Nitrocellulose Lacquer — Lutherie Encyclopedia

Nitrocellulose LacquerType: techniqueA solvent-based spray finish that has been the industry standard for high-end guitars since the 1950s, valued for its thin build and tonal transparency.## Overview Nitrocellulose lacquer is the finish most associated with premium acoustic and electric guitars. Used by Gibson, Fender, Martin, and countless custom builders, nitro lacquer is prized for producing a thin, hard film that ages gracefully and is believed to allow the instrument's tone to develop and improve over time. Unlike polyurethane, nitrocellulose remains somewhat porous and continues to off-gas solvents over years, gradually becoming thinner and more brittle. ## Process Application requires spray equipment: a compressor, spray gun (HVLP or conventional), and a well-ventilated spray booth. The lacquer is thinned to the appropriate viscosity with lacquer thinner and applied in multiple light coats. Surface preparation begins with sanding the bare wood to 320-400 grit. A sanding sealer is typically applied first—two to three coats sanded back with 320 grit—to fill the grain partially and provide a foundation. On open-grained woods, pore filler may be applied before sealing. Color coats, if desired, are applied next. Nitro lacquer is available in tinted versions, or dyes and stains can be applied to the wood before clear-coating. Sunburst patterns are created at this stage using successive applications of tinted lacquer. Clear top coats are built up in 8-15 thin coats, with flash time between coats to allow solvent evaporation. Each coat partially dissolves into the previous one, creating a monolithic film. After the final coat, the finish is left to cure for tw…