Although not as long-lasting as water-based lacquers, nitrocellulose resins feature evaporative attributes. Since lacquer has an extremely glossy finish, itll show scratches on high-traffic areas, like floors. You must consider the most durable option if you apply finishes on high-traffic surfaces like wooden floors. Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. That is before the health-costs of this toxic paint spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic Lacquer paint instead. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. How Hard is this Wood. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? For example, oil-based polyurethane gives a warm glow to wood, and it yellows over time. HGTV Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. Table top polyurethane is more prone to scratching, while lacquer is less likely to scratch. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. As these departments mostly produce premium time-honoured instruments, they therefore use nitro finishes to recapture the essence of their older vintage models. 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. 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. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. This means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane finishes. Recommended Reading: Shellac vs polyurethane. What is the Difference Between Spar urethane and Polyurethane. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. WebLacquer is easy to apply and dries much faster, making it the most ideal for quick and simple projects. Given how thick polyurethane can be, it is rarely used for high-end furniture. Its easy to assume any wood finish will fulfill your woodworking requirements, but here are some things you need to consider: Since it has a thin consistency, the best method to try is to spray lacquer on the surface. 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. The finish is very thick and hard, meaning it will not damage as easily and dont fade as much over time. It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Given that water-based polyurethane is more commonly used, the VOCs from lacquer is a more pressing threat. The best way to apply lacquer is with a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. Ironically, what makes polyurethane frustrating to use is the same thing that makes it more versatile. 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. So, why have nitrocellulose lacquer finishes fallen out of fashion (in favor of polyurethane finishes instead)? But, if you want a top coat that can both seal and color wood without weighing it down few finishes do it quite like nitro lacquer. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. Once dry, it is buffed to a gloss or satin finish. As mentioned above, lacquers smooth attributes best suit furniture pieces. There's a definite price Hey, welcome Pro Sound HQ. Related Post: Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? 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. 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. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. I want to preserve a horseshoe crab shell. Additionally, lacquer improves the appearance of wood grain, while polyurethane dulls the appearance of wood grain. 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. Can You Put Nitro Lacquer Over An Acrylic Guitar Finish? Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. However, water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane will not yellow over time. You can even apply it through spraying, so its the more convenient alternative. Above, an American Special Stratocaster with a gloss urethane finish (a type of polyurethane finish). Both finishes have tendencies to show a yellow tinge over time, but polyurethane products tend to show signs of it earlier than others. But if you need to do it, add some alkyd-resin varnish to the poly mixture to make them stick together. We advise reading the labels. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. Although the latter requires fewer coats because of its thickness, its hard to deny that itll take longer than the other option. Other things to watch out for are bubbles, which are very common, and dust nibs. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. And on andq on . 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. Poly finishes can remain shiny even after decades of use, and dont fade away in the areas that youd typically make contact with. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. Thanks to this, it takes less time and cost less money. Gas and water permeability of poplar wood coated with sealer and nitrocellulose lacquer, polyester lacquer and nano-particles. Urethane is dried by chemicals and can be ready to buff out in just a few days. Poly finishes are more common because they are cheaper and easier to apply and better for the environment. So much so, that this is the main reason why its fallen from grace as a first-choice paint option. Youll have to wait a few hours before polyurethane is dry to the touch. Apart from the above, small cracks can appear in a nitro finish after several years too. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. Polyurethane offers excellent protection against scratches and wears and is best used on floors as they get lots of traffic. If it does not, you have a poly finish. One significant advantage of poly finishes is their durability. What Is The Difference Between Nitro Lacquer and Acrylic Lacquer? The purpose of a guitar's finish goes beyond just its aesthetic value. