There are many different types of finishes for guitars and musical instruments in general, but we could say the most used are:
The application method requires a hard work, but is usually straightforward and does not require the use of special equipment or the care and prevention needed when using lacquer and varnish.
See our oils & waxes
SHELLAC
Shellac is a natural resin obtained from the secretion of an insect called worm lacquer. Like oils and waxes, it has been used for centuries in the manufacturing of furniture and musical instruments. Although it can be applied with a brush or a spray, the usual technique used in its application is usually the “polishing pad”. Because of its lightness and beauty, Shellac this finish is preferred by classical instrument Luthiers.
See our Shellacs
NITROCELLULOSE
Nitrocellulose is a varnish made from cellulose and organic solvents. It’s the finish used by Fender and Gibson during the golden age of the 50s and 60s. It’s currently the preferred finish on High End and Vintage type guitars. The application of the nitrocellulose lacquers is usually done with a gun or spray. Because of their toxicity, they must be applied in a well-ventilated environment. Nitrocellulose is dried by evaporation and allows the application of very thin layers that are fused together. This fading effect between layers makes its restoration / repair much easier than polyurethane or polyester. It is a durable finish that offers good protection. Nitrocellulose doesn’t "cure" so, unlike polyurethane and polyester, it retains a degree of flexibility, it does not seal the pores and allows the vibration of the wood. With time it often acquires a warmer tone and becomes thinner by evaporation.
See our Nitrocellulose Lacquers
POLYURETHANE & POLYESTER
Unlike Nitrocellulose, it is a single component finish and is less toxic. It is harder and dries faster, which has made it the most commonly used finish in the industry. This finish cures / dries creating a glassy hard layer that offers more protection than Nitro.
INFLUENCE OF FINISH IN FINAL SOUND. NITROCELLULOSE VS POLYURETHANE / POLYESTER
The finish of our instrument is a substance that covers the wood and vibrates with it, so it seems reasonable to infer that it may "modify" its sound. However, it isn’t the decisive factor of an instrument’s sound. The main purpose of the finish is to protect the guitar and make it look beautiful.
The "Tone" associated to each type of finish has been discussed for many years. The best finish should interfere as little as possible in the vibration of the wood. Given the flexibility and low hardness properties of nitrocellulose it is credited with a better sound or "tone"
- Oils and Waxes.
- Shellac.
- Nitrocellulose.
- Polyurethane / Polyester.
The application method requires a hard work, but is usually straightforward and does not require the use of special equipment or the care and prevention needed when using lacquer and varnish.
See our oils & waxes
SHELLAC
Shellac is a natural resin obtained from the secretion of an insect called worm lacquer. Like oils and waxes, it has been used for centuries in the manufacturing of furniture and musical instruments. Although it can be applied with a brush or a spray, the usual technique used in its application is usually the “polishing pad”. Because of its lightness and beauty, Shellac this finish is preferred by classical instrument Luthiers.
See our Shellacs
NITROCELLULOSE
Nitrocellulose is a varnish made from cellulose and organic solvents. It’s the finish used by Fender and Gibson during the golden age of the 50s and 60s. It’s currently the preferred finish on High End and Vintage type guitars. The application of the nitrocellulose lacquers is usually done with a gun or spray. Because of their toxicity, they must be applied in a well-ventilated environment. Nitrocellulose is dried by evaporation and allows the application of very thin layers that are fused together. This fading effect between layers makes its restoration / repair much easier than polyurethane or polyester. It is a durable finish that offers good protection. Nitrocellulose doesn’t "cure" so, unlike polyurethane and polyester, it retains a degree of flexibility, it does not seal the pores and allows the vibration of the wood. With time it often acquires a warmer tone and becomes thinner by evaporation.
See our Nitrocellulose Lacquers
POLYURETHANE & POLYESTER
Unlike Nitrocellulose, it is a single component finish and is less toxic. It is harder and dries faster, which has made it the most commonly used finish in the industry. This finish cures / dries creating a glassy hard layer that offers more protection than Nitro.
INFLUENCE OF FINISH IN FINAL SOUND. NITROCELLULOSE VS POLYURETHANE / POLYESTER
The finish of our instrument is a substance that covers the wood and vibrates with it, so it seems reasonable to infer that it may "modify" its sound. However, it isn’t the decisive factor of an instrument’s sound. The main purpose of the finish is to protect the guitar and make it look beautiful.
The "Tone" associated to each type of finish has been discussed for many years. The best finish should interfere as little as possible in the vibration of the wood. Given the flexibility and low hardness properties of nitrocellulose it is credited with a better sound or "tone"
