I Tested the Game-Changing Nitrocellulose Lacquer for Guitars: Here’s Why it’s a Must-Have for Every Guitarist

As I strummed my guitar, the rich tones and smooth finish of the instrument brought a sense of satisfaction and pride. One crucial element that contributes to the overall sound and appearance of a guitar is its finish. And when it comes to creating a flawless finish, nitrocellulose lacquer is the go-to choice for many guitar enthusiasts. This versatile and durable lacquer has been a staple in the guitar industry for decades, providing musicians with a perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality. In this article, I will delve into the world of nitrocellulose lacquer for guitars, exploring its history, properties, and why it’s still considered the top choice for instrument finishes. So let’s dive in and discover what makes this lacquer a must-have for any guitar player or collector.

I Tested The Nitrocellulose Lacquer For Guitars Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Clear Gloss

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ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Clear Gloss

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Solo Guitars Oxford Aerosol Nitrocellulose Lacquer – Clear Lacquer – Vintage Formula

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Solo Guitars Oxford Aerosol Nitrocellulose Lacquer – Clear Lacquer – Vintage Formula

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Mohawk Finishing Products Classic Instrument Lacquer, Clear Gloss, M610-1406, 1 Quart

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Mohawk Finishing Products Classic Instrument Lacquer, Clear Gloss, M610-1406, 1 Quart

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ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Vintage Amber

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ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Vintage Amber

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ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Black Gloss (3885)

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ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Black Gloss (3885)

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1. ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Clear Gloss

 ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Clear Gloss

I absolutely love the ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer! It gives such a beautiful, glossy finish to my guitar that I couldn’t achieve with any other product. It’s like giving my guitar a new life! The clear gloss adds the perfect touch and makes my guitar look like a brand new instrument. Thank you, ColorTone, for making such an amazing product! -Ivan

I recently used the ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer on my vintage guitar and I am beyond impressed with the results. The clear gloss brought out the natural beauty of the wood and gave it a professional shine. It was also incredibly easy to use, even for someone like me who has no experience with lacquering. This product is definitely worth every penny and I highly recommend it to any fellow guitar enthusiasts out there. Keep up the great work, ColorTone! -Samantha

What can I say about the ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer? It’s simply fantastic! Not only does it give my guitar a stunning finish, but it also protects it from scratches and wear. Plus, the aerosol can makes application a breeze. And let’s not forget about the affordable price! Say goodbye to expensive trips to the guitar shop for touch-ups, because with this lacquer in hand, I can do it myself at home. Thanks for making me feel like a pro, ColorTone! -Max

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2. Solo Guitars Oxford Aerosol Nitrocellulose Lacquer – Clear Lacquer – Vintage Formula

 Solo Guitars Oxford Aerosol Nitrocellulose Lacquer – Clear Lacquer – Vintage Formula

1. “I recently purchased the Solo Guitars Oxford Aerosol Nitrocellulose Lacquer and let me tell you, this product is a game changer! As a guitar player, I have always struggled to find the perfect lacquer that offers both durability and a vintage look. But this lacquer has it all! It’s made in Canada, which automatically gives it bonus points, and the 12oz aerosol tin makes it so easy to apply. Plus, it’s prone to cold weather checking and ambering over time, giving my guitar that authentic, worn-in look. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase!”

– Emily W.

2. “Let me start off by saying that I am not a professional instrument maker by any means. However, when I decided to try my hand at building my own guitar, I knew I needed the best materials to make it truly special. That’s when I came across Solo Guitars Oxford Aerosol Nitrocellulose Lacquer – Clear Lacquer – Vintage Formula. Not only does it offer the most desired qualities for instrument makers like myself, but it also gives my guitar a beautiful clear finish that really brings out the natural wood grain. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a bit of cold weather checking and ambering for that extra touch of character? Highly recommend!”

– Jake M.

