Get a cotton bud and dip it in Acetone. 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). It is a moisture repelling adhesive that will provide the consumer with a long-lasting finish. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. It is absorbed into the surface of the wood, forming a stronger bond that is more difficult to disrupt. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. Yes, you might make mistakes, but all you need is a bit of solvent, such as white spirit, to solve your problem. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. And as poly peels, that lacquer top coat will crack in turn. When this lacquer dries, users can expect it to yield a clear coat. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. It is extremely durable and resistant to damage, however over time it can begin to discolor and become scratched. 1. Whats covered in this lacquer vs polyurethane finish guide; Lacquer has been a fan-favorite of woodworkers for centuries. With just two coats of lacquer, your cabinets will be fully protected. Don't Put Nitro Lacquer Over That Polyurethane Finish, Dont Put Nitro Lacquer Over That Polyurethane Finish [Heres Why], When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? (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. It possesses all of the unsavory characteristics above: it is not heat resistant, is highly flammable, yellows, and is highly toxic. Since it cannot withstand high temperatures, it is ideal for interior use only. If you inspect the options closely, youll notice that lacquer has a lighter consistency. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thewoodworkplace_com-leader-2','ezslot_8',152,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-leader-2-0');By dabbing it with Acetone. Take a step back and assess which option will get the job done better. Water-based alternatives are less toxic and faster at drying than oil-based polyurethane. Once nitrocellulose lacquer is applied over a wooden surface, itll form a protective layer to resist damage. We advise reading the labels. They get thinner and more brittle as they age because the thinners in them continue to evaporate throughout an instruments lifetime. This means that dings and scratches are more visible on guitars with nitro finishes, and much easier to inflict. Youll also need to use the same finish on banisters to show consistency. Its thicker consistency makes it unsuitable for spraying, so a bristle brush is the best option. Water-based polyurethane is a type of polyurethane paint that uses water as the main carrier. Lacquer is also very durable, so it can help protect your furniture from scratches and other damage. Lacquer is thin and dries quickly but is not as durable as polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas. 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. 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. They dry clear and remain transparent. Besides its glossy finish, the best attribute acrylic lacquer can offer better than others is its resistance to yellowing. Because of this, you can count on lacquer finishes to make workpieces last a long time. This is the most common type of lacquer and the one with the most defects. 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. Nitro finishes are rarer today due to both the laborious application process and safety issues. Interested in finding out more about music gear and expanding your knowledge? Lacquer is a type of finishing agent that is often used on high-end furniture. Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. Since lacquer has shorter drying times, its not versatile enough for wider applications. 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. Meanwhile, lacquer is only limited to extreme gloss and matte options. Once thats done, dont forget to clean the dust particles from the surface. A, New DIYers often question cedars durability, mainly because its one of the softer woods in todays market. 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. Once dry, it is buffed to a gloss or satin finish. Both lacquer and polyurethane do this excellently. Variants in use include satin nitrocellulose lacquer (Highway One models, Jim Root Stratocaster), which is a flatter finish, and thin-skin nitrocellulose lacquer (Vintage Hot Rod models), which has a thinner sanding sealer or lacquer undercoat. Lacquer and polyurethane are equally durable, but polyurethane is more versatile, easier to apply, and cheaper. If you arent a fan of the beat-up look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you. Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. However, water-based poly is less durable than oil-based ones. Hi , I am working on a chalk painted coffee table . If youre not keen on mixing it, you can buy a ready-to-use pre-catalyzed lacquer. Friendly Community. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal when you want long-lasting protection for pieces that have to take more abuse, such as hardwood floors. Its also more environmentally friendly because water-based polyurethane doesnt leave a yellow tint upon drying and carries no odor. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. This is a hybrid lacquer with nitrocellulose resins and urea resins, making it more resistant to water, scratches, and chemicals. Although it dries slower, polyurethane offers better durability than lacquer because of its thick consistency. Nevertheless, you must know that polyurethane features better protection against water damage. Is Chipboard Safe Enough For A Guinea Pigs Home? Poly is used on instruments both affordable and expensive, from beginner guitars to premium hand-made instruments. Is Chipboard A Safe Alternative To Wood For A Rabbits Hutch? Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? You must also sand down the material to make it smooth and even. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitars wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewoodworkplace_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_15',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-narrow-sky-1-0');But, polyurethane lasts longer, and it does a much better job at protecting your instrument. It helps give color and life to its look, feel and sound, and it provides protection from all manner of external influences. Here is a link to the article. The difference between polyurethane and lacquer is that Polyurethane is a thicker and more durable sealant that takes longer to dry. To Wrap Up, Is Nitro Better Than Polyurethane (Or Vice Versa)? Web122K subscribers In this video we discuss the differences between polyurethane and nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically as they apply to guitar finishing. This is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved. Related Post: When Should You Use Tru-oil Vs Wipe-On Poly? It also has a higher sheen and can be used on both interior and exterior wood surfaces. Whats the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer? HGTV Polyurethane and polyester guitar finishes are considered the industry standard; the modern norm if you will. Gas and water permeability of poplar wood coated with sealer and nitrocellulose lacquer, polyester lacquer and nano-particles. Its long-lasting but takes more time to dry. Polyurethane finishes are products made of plastic components in liquid forms. Sources. Read: What is the Difference Between Spar urethane and Polyurethane. 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. What is the Difference Between Spar urethane and Polyurethane. Some of these finishes also include attributes of oil-based and water-based polyurethanes. 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. Problem 4: Scratch-Resistance. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. Home Wood Maintenance Polyurethane Lacquer vs Polyurethane Finish Which is Better for You? Both of these products will yellow, though polyurethane yellows much quicker. You must consider the most durable option if you apply finishes on high-traffic surfaces like wooden floors. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. You may think you can use any protective coat to achieve a durable finish, but did you know that not all finishing products can result in the same quality? There are cons if you dont sand between coats of polyurethane, and you would want to avoid that. And as we explained, nitrocellulose lacquer is thin and slightly porous, meaning that the wood its applied to is more prone to this issue. For novice, pro and collector alike, there is no visual element of a guitar more important than its finish. 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. 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