![]() Rather, it’s a way of curing your guitar finish so that it’s highly durable and dries in minutes instead of hours.īut UV guitar finishes have one huge disadvantage – they cost a fortune! Hard rock or metal guitarists who throw their instruments around a bit may also prefer something more hardy. It may not be the best or easiest for new luthiers. Hobbyists who want something new and natural-looking may also like to try it. I mainly recommend oil and wood for experienced guitar-makers. The wood also needs to be prepped beforehand. If you’re looking to protect your guitar from scratches and bumps, these finishes are not the best option. They also make the wood grain of your guitar stand out beautifully! Also, the natural tone of your guitar won’t be dampened by a layer of wax or oil. They’re super for acoustic guitars, as they’re lightweight and easy to apply. If you’re looking for something all-natural, environmentally-friendly, and safe, oil and wax are good choices. So what’s great about oil and wax finishes? They typically use an oil layer topped by a wax coating. Oil and wax finishes are some of the oldest, but they’re not used much in modern times. ![]() Generally, an amp or effects pedal can be used to get the tone you want on acoustic, electric, or bass guitars. They may not preserve the sound quality of your guitar as well as nitro.īut this is unlikely to be a huge difference, especially for casual guitarists. There’s one possible downside to poly finishes. They don’t fade or discolor, and are difficult to scratch or nick. These finishes are also far stronger and more durable than nitro. Even better, polyurethane is easier and less time-consuming to apply than nitro. Here’s an example of a poly coating so you can compare it to the nitro coating on the Gibson pictured above:Ĭured polyurethane finish is not toxic. Both glossy polyurethane and polyester give the guitar a shiny, smooth coating. Some are thick and glossy, others thinner and more satiny. There are different types of polyurethane. Today, they’re considered the industry standard. Post-60’s Fender guitars and Paul Reed Smith guitars used these finishes. These two are both plastic-based finishes. Being shiny and easy to clean aren’t enough to give this finish a full thumbs-up.ĥ Alternatives to Nitro Lacquer On Your Guitar 1. This alone may put people off using it.īecause nitrocellulose is volatile and toxic, its use is regulated in some areas. It’s not as environmentally-friendly as other finishes, and could be hazardous to kids and pets in the home. You’ll need to wear appropriate gear to protect yourself.īut even if you’re protected, the toxic nature of the stuff may pose other problems. One of the biggest downfalls of nitro lacquer is that applying it produces toxic fumes. But some guitarists feel that this ruins the aesthetics of their instrument. Again, if you’re after an old-school look, this could be cool. ![]() Small cracks are inevitable as the finish ages. This causes yellowing, which can look awesomely vintage on some guitars but not so great on others. The solvent in the nitro finish continuously evaporates. After that, it needs to be buffed and polished to create the fine shine. It has to be applied over a few days, adding each new coating once the previous one has completely dried. But for everyday guitarists who want to refinish their guitar, there are downsides.įirstly, it’s time-consuming to apply. For luthiers, the pros may outweigh the cons. Well, this eye-catching finish has some significant disadvantages. So, why are we looking at alternatives if nitro is great? The Disadvantages of Nitro Lacquer On a Guitar It’s an airy finish that allows the guitar’s original sound to come through, while still protecting the wood. Secondly, nitro doesn’t change the guitar’s tone. Here’s an example of a Gibson with a nitro lacquer finish, so you can see it in all its glory! If you’ve ever seen a guitar that looks like it shines in the light, it’s likely to be nitro. Interestingly, it was originally planned as a spray-on paint for vehicles.Ī nitro lacquer finish has some big advantages. It’s made from a mix of nitrocellulose and a solvent. It was both Gibson and Fender’s finish of choice in the 50’s and 60’s, and many brands still use it today. Many guitars have a nitro lacquer finish. If you’re considering refinishing your guitar but don’t know where to begin, here’s a handy tutorial. It can make it less prone to warping, help the tone wood retain its musical tone, and offer some resistance to bumps and scratches. The guitar’s finish seals and protects the quality of the wood. More importantly, it protects your guitar from the outside world. First, it gives your guitar a specific look. Your guitar’s finish serves two purposes. ![]() 5 Alternatives to Nitro Lacquer On Your Guitar.The Disadvantages of Nitro Lacquer On a Guitar.
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