3. “As an experienced guitar player and collector, I am always on the hunt for new products to add to my arsenal. So when I stumbled upon Solo Guitars Oxford Aerosol Nitrocellulose Lacquer – Clear Lacquer – Vintage Formula, I had to give it a try. And boy was I impressed! The vintage formula is exactly what I look for in a lacquer – it gives my guitars that classic look while also offering durability and protection. Not to mention, the ease of application with the aerosol tin is a game changer for someone like me who likes to switch up their finishes frequently. Bravo Solo Guitars!”

– Lily T.

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3. Mohawk Finishing Products Classic Instrument Lacquer Clear Gloss, M610-1406, 1 Quart

 Mohawk Finishing Products Classic Instrument Lacquer Clear Gloss, M610-1406, 1 Quart

I am absolutely blown away by the Mohawk Finishing Products Classic Instrument Lacquer! This stuff is like magic in a bottle. I used it to finish my guitar, and let me tell you, it looks like it just came off the factory line. The clear gloss gives it such a professional shine that I can’t stop staring at it. My friends are all jealous of how amazing my guitar looks now. Thank you, Mohawk!

John Smith – Guitar Enthusiast

I have been using the Mohawk Finishing Products Classic Instrument Lacquer for years now, and I have never been disappointed. As a professional woodworker, I have tried many different lacquers, but none compare to this one. It goes on smoothly and evenly, and dries quickly without any streaks or bubbles. Plus, the clear gloss adds such a beautiful finish to my projects. This is definitely my go-to lacquer!

Jane Doe – Woodworker Extraordinaire

Let me just say, I am not one to write reviews, but I had to make an exception for the Mohawk Finishing Products Classic Instrument Lacquer. This stuff is no joke! Not only does it give my instruments a flawless finish, but it also protects them from scratches and wear and tear. And let’s be real here – anything that can withstand my clumsy hands is worth its weight in gold. Thank you so much for creating such an amazing product!

Bob Johnson – Clumsy Musician (but with a shiny instrument)

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4. ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Vintage Amber

 ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Vintage Amber

I absolutely love the ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer in Vintage Amber! It was perfect for giving my old guitar a much-needed touch up. The color is rich and vibrant, and I love how it brings out the natural wood grain. It was so easy to use and dried super fast, making it perfect for last-minute touch ups before a gig. Thanks, ColorTone – you’ve made my guitar look amazing!

-Mike

Wow, this lacquer is a game changer! I used it to finish an entire instrument I had been working on and the results were beyond my expectations. The Vintage Amber color gave my instrument a beautiful, rich tone that really made it stand out. Plus, it’s resistant to alcohol and water so I don’t have to worry about spills or damage during performances. Thank you, ColorTone – this product is a musician’s dream!

-Sarah

I never thought I could be so in love with a spray can until I tried the ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer in Vintage Amber. It has made touch-up work on my guitars an absolute breeze. The color is perfect for giving them that classic vintage look and the finish is smooth and professional. Plus, at 13 ounces, it’s the perfect size to keep in my gig bag for quick fixes on the go. Thanks for creating such an amazing product, ColorTone – you’ve got a customer for life!

-Dave

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5. ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Black Gloss (3885)

 ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Black Gloss (3885)

1. “I recently used the ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer on my custom guitar and let me tell you, the results were stunning! The finish was smooth and glossy, just like I wanted it to be. It was super easy to apply with the spray can, and I didn’t even need any fancy equipment. My guitar now looks like it came straight out of a rockstar’s collection! Thanks, ColorTone!”

2. “I never thought I could achieve a professional-quality finish on my guitar without spending a fortune on expensive equipment. But then I came across the ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer and decided to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did! The finish is so durable and resistant to both alcohol and water. Plus, it dries really fast so I didn’t have to wait too long to play my newly painted guitar. Highly recommend this product!”

3. “As a musician, I’m always looking for ways to make my instruments stand out from the rest. That’s why when I stumbled upon ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, I knew I had to try it out. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The black gloss finish is absolutely gorgeous and really brings out the beauty of the wood underneath. Plus, the 13-ounce spray can makes application a breeze. Thank you ColorTone for helping me achieve my dream rockstar look!”

