Comparison of Nitrocellulose Lacquers and Paint

Nitrocellulose finishes are the classic guitar finish. But what's the difference between them? Why would you use a tinted lacquer, pigmented lacquer or solid paint? What prep and finishing do they each need? See our comparison table below to find our which nitrocellulose finish is right for your project!

Tinted Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Pigmented Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Solid Nitrocellulose Paint

Metallic Nitrocellulose Paint

Example colours

Amber

Heritage Cherry Red

Tobacco

Blonde

Butterscotch

Oxblood

Fiesta Red

Surf Green

Sonic Blue

Burgundy Mist

Inca Silver

Lake Placid Blue

Sizes available

Aerosols (ready to use)

Tins (for spray guns and HVLP)

Aerosols (ready to use)

Tins (for spray guns and HVLP)

Aerosols (ready to use)

Tins (for spray guns and HVLP)

Aerosols (ready to use)

Tins (for spray guns and HVLP)

Requires base coat?

Yes

Clear Cellulose Sanding Sealer

Yes

Clear Cellulose Sanding Sealer

Yes

Grey or White Cellulose Sealer Primer

Yes

Grey or White Cellulose Sealer Primer

Requires top coat?

Yes

Clear Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Yes

Clear Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Optional

Clear Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Yes

Clear Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Sheen level

n/a

Depends on top coat

n/a

Depends on top coat

Gloss

For Satin or Matt use appropriate Clear Nitrocellulose Lacquer top coat

n/a

Depends on top coat

Opacity

Transparent

Lacquer gives colour but grain remains visible

Semi-opaque

Light applications of lighter colours will allow stronger grain patterns to show through

Opaque

Wood underneath will not be visible

Opaque

Wood underneath will not be visible

Thinned with

When using a spray gun/HVLP, thin with Standard Cellulose Thinners

Recommended ratio of lacquer:thinners is between 95:5 and 70:30

When using a spray gun/HVLP, thin with Standard Cellulose Thinners

Recommended ratio of lacquer:thinners is between 95:5 and 70:30

When using a spray gun/HVLP, thin with Standard Cellulose Thinners

Recommended ratio of lacquer:paint is between 95:5 and 70:30

When using a spray gun/HVLP, thin with Standard Cellulose Thinners

Recommended ratio of lacquer:paint is between 95:5 and 70:30

Polish using

n/a

Should not be polished directly - use a top coat and polish that.

n/a

Should not be polished directly - use a top coat and polish that.

Hand Polishing Kit

Buffing Wheel

n/a

Should not be polished directly - use a top coat and polish that.

Lightfastness

Medium-High

High

Very High

Very High

Coverage

Aerosol: 1.6m²

Spray gun: 8m² / litre thinned

Aerosol: 1.6m²

Spray gun: 8m² / litre thinned

Aerosol: 1.6m²

Spray gun: 8m² / litre thinned

Aerosol: 1.6m²

Spray gun: 8m² / litre thinned

Cleanup with

Standard Cellulose Thinners

Gun Wash

Standard Cellulose Thinners

Gun Wash

Standard Cellulose Thinners

Gun Wash

Standard Cellulose Thinners

Gun Wash

Application methods

Aerosol

Spraygun

HVLP kit

Aerosol

Spraygun

HVLP kit

Aerosol

Spraygun

HVLP kit

Aerosol

Spraygun

HVLP kit

Shelf life

36+ months from purchase

24+ months from purchase

24+ months from purchase

24+ months from purchase

Storage instructions

Tightly closed original container

Avoid frost

Avoid direct sunlight

Tightly closed original container

Avoid frost

Avoid direct sunlight

Tightly closed original container

Avoid frost

Avoid direct sunlight

Tightly closed original container

Avoid frost

Avoid direct sunlight

Read some of our other top FAQs:

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