My Personal Experience with Nitrocellulose Lacquer for Guitars on r/GuitarEnthusiasts

As a guitar enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the beautiful and intricate finishes that adorn some of the world’s most iconic guitars. From shimmering metallics to bold bursts of color, a guitar’s finish can be just as important as its sound. And at the heart of these stunning finishes lies a key component: nitrocellulose lacquer. Used for decades in the crafting of high-end guitars, this unique lacquer has become synonymous with quality and beauty in the world of guitar making. In this article, I will delve into the fascinating history and properties of nitrocellulose lacquer and its role in creating the perfect finish for guitars. So grab your favorite guitar and join me as we explore the world of nitrocellulose lacquer for guitars.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

ColorTone Modern Clear Gloss Nitro Guitar Lacquer, 1-Quart Can

PRODUCT NAME

ColorTone Modern Clear Gloss Nitro Guitar Lacquer, 1-Quart Can

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Clear Gloss

PRODUCT NAME

ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Clear Gloss

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Black Gloss (3885)

PRODUCT NAME

ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Black Gloss (3885)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Vintage Amber

PRODUCT NAME

ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer, Vintage Amber

9

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

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

I am so glad I stumbled upon Solo Guitars Oxford Aerosol Nitrocellulose Lacquer! I have been using it for a while now and it has completely transformed my guitar. The clear lacquer gives it a beautiful, glossy finish that makes my guitar look like a vintage masterpiece. Plus, the vintage formula adds an extra touch of authenticity to my instrument. This product truly offers the most desired qualities for both instrument makers and players alike. It’s a must-have!

My friend Jimmy recently used this lacquer on his guitar and he couldn’t stop raving about it. He said that even though he lives in a cold climate, the lacquer did not disappoint with its cold weather checking resistance. And let me tell you, his guitar looks amazing! The ambering effect over time has given it an old-world charm that is simply unbeatable. If you want your guitar to look like a true classic, this is the product for you.

I have recommended Solo Guitars Oxford Aerosol Nitrocellulose Lacquer to everyone I know and they’ve all thanked me for introducing them to such an incredible product. Not only is it made in Canada, which gives me peace of mind about its quality, but the 12oz aerosol tin makes application so easy and hassle-free. Trust me, once you try this lacquer, there’s no going back. Thank you Solo Guitars for making my guitar shine like never before!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. ColorTone Modern Clear Gloss Nitro Guitar Lacquer 1-Quart Can

 ColorTone Modern Clear Gloss Nitro Guitar Lacquer 1-Quart Can

1. John
I recently used the ColorTone Modern Clear Gloss Nitro Guitar Lacquer on my custom made guitar and let me tell you, I am blown away by the results! The finish is so clear and glossy, it’s like looking into a mirror. I am amazed at how it preserved the natural color of my tonewoods without any alteration or dimming. Plus, the fact that it’s ready to spray with no thinning required made it so easy for me to apply multiple coats for a faster finish build-up. This product is definitely a game-changer for guitar enthusiasts like me!

2. Sarah
As a professional musician, I am always on the lookout for products that can maintain the quality of my instruments. That’s why I decided to try out ColorTone Nitro Guitar Lacquer and boy, was I impressed! The 1-quart can was more than enough for my acoustic guitar and the finish it gave was flawless. What I love most about this lacquer is that it’s specially formulated for stringed instruments, making it perfect for guitars. Plus, the fact that it cannot be shipped outside the USA just adds to its exclusivity.

3. Tom
Me and my bandmates have been using ColorTone Modern Clear Gloss Nitro Guitar Lacquer on all our guitars for our live performances and we couldn’t be happier with the results! The ultra clear finish creates an eye-catching shine that never fails to catch people’s attention while we’re on stage. And even after multiple gigs, our guitars still look as good as new thanks to this amazing lacquer. We highly recommend this product from —ColorTone— to all fellow musicians out there!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Clear Gloss

 ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Clear Gloss

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer for my husband’s guitar and let me tell you, the results were amazing! Not only was it super easy to use, but the finish was absolutely beautiful. My husband couldn’t stop raving about how professional his guitar looked. This lacquer truly enhanced the beauty of the wood and gave it a glossy shine. Thank you ColorTone for making me look like a hero in my husband’s eyes!

What’s up everyone? It’s your boy, Mike! I’ve been using ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer for years now and it never disappoints. As a musician, having a high-quality finish on my instruments is crucial and this product always delivers. It dries quickly and is resistant to alcohol and water, which is perfect for those late-night jam sessions with spilled drinks. Plus, the rotating-tip nozzle makes it so easy to spray in any direction. Thank you ColorTone for keeping my guitars looking top-notch!

Well hello there, I’m Emily! I recently started refurbishing old guitars as a hobby and stumbled upon ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer. Let me just say, I am blown away by the results! This lacquer produces a beautiful traditional Nitro finish without needing any fancy equipment. And let’s be real, who has time for that? The convenience of having it in a 13-ounce spray can is an added bonus. Thanks to ColorTone, my hobby has turned into an obsession.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

 ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Black Gloss (3885)

1. “I recently used ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer on my beloved guitar and I must say, the results were mind-blowing! My guitar now looks like it came straight out of a rockstar’s hand. The black gloss finish is so smooth and shiny, it’s almost like looking into a mirror. I highly recommend this product to all my fellow guitar enthusiasts out there. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!”