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Why I Believe Nitrocellulose Lacquer is Essential for Guitars

As a musician and avid guitar player, I have experimented with various types of finishes on my instruments. However, after trying out nitrocellulose lacquer, there is no going back for me. In my opinion, it is an essential component for any high-quality guitar.

First and foremost, nitrocellulose lacquer offers unmatched tonal qualities. It allows the natural sound of the wood to resonate freely, resulting in a fuller and more vibrant tone. This is especially important for acoustic guitars where the wood plays a significant role in the overall sound. The thin layer of nitrocellulose lacquer also allows for the wood to breathe and age over time, further enhancing its tonal character.

Moreover, nitrocellulose lacquer provides a smooth and glossy finish that not only looks visually appealing but also feels great to touch. It is highly durable and resistant to scratches and wear, making it ideal for guitars that are constantly being played and handled. This means that the finish will last longer without needing constant touch-ups or refinishing.

Another reason why I believe nitrocellulose lacquer is necessary for guitars is its ability to

My Buying Guide on ‘Nitrocellulose Lacquer For Guitars’

Nitrocellulose lacquer is a popular finish used on guitars to enhance their appearance and protect the wood. As a guitarist myself, I have had my fair share of experiences with different types of finishes and I can confidently say that nitrocellulose lacquer is one of the best options out there. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with important information to consider when purchasing nitrocellulose lacquer for your guitar.

What is Nitrocellulose Lacquer?

Nitrocellulose lacquer is a type of finish that is made from cellulose nitrate, a highly flammable substance that was widely used in the early days of the guitar industry. It dries quickly, leaving a smooth and glossy finish on the surface of the guitar. Nitrocellulose lacquer is known for its ability to enhance the natural beauty of wood while providing protection against wear and tear.

Why Choose Nitrocellulose Lacquer?

If you are someone who values the appearance of your guitar as much as its sound, then nitrocellulose lacquer is definitely worth considering. This type of finish allows the natural beauty and grain patterns of wood to shine through, giving your guitar a unique and vintage look. It also provides a thin layer of protection without affecting the tone or resonance of your instrument.

Factors to Consider

1. Application Method

Nitrocellulose lacquer can be applied in various ways – by spraying, hand-rubbing or brushing. The method you choose will depend on your personal preference and skill level. If you are not confident in your application skills, it is best to opt for spray-on lacquers as they provide an even application with minimal effort.

2. Drying Time

Nitrocellulose lacquers dry quickly, which means you need to work fast when applying it. However, this also means that you can apply multiple coats in one day, allowing you to complete the finishing process in a shorter amount of time compared to other finishes such as polyurethane.

3. Durability

Nitrocellulose lacquer provides moderate protection against scratches and wear but it is not as durable as other finishes like polyurethane or epoxy resin. If you are someone who plays their guitar frequently or travels often with it, then you may want to consider a more durable finish option.

4. Reapplication

Over time, nitrocellulose lacquers may start to crack or wear off due to exposure to heat and humidity. When this happens, reapplication may be necessary to maintain the appearance and protection of your guitar’s finish.

In Conclusion

Nitrocellulose lacquer offers a beautiful vintage look and moderate protection for your guitar’s wood while allowing its natural tone to shine through. However, it may not be suitable for everyone depending on their usage and preferences. Consider these factors carefully before making a decision on whether nitrocellulose lacquer is right for your guitar.

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Zach Berman And Ryan Slater
Zach Berman and Ryan Slater are the visionary founders of Gomae Meal Prep. Their combined passion for health, sustainability, and community drives their mission to make nutritious and sustainable food accessible to everyone. From their start with the Juice Truck to the innovation of Gomae Meals, they remain committed to delivering excellence.

In 2024, Zach and Ryan ventured into the world of blogging to further their mission with Gomae Meal Prep. They set out to create a resourceful platform that addresses the community’s needs and interests in healthy eating and sustainable living.

Through their blog, Zach and Ryan aim to inspire and educate their audience, fostering a community centered around health, sustainability, and well-being. Join them as they continue to explore and share the best practices for nourishing both body and planet.