Is acrylic lacquer the same as nitrocellulose lacquer?

Acrylic lacquers CAB-acrylic lacquer dries to a less brittle and more flexible film than that of nitrocellulose lacquer. It is also more expensive. CAB-acrylic lacquer is often used as a protective topcoat over colored pigment lacquers to make them wear better and to enhance their resistance to scratches.

Will acrylic lacquer crack?

If too much lacquer is applied too fast then it will shrink and eventually crack and craze. If its applied correctly you should avoid those problems. It does not have the UV protection that acrylic urethane has but even that is relative to certain situations.

Did Fender use acrylic lacquer?

Nitrocellulose lacquer (“nitro”) was the finish most often used during Fender’s original 1950s and ’60s golden age, although acrylic lacquers were also used. Fender still uses nitrocellulose lacquer finishes on a select group of instruments (Road Worn™ and American Vintage series, various artist models).

Is acrylic lacquer good for wood?

Acrylic lacquer is a great choice for both woods and metals – particularly on cars. This type of lacquer consists of acrylic polymers which make it dry as a clear lacquer for wood. This means that it is a popular choice for anyone working with lighter woods.

What is nitrocellulose lacquer used for?

NCL Nitrocellulose Lacquer is a single pack, fast drying general purpose lacquer. Potential uses are for high quality furniture, shop fittings, doors, cabinets, desks, panelling, partitions and most interior timberwork. Can also be used on suitably primed metals.

What is Nitro over cellulose cab finish?

“CAB stands for cellulose acetate butyrate. It’s nitrocellulose lacquer mixed with Plexiglas. It’s crystal clear and acts a lot like nitro – it makes a wonderful base coat and we spray nitro over it. “It’s that simple: it’s a nitro-ish base coat with a topcoat of nitrocellulose lacquer.

Can you spray nitrocellulose over acrylic?

Acrylic latex paint is an acrylic finish, but it won’t soften when you spray lacquer on it. Instead, the lacquer remains on the paint as a surface coating. Nitrocellulose lacquer has a tendency to yellow with age, though, and it may dull the color of the paint.

Is nitrocellulose lacquer water based?

Nitrocellulose lacquers are perfect solutions, which means the coating is completely soluble in the vehicle (or the solvents). Water-based wood finishes are at best dispersions, but mostly emulsions. With a water-based finish, the light reflects at a 60-degree angle and doesn’t reach the wood grain or stain.

Can you use nitrocellulose over acrylic lacquer?

For safety reasons, also, nitrocellulose lacquer products should not be used with acrylic lacquer products. Nitrocellulose finish will, over time, lose its durability and crack. While it is durable and well known among guitar makers, it is not necessarily the best in terms of scratch resistance either.

Is nitrocellulose a good finish for a guitar?

Many purists and luthiers therefore believe that a nitro finish allows a guitar’s wood to breathe, yielding a more open sound and greater sustain. Although nitrocellulose lacquer may give a guitar an airier sound, its softer texture does make it susceptible to cosmetic damage.

What happens if you use nitrocellulose in paint?

Nitrocellulose is also highly flammable. When not used in finish, it can even be used as a low-order explosive. For safety reasons, also, nitrocellulose lacquer products should not be used with acrylic lacquer products. Nitrocellulose finish will, over time, lose its durability and crack.

Why choose a poly finish over Nitro Lacquer?

Poly finishes can remain shiny even after decades of use, and don’t fade away in the areas that you’d typically make contact with. If you want your instrument to look new forever, then a poly finish is superior to nitro lacquer.