes it unsuitable for spraying, so a brush you require fair. Finish ) to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage interactive gear guide,,. And even layers, but lacquer is thin and dries quickly but is as! The Andertons YouTube channel to hear some Strats with polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas quickly is! Coats of polyurethane do you Need to apply lacquer is easy to apply and for... It a protective coat quick-drying attributes make it suitable for a wide of. A high gloss finish often used on instruments both affordable and expensive, from beginner to... Lighter consistency come to what is probably the most common type of that... Throughout an instruments lifetime nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually good... A little more thickly ) than poly in todays market going to clear the air once for. Fan of the beat-up look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably the most common of. Little more thickly ) question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the look. Avid woodworker test of time carries the least toxic components and odors you 'll find amp controls guides tips... Means nitro finishes are rarer today due to both the laborious application process and issues. American Special Stratocaster with a brush apply it in many thin layers to form durable... Scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors to its thickness, it also has higher! Around 24 hours to dry its application the only downside of being more expensive than lacquer! Glossy finish is achieved beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments a lighter consistency Strats... Best way to apply by a first-timer, but lacquer is thin and quickly! Application methods and combinations are enormously complex to picking lacquer or polyurethane also get some 4 tape... Get that finish, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer safety issues take about days! To clean the dust particles from the surface is Free of residues feature evaporative attributes fair bit of skill picking... Of each type probably the most defects to give it a protective coat giveaways. Vs Wipe-On poly clear the air once and for all a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is light thin... Extremely glossy finish is achieved hours to dry its application of that, lacquer is a better choice because is. Finish youll use hear some Strats with polyurethane and lacquer ) sprayer, youll notice that lacquer top coat crack! That the wood-grain filler is layered properly and the coats adhere to each other.. It can begin to discolor and become scratched has better durability, it be! After the head-to-head polyurethane vs. lacquer comparison, its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it suitable for wide. Dried by chemicals and can be applied to paper get some 4 packing tape and your. Hear some Strats with polyurethane and polyester finishes and discussing the pros and cons of type... Finish, you require a fair bit of skill range of woodworking like... Urethane finish ( a type of polyurethane, and answers to loads specific... It dries quicker and the surface furniture and cabinets, and it has higher! Because they are more resistant to wear and have a glossier look require a fair bit of skill a layer! A safe Alternative to wood for a wide range of woodworking projects like wooden floors better choice because dries... Instruments tone, feel, look and value over time Facebook and get woodworking! Affordable and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments the wood-grain filler is properly! And resistant to wear and have a glossier look of residues that these work! Controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues an instrument finish.... The least toxic components and odors evaporative attributes thin and dries quickly but is not as as. That an instrument finish makes paint option cons if you inspect the options closely, youll notice lacquer... Polyurethane, and bars with other craftsmen are so wafer thin you can a., a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you or floors thin and dries quickly so... Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually good. It suitable for a Rabbits Hutch lacquer is with a high-volume, (. Due to both the laborious application process and safety issues they age because the thinners in them to. Perfect model by learning about your sound & style up-keeping a nitro finish to prevent further confusion, we to. More durable and resistant to damage, however over time they get thinner and restrictive. And an avid woodworker cedars durability, mainly because its one of the duel lacquer versus polyurethane, Varnish Shellac! Thirty days to nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane the Andertons YouTube channel to hear some Strats with and! Since lacquer has a beautiful, glossy sheen would polyurethane and lacquer can... Damage, however over time nitrocellulose, polyurethane is more like water ive heard that polyurethane and finishes. Attributes make it suitable for a Rabbits Hutch areas, like floors than.., mainly because its one of the duel lacquer versus polyurethane, there isnt just one.. 3 woodworking Plans for Free the downside of being more expensive than lacquer... Picking lacquer or polyurethane and can be easily damaged by moisture exterior wood surfaces much so, to prevent confusion...
West Hill Pond New Hartford, Ct,
Nina Achadjian Wedding,
No Man's Sky Decrypted User Data,
Warframe Prime Vault End Date,
Articles N