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. Finally, lacquer dries faster than polyurethane, so its less likely to cause bubbles or streaks in the finish. And because some cabinet types are covered with high-sheen paints, applying wood finishes isnt necessary. Like the previous method, you must sand the material first. Exterior polyurethane is formulated with additives that make the paint coating resistant to UV rays. In short, polyurethane is more durable because it is a tough nut to crack. Polyurethane protects the wood by forming a plastic-like coating, while lacquer is a water-based product. They look glossy, not plastic like polyurethane. Once refined, these products offer a glossy and extremely durable finish. 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. Once nitrocellulose lacquer is applied over a wooden surface, itll form a protective layer to resist damage. Besides that, all lacquers offer little protection from heat and chemicals. Privacy Policy. It all depends on the ingredients used in the lacquer. Costs less than applying polyurethane finishes, Consult the manuals for the correct drying duration. 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. In this video, we discuss the eternal Great Debate: Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish on guitars, vs. polyurethane. Believe it or not, both lacquer and polyurethane carry high levels of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Lacquer is more affordable, but its also less durable and doesnt hold up as well to wear and tear. Hello! Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. Is Chipboard A Safe Alternative To Wood For A Rabbits Hutch? Lacquer vs polyurethane durability. Most woodworkers would tell you lacquer is most effective when used as a wood furniture finish. The chief advantage of polyester is that it makes for a colorful and extremely tough, durable finish. Since polyurethane is thicker, it takes longer to dry than lacquer. There are two types of poly finishes: polyurethane and polyester. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. For example, oil-based polyurethane gives a warm glow to wood, and it yellows over time. Attempting to relic a poly-finished guitar would not look very convincing at all! This is then hand-buffed and sanded until a glossy finish is achieved. What works well with it ? So, to prevent further confusion, we are going to clear the air once and for all. Lacquer is also very durable, so it can help protect your furniture from scratches and other damage. On the other hand, polyurethanes durability works best for surfaces with frequent usage and traffic, like wood floors. The difference in the two are night and day. Before adding the next coat, smoothen the area with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean again. Nitro finishes are typically seen on older or high-end guitars. 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. Despite how durable, versatile, and rich polyurethane is, the one thing people despise is the long drying time. So it really depends on the specific product youre using. 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 Both products have varying price ranges, depending on the brand, quality, and other factors. It says your style is flamboyant or that its laid-back. This varnish is rather thick and hard to handle. While this is an improvement in many ways, it is not as durable as catalyzed or acrylic lacquers. But of course, theres no harm in choosing post-catalyzed lacquer. Poly finishes can remain shiny even after decades of use, and dont fade away in the areas that youd typically make contact with. Is Chipboard Safe Enough For A Guinea Pigs Home? Depends on what youre looking for in a finish. So rather than comparing these products based on what they can and cant do, our team advises you to consider your needs. Upgrading your Budget Guitar vs. Buying a New Guitar. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',151,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewoodworkplace_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Nitro coats are much thinner than polyurethane finishes. Polyurethane is also highly flammable, but it is not as sensitive. It forms a hard, glossy finish that is durable and easy to clean. Its long-lasting but takes more time to dry. WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. Scale Mexican vs American Fender Stratocaster: The Actual Differences. It's applied via a sprayer, because it is thinner than the other finishes. Sources. On the other hand, polyurethane is best for high-traffic areas such as floors, tables, countertops, and bars. If the finish softens, you have a lacquer finish. 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. Join Our Woodworking Community on Facebook And Get 3 Woodworking Plans for Free! 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. Polyurethane, while liquid, is still plastic. 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.. Anyways, it doesnt have to feel exactly like scotch tape but simple more of a plastic like texture than what paper normally feels like! You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Polyurethane finishes are seen on more premium guitars and are used on most American Fender models today. Polyurethane coat needs sanding for multiple coats. Ernie Ball Slinky String Guide: Comparison and Which to Choose. It depends on the type of lacquer finish youll use. You could also get some 4 packing tape and laminate your drawings with it. After all, its better to have an excellent finish with an inferior product than a terrible one with a better product. However, water-based lacquer and water-based polyurethane will not yellow over time. Lacquer is thin and dries quickly but is not as durable as polyurethane and isnt recommended for highly trafficked areas. You Might Want to Read: Stains vs Varnishes. Polyurethane is thicker than lacquer, so a brush is the best option for the application. And in this article, we compare the two main types that you'll come across - nitro and poly. Read morehere. However, both nitro and poly finishes are in fact plastic. Nitro finishes are much thinner and less restrictive than polyurethane coats. Slinky Nickel Wound String Sizes When finishing cabinets, the product youll need depends on the materials paint quality. Water-based polyurethane does a much better job, as it can be recoated in as little as two hours. Further, urethane ages wellit doesnt check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. 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. Polyurethane and polyester guitar finishes are considered the industry standard; the modern norm if you will. This means that most mass-produced guitars youll come across will feature polyester or polyurethane finishes. You must also sand down the material to make it smooth and even. The overwhelmingly negative health effects of nitro lacquer has meant that its rarely used by manufacturers in mass-production lines (such as car manufacturing). Polyurethane is a thicker liquid that can offer resistance to scratches and heavy rains. Polyurethane is more durable and less likely to chip or flake than lacquer. Ensure that the wood-grain filler is layered properly and the surface is free of residues. Hey, I'm Heather. One of the determining factors when choosing a wood finish is how easy it is to apply. Click here to view all of our Labs articles! WebAs explained above, polyurethane is thicker than lacquer. When youre new to woodworking, choosing the right finish can be time-consuming and costly. On the other hand, polyurethane is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it has a thicker and more durable finish. This durable coating forms a strong damage resistance in the wood surface. Modge Podge from any craft store will do what youre looking for. Lacquer has a watery consistency, which can be temperamental, but its easy to handle. 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. Oil-Based These emit significantly fewer VOCs and are not as flammable. Our interactive gear guide, FindYour.Fender.com, matches you with the perfect model by learning about your sound & style. WebIn 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. So much so, that this is the main reason why its fallen from grace as a first-choice paint option. How Hard is this Wood. Lacquer is thinner and will form a glossy finish that is not waterproof. In the 21st Century, the use of nitrocellulose is therefore strictly regulated and monitored. Repeat this process until you get the desired result. 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