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polyurethane/nitrocellulose


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well, i went to the paint store today to buy the nitrocellulose you guys suggested, and i asked for it, and the guy gave me a can of "Min-wax Fast-Drying Polyurethane" he didnt say it was any different than nitrocellulose he just said "here it is" it doesnt say anything about nitro on it, is it the same stuff or did he give me the wrong thing, if it isnt the right stuff, wouls it work on the guitar anyway? aslo, is minwax a good brand?

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You should have specified "nitrocellulose LAQUER". Thats the original material that was used on guitars in the early days and have since switched to acrylic based laquer. The odds of finding nitro laquer on the shelf at the local paint or hardware store are slim, but they might be able to order some. The Minwax Poly is not even close to nitro , or even laquer, for that matter. It works, I've used it but it can be very unforgiving when it comes to patching and repair of finishes.

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You should have specified "nitrocellulose LAQUER". Thats the original material that was used on guitars in the early days and have since switched to acrylic based laquer. The odds of finding nitro laquer on the shelf at the local paint or hardware store are slim, but they might be able to order some. The Minwax Poly is not even close to nitro , or even laquer, for that matter. It works, I've used it but it can be very unforgiving when it comes to patching and repair of finishes.

i did say nitrocellulose lacquer, i dont know why he gave me this stuff :D

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I wouldn't go with anything other than the nitrocellulose lacquer, I have been doing some research and have discussed it with a few friends of mine who do a few guitars each year, they said that they had tried other stuff, but the best results, even with the finish sanding and buffing, they found the Nitro to be the best, it won't yellow over time, easy to use, it is easily repaired and has superior acoustical properties! The only draw-back is that you will want to spray it on which can cost a few more in tools (sprayers etc...) you can order everything that you need from Stew-Mac, the price isn't that bad (you can probably get the sprayer cheaper elsewhere) and you will get a better result! It's worth the shipping wait time I assure you!

Shibs

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I think there may be some confusion between Acrylic and Nitro here :D

Nitro definitely WILL yellow - look at any older Gibson guitar - its not so bad over dark colours as you dont notice it as much, but on white, or over inlays or plain maple you will. I've removed damaged lacquer on vintage Gibsons that has been almost orange it has discoloured so badly.

Acrylic doesnt yellow as much, but may do if left in sunlight a lot - acrylic also needs less hardening time and can be repaired, patched etc... just as easily as Nitro - acrylic also doesnt sink into the grain as much as nitro over time.

This is why nearly every commercial manufacturer has been using acrylic rather than nitro now.

As for the accoustic properties of nitro - I think this is mostly voodoo - I've refinished some of my own guitars in acrylic from nitro and there is absolutely no difference in sound. Any finish will alter the sound slightly if you put it on an inch thick, but on electrics the difference is negligable.

Poly is not really suitable for guitars though - it stays very soft and is prone to denting more easily.

I would suggest either nitro or acrylic, you can get both from most auto spares places in aerosols and can get very good results with these without needing specialist spray equipment.

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Hi All,

this my first post here.. I've found a truck load of GOOD info!!!! now here's my question?? i've heard some where that there some thing that you can add to polyurethane to make it as hard as lacquer is this true???? also how easy is that deft lacquer sprayed???? I can get empty spray bottles from harbor freight LMK what you guys think???

May Jesus bless you all

Sincerely,

Bill

BTW this forum ROCKS!!! :D

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