polyester vs. polyurethane

[callous_frigid_chill]

What is the difference when used to finish a guitar?

[Erlend_G]

Answer: They're both crap compared to nitro!

[callous_frigid_chill]

What about acrylic lacquer? how does that compare to nitro?

[kmcguitars]

Answer: They're both crap compared to nitro!

This is a OPINION! Not an Answer. Both have their benefits and down falls. What exactly do you need to know?

[big_black]

Answer: They're both crap compared to nitro!

That's a common opinion, but I think the thickness of a finish is more of a determining factor in it's deadening affects on tone.

[theodie]

This is a OPINION! Not an Answer. Both have their benefits and down falls. What exactly do you need to know?

Yeah, why dont ya learn something Erlend! Just stick to being the spokesman for my chowder and playing that killer bass!

The thickness is alot larger factor than the type of finish!

[Erlend_G]

Disclaimer:

The smiley means that i'm not being serious.

[callous_frigid_chill]

I would like to know the difference between 'ester and 'urethane.

[bert123]

I've found more info on these finishes at furniture and cabinet making web sites. Polyester seems to requires mixing three components together and then spraying it on quickly as it has a very short ( 30 to 60 minute) pot life. It is a very high solids content, 80%, application so it can build in thickness quickly. The way some sights describe it you would think you use it to encase things to make them indestructible. Some of the fine furniture web sties I've found discuss the impossiblity of doing a finish repair on a polyester finish, they like nitro too.

Polyurethane seems to be getting more complicated when using it in industrial applications. Seems the stuff in spray cans has formadehyde, so they use different formulations for industrial finishing. It seems you have to add something to the urethane liquid to start the polmerization reaction and the mixing needs to be precise. This too can build a thick, tough finish.

So I think it comes down to which is easier to work with at the guitar factory, number of guitars you coat per day and the skill of your workforce.

[Lake Placid Blues]

Urathane is much more durable against the effects of air pollution and Ultra Violet light than polyester, and especially nitro. One of the down sides of urathane is that it doesn't create a super smooth shiney finish without a lot of careful post finish polishing, following rather wet applications. It's more work, and more demanding of the skill level of the workers, but it's a much longer lasting finish with better color, done right.

[callous_frigid_chill]

Thanks guys. So what about acrylic lacquer, how is it on guitars, like the Highway 1 strat?