Guitar painting and lacquering
Guitar lacquering and painting
Traditionally, nitrocellulose varnishing has become very popular in the field of finishing guitars, starting from the automotive industry. Despite the fact that it was supplanted by its multi-component, more resistant counterparts in the automotive industry, it is still very popular in the musical instrument industry, due, among other things, to the fact that it offers many advantages and desirable properties:
1. Sound: The thin thickness of the nitrocellulose lacquer allows the natural vibration of the wood, by dampening the movement of the wood less, it can produce a richer and warmer sound.
2. Aging: Nitrocellulose varnish ages, cracks and fades over time, which is generally appreciated by guitarists.
3. Tradition and aesthetics: Nitrocellulose varnish has been used in instrument making for a long time, so it is believed by many to contribute to the traditional appearance and aesthetics of the instrument.
4. Good adhesion: Nitrocellulose varnish adheres well to most surfaces, making it easier to repair or modify if necessary.
However, it is worth noting that the use of nitrocellulose lacquer can also have disadvantages. For example, it is more sensitive to scratches and environmental effects than modern polyurethane varnishes. The choice depends on the personal preferences of the instrument maker or the player, both types have their advantages and disadvantages.
The Dartfords Nitrocellulose based paints are available in a variety of vintage and contemporary metallic colours for the finishing and restoration of electric and bass guitars. It is a single-part air-drying paint, the colours have an exceptionally high opacity and a natural gloss. They are a top coat so can be polished directly, or optionally be top-coated with Clear Nitrocellulose Guitar Lacquer for either a vintage effect, or to achieve Satin or Matt. We keep the Dartfords paints and lacquers in 400ml aerosol spray can.
Aerosols provide approximately 1.2sq m of coverage each. One is usually sufficient for most guitar bodies. We recommend 2 cans for basses.
How to make the finish step by step
1. Preparation: (Optional) Grain Fill Wood, sand to 320 Grit
2. Priming: Apply Cellulose Sanding Sealer Primer (3-4 coats), sand to 600 Grit
3. Solid Cellulose Guitar Paint (2-4 coats)
4. (Optional) Top coat of Clear Nitrocellulose Guitar Lacquer (3-4 coats)
5. Polish