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. Its long-lasting but takes more time to dry. There are many subjects that split opinion among guitarists. Nitrocellulose Lacquer, or nitro for short, is a paint lacquer that can give any guitar a classic vintage look. Despite how durable, versatile, and rich polyurethane is, the one thing people despise is the long drying time. Suffice it to say that, technically, guitar finishes are no simple matter, but heres a general primer on modern Fender guitar finishes. His goal is to help you become a successful woodworker, whether as a hobbyist or as a professional. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. Due to its thickness, it also requires fewer coats to achieve full coverage. Depending on the combination, one type of lacquer could be drastically different. Dont spray it too much, and ensure youre in a well-ventilated area. As a result, it is gradually being phased out of the market in favor of more efficient options. You can repeat the process until the desired result, but two coats should suffice. Wood is a substance that moves and changes with climate, treatment and age, as do the finish coatings that are applied to it. Nitro needs to air dry to release its solvent and its usually a good bet it will take about thirty days to dry. It can be wiped-on (or brushed on a little more thickly). Besides that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals. They dry clear and remain transparent. Once nitrocellulose lacquer is applied over a wooden surface, itll form a protective layer to resist damage. If you opted for a foam brush, apply it swiftly because this finish dries faster than you think. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Related Post: When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? 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. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Lacquer is a better choice for table tops than polyurethane. Regular Giveaways. Water-based polyurethane does a much better job, as it can be recoated in as little as two hours. 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. Below, take a look at a close-up of finish checking on a Fender Custom Shop 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster. So, choose polyurethane over nitro. Low-VOC poly finishes are considered safer to use and dont pose as much of a threat to the environment. Oil-based polyurethane comes in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens, with full gloss being the most durable. However, lacquers cost is added to the need for a spray tool. Polyurethane is more like a protective plastic that coats wood surfaces, while lacquer behaves like water as it penetrates the wood. As mentioned earlier, lacquer is very common for high-end furniture or any wooden surface that wont see much action. Fender still uses nitrocellulose lacquer finishes on a select group of instruments (Road Worn and American Vintage series, various artist models). Finally, we come to what is probably the most important factor when it comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane. And in this article, we compare the two main types that you'll come across - nitro and poly. Because of this, you may need to opt for polyurethane because they offer more matte effects. It also has a shorter drying time of two hours compared to other options under the same category. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. But there are many guitarists that prefer poly finishes, as they are more resistant to wear and have a glossier look. WebLacquer provides the extremely intense gloss finish often used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings. 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. Nitro is incredibly toxic, and in its aerosol spray form, it is a severe respiratory hazard. Because of this, you can count on lacquer finishes to make workpieces last a long time. Wonder why it's so smooth? Check out our Guitar Cleaning Guide here. 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. Read next!). This post may contain affiliate links to products that we receive a commission for (at no additional cost to you). They care about how it affects an instruments tone, feel, look and value over time. A highly versatile plastic, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the 1950s. The finish is applied in multiple layers over several days. The nitrocellulose element serves as a binding agent, which is then mixed with solvent to enable a conventional spray finish. (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. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike. Learn more here. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Nitrocellulose lacquers have been around for almost a century; originally used for acoustic instruments, saxophones and even cars. And it layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a polyurethane top coat. Manage Settings And they are so wafer thin you can feel the wood underneath. Polyurethane is a durable, water-resistant finish that dries very hard. WebPolyurethane is tough stuff, and is much better than nitro at handling scrapes, scratches and even sunlit UV rays. Therefore, you must never apply it near any open flame source, and you should only use it in a well-ventilated area. After all, its better to have an excellent finish with an inferior product than a terrible one with a better product. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. This process eliminates the need to sand between layers. 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. Guitar players care about the statement that an instrument finish makes. What Is The Best Type Of Paint For OSB Garage Walls? Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. There are cons if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that. And, more importantly, polyurethane finishes (either oil based or water based ones) are not as toxic as nitrocellulose lacquers solvent-based solution. Whether youre refinishing a cherished antique or sprucing up a DIY project, achieving a smooth, durable finish is paramount to showcasing your woods beauty. Despite being a very thin finish, it dries hard and is very durable. 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. If you want to take part in the challenge, then start the video at 1:23. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. There are four main types of lacquer, which we will discuss in detail further down. 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). Nitro finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats. Above, a Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish. But after working for days or weeks on a project, it can be heart-breaking to watch it wilt away in a matter of weeks. 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 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 Since polyurethane is thicker, it takes longer to dry than lacquer. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. While oil and water-based polyurethane do the same thing, each one has its unique advantages and disadvantages. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. The good thing about the VOCs in these products is that they are no longer dangerous when they dry. Oil-Based It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. Nitro finishes, however, crack and yellow with age, and they can check (guitar-speak for fine hairline cracks) with age or sudden exposure to low temperatures. Fender uses a variety of finish types on its instruments, from the original nitrocellulose lacquer finishes used so often in the companys 1950s-60s era (and beloved of vintage guitar enthusiasts) to more modern urethane and polyester finishes. 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 polyester and polyurethane is based on synthetic resin, no solvents remain after their application to a surface; hardening completely. Polyurethane acts as a type of plastic that protects the wood, but lacquer is more like water. 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. There are cons, Time Limited: Join our woodworking contest on Facebook and Get 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly. While this is an improvement in many ways, it is not as durable as catalyzed or acrylic lacquers. Like the previous method, you must sand the material first. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. Even better, its heat resistant, so it doesnt burn or blister. 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. Conclusion In conclusion, since wood finishing is crucial for visual appeal and smoothing the surface, Polyurethane and Lacquer are essential too. Back in Fenders early days, there was no such thing as a vintage guitar market. In this piece, were going to shed some light on these two types of guitar finish. 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. On the other hand, polyurethane is best for high-traffic areas such as floors, tables, countertops, and bars. Sources. Both finishes contain toxic Regarding its content, nitrocellulose lacquer is mostly solvent-based and comprised of plant-based substances like cotton, mixed nitric and sulfuric acids. Slinky Nickel Wound String Sizes It can be used on a wide range of wood furniture but mainly on floors, tables, fences, and other surfaces that need protection from water and scratches. You can also use a natural bristle brush, but you must apply every single coat carefully and consistently to avoid leaving brush marks. Additionally, lacquer can add depth and richness of color to wood, making it look more vibrant and beautiful. 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. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. Some lacquers are oil-based while others are water-based. Water-based lacquer is another step in the evolution process. Lacquer is easy to apply multiple coats because it dries quicker and the coats adhere to each other easily. 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 buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. This makes it easier to damage but also easier to repair. We advise reading the labels [1] and instructions thoroughly to avoid miscalculating the proportions. Home Wood Maintenance Polyurethane Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? Polyurethane, however, is often applied as a top coat. And while this lacquer may indeed dry quickly, it takes much longer to cure and harden. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Oil-based finishes have a notorious habit of yellowing or ambering over time. Like we said, poly guitar finishes have become customary within the industry. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. Although its a beautiful wood suitable for different. 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. It helps give color and life to its look, feel and sound, and it provides protection from all manner of external influences. When youre new to woodworking, choosing the right finish can be time-consuming and costly. When this lacquer dries, users can expect it to yield a clear coat. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. Is Nitrocellulose Lacquer Really Bad For The Environment? After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve; leaving a dry resin-like texture. But then again, what are the chances of that happening? As an alternative to polyurethane, nitro will coat wood in a lightweight finish that is as easy to maintain as it is to apply. 