Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Lacquer is one of the oldest finishing materials there is, dating perhaps to the Egyptians. Nitrocellulose Lacquer has been the primary wood finishing material for over eighty years. Nitrocellulose lacquer guitar finish is a classic finish used on many vintage and modern guitars. This is a very fast drying finish that gives a beautiful gloss. The Nitrocellulose lacquer finish is sprayed onto the guitar most of the time, since it dries so quickly that brushing leaves brush marks and lines where adjacent brush strokes overlap. Spraying requires some additional equipment, but allows the Nitrocellulose lacquer guitar finish to be applied quickly and evenly. However, one problem with spraying nitrocellulose lacquer is that its solvent is easily flammable. So it must be sprayed outdoors, or in a special explosion-proof spray booth.

Nitrocellulose lacquer spray has excellent characteristics. It forms a very thin layer that allows the wood to resonate freely, it can be spot repaired easily and when buffed, shows a beautifull shine. Moreover, the way the nitrocellulose lacquer guitar finish ages (checking, cracking, yellowing) adds to the character of the instrument.

Shake the nitrocellulose lacquer spray paint can well (up side down) for a few minutes. Test the lacquer on a small piece of wood, metal, etc. Make sure the area to be painted is clean, free from dust, grease etc. Hold the nitrocellulose lacquer spray can vertically approximately 20cm from the area to be painted. Slowly move the can from side to side and begin spraying, while keeping a consistent distance. It can take up to a few days for the nitrocellulose lacquer to reach maximum strength. After using the aerosol, hold it up side down and spray untill only gas is coming from the nozzle. Now you can safely store it for future use.