If you want to take part in the challenge, then start the video at 1:23. Lacquer is more affordable, but its also less durable and doesnt hold up as well to wear and tear. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. This yields a smooth finish. Lacquer provides a high gloss finish to your wood furniture or floors. Despite the advancements in durability, it will still yellow over time, and the VOC count is still high. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. 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 There are cons, Time Limited: Join our woodworking contest on Facebook and Get 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly. Ensure that the wood-grain filler is layered properly and the surface is free of residues. In this article Ill be comparing nitrocellulose, polyurethane and polyester finishes and discussing the pros and cons of each type. It is advisable? Privacy Policy. It protects the wood underneath while providing an even surface for nitro lacquer to bond to. When finishing cabinets, the product youll need depends on the materials paint quality. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. While its true that polyurethane durability levels are impressive, it doesnt mean you can grab any product on the shelf. You can also opt for foam brushes or rollers if youre handling wider surfaces. Lacquer and polyurethane emit high quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them unsafe for people with breathing difficulties. A guitars look is a major part of the statement that guitarists make to the world about themselves. Even better, its heat resistant, so it doesnt burn or blister. No, lacquer and polyurethane are not the same. The nitro finish is slightly porous compared to poly finishes, which means its softer. So, even though you could technically use lacquer on hardwood floors, the drying time makes it impractical. On the other hand, polyurethane is thick, so it is best to apply it with a brush. Despite how durable, versatile, and rich polyurethane is, the one thing people despise is the long drying time. 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. If youre not satisfied, you can remove the lacquer from wood again and repeat the steps. Manage Settings Also Read: Can You Roll Polyurethane On Wood? We advise reading the labels. Water-based polyurethane does a much better job, as it can be recoated in as little as two hours. This means that dings and scratches are more visible on guitars with nitro finishes, and much easier to inflict. 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. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Scale Mexican vs American Fender Stratocaster: The Actual Differences. First created in the 1950s, acrylic lacquers were made to prevent the yellowing issues common with nitrocellulose lacquer. Below, take a look at a close-up of finish checking on a Fender Custom Shop 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster. Deciding what gets the upper hand in lacquer vs poly is even more complicated. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. 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. Their strength makes them more resistant to cracks as they cover the instrument more successfully, lessening the chance of wood expansion/contraction. It would be best to sand the surface between poly coats with 320-grit sandpaper to enhance surface adhesions. Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. Thick and hard, polyester finishes were introduced in several industries that decademusical instrument manufacturing includedand quickly proved popular. Given how thick polyurethane can be, it is rarely used for high-end furniture. 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. Both finishes contain toxic Before proceeding with the application, ensure that you wear the right protective gear to stay safe from harmful fumes. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. This lacquer paint is mostly used as a way to give wooden instruments a bold change of color. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. 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. Because of this, you can count on lacquer finishes to make workpieces last a long time. This means that multiple layers of polyester or polyurethane arent necessary, unlike nitro finishes that require many. This means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane finishes. There are four main types of lacquer, which we will discuss in detail further down. With just two coats of lacquer, your cabinets will be fully protected. 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. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. It all depends on the ingredients used in the lacquer. Is Hemlock a Hardwood? What Is A Poly Guitar Finish All About Then? Finally, we come to what is probably the most important factor when it comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane. After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. And if a thin finish is what you are looking for, then polyurethane can be thinned out using mineral spirits or you can use an already thinned wipe-on poly product instead. 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. Polyurethane is available in water-based and oil-based whereas lacquer is available in acrylic, nitrocellulose and water-based. 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. 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. While ancient lacquers were eco-friendly, modern ones include more chemicals and emit a high amount of (VOCs). You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. When youre new to woodworking, choosing the right finish can be time-consuming and costly. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. Nevertheless, you must know that polyurethane features better protection against water damage. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. While acrylic lacquer solved the yellowing issue, water-based lacquer tackles the toxicity problem. However, its thin coats that provide quick-drying attributes make it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects like wooden floors. Like polyurethane, polyester finishes look great, age well and are extremely durable. But if you need to do it, add some alkyd-resin varnish to the poly mixture to make them stick together. A high build lacquer spray or polyurethane spray like rust oleum? 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. 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. Water-based polyurethane is a type of polyurethane paint that uses water as the main carrier. While it is hard to draw a firm line between the two, there are instances in which one will outperform the other. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. 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. Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. Thats because, while this finish can yellow with age, it doesnt leave your guitar looking dated. These added benefits of acrylic lacquer come with the downside of being more expensive than nitrocellulose lacquer. Wonder why it's so smooth? Practice caution when applying multiple coats with oil-based polyurethanes, as an incorrect application may cause the surface not to process the finish well. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. Polyurethane finishes are seen on more premium guitars and are used on most American Fender models today. HGTV Friendly Community. A fan of '90s rock, vintage Formula 1 and offensive comedy he often feels like he was born in the wrong decade. Lacquer is thin and dries quickly but is not as durable as polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. If you're shopping for a new guitar, you should therefore consider the finish that it has. The substances themselves and their various application methods and combinations are enormously complex. Despite being a very thin finish, it dries hard and is very durable. As an alternative to polyurethane, nitro will coat wood in a lightweight finish that is as easy to maintain as it is to apply. 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. These emit significantly fewer VOCs and are not as flammable. Besides its glossy finish, the best attribute acrylic lacquer can offer better than others is its resistance to yellowing. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. Oil-based finishes have a notorious habit of yellowing or ambering over time. The bulk of the danger is during the application process. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Im actually looking for something that could give my paper drawings and inkjet images a plasticky feel to it. 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. 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. Although not as long-lasting as water-based lacquers, nitrocellulose resins feature evaporative attributes. 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. In his spare time, Elliot browses eBay for second-hand Music Man guitars, Marshalls and merch from bands you've never heard of. And while the latter penetrates through the wood to make it long-lasting, it can develop discoloration and visible scratches over time. The drying time for this finish may vary, but it forms a durable coat once dried. The difference between polyurethane and lacquer is that Polyurethane is a thicker and more durable sealant that takes longer to dry. Attempting to relic a poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all! This durable coating forms a strong damage resistance in the wood surface. Its not the easiest finish to apply on hardwood floors, but you can fix that by mixing some thinning agent. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. So, you could apply 4 to five coats before you wouldve applied the second one of even the fastest drying polyurethane. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. Wonder why it's so smooth? Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. 2. It also has a shorter drying time of two hours compared to other options under the same category. The only downside of this option is its more expensive. It can be, but it doesnt have to be. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. Finally, lacquer dries faster than polyurethane, so its less likely to cause bubbles or streaks in the finish. Lacquer is a better choice for table tops than polyurethane. Nitrocellulose lacquer (nitro) was the finish most often used during Fenders original 1950s and 60s golden age, although acrylic lacquers were also used. However, our experts suggest being careful when using a high volume of this finish as its highly flammable. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. You must add an acid catalyst with the lacquers liquid form to help it cure well. Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. Thanks to this, it takes less time and cost less money. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. Let the first coating dry according to instructions before sanding it lightly to enhance adherence to the next application. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Oil-Based Its thicker consistency makes it unsuitable for spraying, so a bristle brush is the best option. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. 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. Wood is a substance that moves and changes with climate, treatment and age, as do the finish coatings that are applied to it. Unfortunately, lacquer is also known to peel and discolor over time. Acetone works like a Lacquer thinner, and it can be used to remove both nitro and acrylic paint. Its says youre state-of-art or old-school; classic or cutting edge. When applied to paper, would polyurethane and lacquer sprays give that plasticky feel to paper? Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. Some of these finishes also include attributes of oil-based and water-based polyurethanes. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. You can apply them using a foam roller, bristle brush, or synthetic polymers. Instead of penetrating the wood, it stays on the surface, making it a lot harder to damage the project, even after several years. Besides that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals. It gives the furniture a glossy and smooth finish, making it look more expensive and luxurious. Poly finishes are slightly glossier than nitro finishes and will retain this glossiness for longer compared nitro finishes which are more prone to fading. Oil-Based But because of this, some therefore believe that poly-finished guitars sound somewhat neutered and less acoustically resonant, with reduced sustain. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. As nitrocellulose is easy to damage and manipulate, most relicd guitars youll come across will have this finish. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. 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. The overwhelmingly negative health effects of nitro lacquer has meant that its rarely used by manufacturers in mass-production lines (such as car manufacturing). Sources. This requirement eventually adds up to its cost, instead of the cheaper option of brushing lacquer on wood surfaces. 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. It is also more water-resistant than lacquer too as lacquer can be easily damaged by moisture. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. There are cons if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that. One of the biggest advantages polyurethane has over nitro, is its durability. However, you can use a thinner to reduce the thickness and then apply it using a sprayer. The good thing is both options have less toxic variations like water-based lacquer and polycrylic. It forms a hard, glossy finish that is durable and easy to clean. So, to prevent further confusion, we are going to clear the air once and for all. That is why choosing the right finish is critical, most especially when it is a project you were paid to execute. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Be the first to know about new products, featured content, exclusive offers and giveaways. 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. Place it against the unnoticeable section of your guitar. Since the latter has a thicker consistency, applying this product with tools like spray cans can be hard. 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. Is Chipboard Safe Enough For A Guinea Pigs Home? However, you can opt for a thin coat of polyurethane for added durability if the cabinet has low-quality paintwork. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. Poly finishes can remain shiny even after decades of use, and dont fade away in the areas that youd typically make contact with. This is the most common type of lacquer and the one with the most defects. However, as impressive as this is, it is nowhere close to lacquer. 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