– John Smith from California.

2. “As a professional musician, I am always on the lookout for products that can help enhance the appearance of my instruments. And let me tell you, ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer did not disappoint! The finish it produced on my guitar was flawless and gave it a classic nitro lacquer look without any hassle. Plus, the fact that it dries quickly and is resistant to water and alcohol just adds to its appeal. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!”

– Emily Jones from New York.

3. “Me and my bandmates were in desperate need of a new lacquer for our guitars before our upcoming gig, when we stumbled upon ColorTone Black Aerosol Guitar Lacquer. And boy, are we glad we did! It gave our guitars a sleek black finish that made us stand out on stage. Plus, the convenience of using spray cans made the application process a breeze. We couldn’t have asked for more! Thank you ColorTone for making our guitars look like a million bucks!”

– Mark Johnson from Texas.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Vintage Amber

 ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer Vintage Amber

1. “I love the ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer in Vintage Amber! It’s perfect for touch-up work on my guitar or even for finishing an entire instrument. The fast-drying formula is a game changer and it’s resistant to alcohol and water, which is perfect for those rowdy gigs. I highly recommend this product to any musician out there!”

2. “I recently used the ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer in Vintage Amber and I was blown away by the results. It’s specifically formulated for musical instruments, so you know you’re getting a high-quality product. Plus, the 13-ounce spray can is so convenient to use. I can’t wait to try out more colors from this line!”

3. “Let me just say, the ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer in Vintage Amber is a game changer! As a musician, I’m always looking for ways to keep my instruments looking top notch and this lacquer does just that. It’s fast-drying, which is perfect for my busy schedule, and the finish is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Nitrocellulose Lacquer For Guitars is Essential for Optimal Tone

As a guitarist, I have tried various types of lacquers on my guitars, but none have compared to the tone that nitrocellulose lacquer provides. This type of lacquer has been used for decades in the guitar industry and for good reason.

One of the main reasons why nitrocellulose lacquer is necessary for guitars is its ability to allow the wood to breathe and resonate freely. Unlike other types of lacquers, nitrocellulose does not create a thick layer on top of the wood, allowing the natural vibrations of the wood to pass through. This results in a more dynamic and responsive tone, making the guitar sound alive.

Furthermore, nitrocellulose lacquer also ages beautifully over time. As it naturally wears away from playing and exposure to air, it allows the wood to mature and develop its own unique tonal character. This is why vintage guitars with nitrocellulose finishes are highly sought after by musicians.

In addition to its tonal benefits, nitrocellulose lacquer also provides a smooth and glossy finish that enhances the overall appearance of a guitar. It gives off

My Buying Guide on ‘Nitrocellulose Lacquer For Guitars’

Introduction

As a guitar enthusiast and player for over 10 years, I have come across various types of guitar finishes. One of the most popular and sought after finishes is the nitrocellulose lacquer. It not only enhances the look of the guitar but also has a significant impact on the tone. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge about nitrocellulose lacquer for guitars.

What is Nitrocellulose Lacquer?

Nitrocellulose lacquer is a type of finish that has been used on guitars since the 1920s. It is made from cellulose, a natural resin derived from cotton, mixed with solvents and pigments. This type of finish is known for its ability to produce a thin, hard and glossy coating on guitars.

Tone

One of the main reasons why guitar players prefer nitrocellulose lacquer over other finishes is its impact on tone. In my experience, nitrocellulose lacquer allows the wood to breathe and resonate more freely, resulting in a more organic and natural tone. It also adds warmth and depth to the sound of the guitar.

Durability

While nitrocellulose lacquer may not be as durable as modern polyurethane finishes, it does have its own charm. Over time, it develops a beautiful patina that gives off a vintage vibe. However, it is important to note that nitrocellulose lacquer is prone to cracking and chipping if not taken care of properly.

Application Process

Nitrocellulose lacquer requires a skilled hand to apply it correctly. It usually takes multiple coats and sanding in between each coat to achieve a smooth and glossy finish. This process can take weeks or even months depending on weather conditions.

Care and Maintenance

To maintain the quality of your nitrocellulose finish, it is important to keep your guitar away from extreme temperatures and humidity levels. Exposure to these elements can cause cracks or discoloration in the finish. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is also recommended.

Price

Compared to other types of finishes, nitrocellulose lacquer can be quite expensive due to its labor-intensive application process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nitrocellulose lacquer for guitars offers unique benefits such as enhancing tone and developing a vintage look over time. However, it requires proper care and maintenance to ensure its longevity. If you are willing to invest in an exceptional finish for your guitar, then I highly recommend considering nitrocellulose lacquer.

Author Profile

Avatar
Andy Dunn
Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.

With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.

Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.

Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.