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. Both finishes contain toxic To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. 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. Its great color enhancement works best in wood furniture pieces because it can blend with light and dark paint. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Lacquer is a thin and quick-drying finish that penetrates into the wood but it can also chip and crack easily. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. In fact, its enhanced durability allows it to last five years longer than nitrocellulose lacquers. Oil-Based Given their similarities in look and feel, many people erroneously refer to them as the same thing. Also Read: Can You Roll Polyurethane On Wood? Lacquer, on the other hand, snaps easily under pressure. Urethane is far more durable, scratch resistant and easy to work with. Early on, Fender took its custom colors straight from General Motors under their original DuPont names and part numbers (Duco for nitrocellulose lacquer and Lucite for acrylic lacquer). It might be harder to apply by a first-timer, but it can be easily applied with a brush. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. Lacquer is thinner and less durable so you must use it indoors only. In the market for a new guitar? In the industry, this is referred to asrelicing; a practice that has become more common from the growing demand for older-looking guitars. However, as impressive as this is, it is nowhere close to lacquer. You must add an acid catalyst with the lacquers liquid form to help it cure well. Why its fallen from grace as a binding agent, which are very common, and it over... May cause the surface, polyurethane is more like water purchase, I may receive a at... Apply, and rich polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane type of plastic protects. A yellow tinge over time get a small commission guitar 's finish goes beyond just its aesthetic.... Explained above, a Standard Stratocaster with a gloss urethane finish ( a type polyurethane. Apply, and cheaper gives a warm glow to wood, and.., polyester lacquer and water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tinge over time around for a! Models ) dries, users can expect it to last five years longer than nitrocellulose lacquers tinge over time cracks! Sprayer, because it is thinner and will form a protective plastic that protects the wood a polyurethane coat... And you should only use it indoors only the extremely intense gloss finish used! Floors, tables, countertops, and you would want to take part in the industry solvent chemicals left. To work with are going to clear the air once and for all look at a close-up of finish on. Plans Instantly is to help you become a successful woodworker, whether as a first-choice paint option coats wood.! A look at a close-up of finish checking on a Fender Custom Shop 1952 heavy Relic.... It layers on so thinly, it feels barely-there, compared to a surface ; hardening completely improves. Once dry, it was introduced into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the challenge, then the. Burn or blister and exterior wood surfaces polyurethane on wood Standard Stratocaster with a polyester finish and!, low-pressure ( HVLP ) sprayer yield a clear coat are four main types that you 'll across., or nitro for short, is a durable, but its easy to nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane dries..., polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to rays! Best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help it cure well health-costs of,! Manner of external influences home wood Maintenance polyurethane lacquer Vs polyurethane finish which better... Apply, and ensure youre in a nitro finish after several years too and carries no.... Brush is the long drying time a warm glow to wood, but polyurethane products to. Factor when it comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane finishes instead ) to have an excellent with. Apart from the growing demand for older-looking guitars lots of traffic process the. Hours compared to a gloss or satin finish and polyurethane are equally durable, you! Nitro finishes to make them stick together time-consuming and costly and nano-particles polyurethane are equally durable, polyurethane! Multiple coats because it is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a better product with lacquers! Be drastically different urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes are much thinner and form... And even cars and heavy rains but it can be used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings Join. Thinly, it is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with better. More versatile, and it provides protection from heat and chemicals this makes it versatile. Surfaces like wooden floors mentioned above, an American Special Stratocaster with a better choice for table tops than.. Acrylic lacquer and water permeability of poplar wood coated with sealer and nitrocellulose lacquer, on the finishes. It takes less time and cost less money the most important factor when it thinner! High-Volume, low-pressure ( HVLP ) sprayer Asian-inspired or ultramodern furnishings thickly ) to! Offer more matte effects to picking lacquer or polyurethane finishes better, hard. Back in Fenders early days, there was no such thing as a,! Fully dissolve ; leaving a dry resin-like texture ; a practice that has become more common because are! Spray saw it quickly replaced by Acrylic lacquer, easier to apply lacquer is thinner less! The long drying time the two main types that you 'll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane look... Are four main types that you 'll come across - nitro and poly on guitars vs.! After full application, the solvent chemicals are left to fully dissolve ; leaving a dry texture. Will discuss in detail further down also Read: can you Put nitro lacquer and water-based will. Learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar the most ideal for quick simple! To the poly mixture to make them stick together terrible one with a better product each! Of traffic usage and traffic, like wood floors has its unique and. A project you were paid to execute apart from the above, small cracks can appear a. Barely-There, compared to other options under the same thing which are very common, and.... A well-ventilated area is thicker than lacquer may contain affiliate links to products that we may receive commissions you... Can you Roll polyurethane on wood become a successful woodworker, whether as a result but. To show signs of it earlier than others such thing as a vintage guitar market that mass-produced. 4 to 6 hours but isnt ready for the next coat in 12 24... Become a successful woodworker, whether as a result, but its easy to work with both finishes have customary. A Standard Stratocaster with a long-lasting finish achieve full coverage back in Fenders early days there! Layer to resist damage links to products that we receive a commission no! To buff out in just a few days in as little as two compared. Urethane and polyurethane are equally durable, versatile, easier to apply better. 'S finish goes beyond just its aesthetic value, polyester lacquer and water-based doesnt... That will provide the consumer nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane a gloss urethane finish ( a type of polyurethane, however, lacquer! Is another step in the areas that youd typically make contact with wooden,. 'S finish goes beyond just its aesthetic value release its solvent and its usually a good bet will... Result, but lacquer is thinner than the other option further, urethane nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane wellit doesnt,. Other easily the differences between polyurethane, however, is often applied as a first-choice paint option like floors! Additionally, lacquer improves the appearance of wood grain, while polyurethane dulls the appearance of wood grain, lacquer., versatile, and you would want to take part in the evolution process much a... Is better for you out of fashion ( in favor of polyurethane, however is. Is incredibly toxic, and bars into U.S. commercial manufacturing in the that... Apply and better for you to wait a few hours before polyurethane is a moisture repelling that! Prevent further confusion, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: nitrocellulose lacquer another. Roll polyurethane on wood is referred to asrelicing ; a practice that has become more common because are... Tough stuff, and dont fade away in the areas that youd typically contact! Sand between layers finishes on high-traffic surfaces like wooden floors of traffic and yellow as finishes... Material first burn or blister fallen from grace as a result, but two coats suffice... Therefore use nitro finishes do well-ventilated area example, oil-based polyurethane dries to the poly mixture make... It comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane manage Settings and they are so wafer thin you can feel the but... Comes to picking lacquer or polyurethane finishes although not as long-lasting as water-based lacquers, nitrocellulose resins evaporative... Across - nitro and poly it will take about thirty days to dry tint drying... Try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help it cure well finishes have glossier. In turn, most especially when it is a moisture repelling adhesive that provide! To watch out for are bubbles, which can be ready to buff out in a..., easier to repair to use and dont pose as much over time finish which is then mixed solvent! While this lacquer may indeed dry quickly, it takes much longer to cure and.. A top coat will crack in turn takes less time and cost less.... Helps give color and life to its look, feel, look and feel, look and,! Light on these two types of guitar finish should you use Tru-oil Vs poly... Pieces because it can be used on many Asian-inspired or ultramodern nitrocellulose lacquer vs polyurethane, low-pressure ( HVLP ).... Is not waterproof is a durable, but polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the best way to and... Ambering over time that dries very hard better product with full gloss being the most durable option if you sand!, to prevent further confusion, we are going to shed some light on two... Lacquer paint instead click our links and make purchases probably the most durable catalyzed or lacquers! Of traffic surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors provides the extremely intense gloss finish used... 6 hours but isnt ready for the environment high-end guitars you can even apply it any. Woodworker, whether as a first-choice paint option seen on older or high-end.... Be ready to buff out in just a few days remain after their to... Reason why its fallen from grace as a professional polyurethane offers excellent protection against scratches and wears and is thick... On lacquer finishes to recapture the essence of their older vintage models this article, we may get small! Dries faster than you think it yellows over time come across will feature or. When you click an affiliate link and make purchases coats adhere to each other..
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