Luthier Wood

Nitrocellulose Lacquer – In Tune with Musical Instruments

In addition to the beautiful look of a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, there is another sound reason for choosing this lacquer for musical instruments. Luthiers and the makers of other quality wood instruments typically choose nitrocellulose lacquer due to the resonance and tone quality it produces. While many of today’s synthetic lacquers can make an instrument look terrific, the use of polyurethane and acrylic lacquers is likely to result in a poor sound quality.

The composition of nitrocellulose lacquer indicates why it is such an ideal choice for wood instruments. Cellulose, a key component of the lacquer, is derived from cotton, which like wood, is a plant based material. The cellulose cotton is treated with nitric and sulfuric acids to create nitrocellulose lacquer. While considering the composition, it should be noted that nitrocellulose lacquer is highly volatile, and closely related to a composition used in pyrotechnics. However, nitrocellulose lacquer has been safely used for decades, and as long as users adhere to recommended health and environmental precautions, no problems should result from its proper and intended use.

Nitrocellulose lacquer may be applied by brush or spray. This quick drying lacquer is typically wet sanded to produce the perfectly smooth surfaces that are characteristic of quality instruments. In addition to instruments, nitrocellulose lacquer is well-suited to be used for many other product finishes including sporting goods, wood cabinetry, auto body components, and other items requiring a sleek and strong finish.

Tennessee Technical Coatings is a leading manufacturer of a wide variety of coating and finishing products including nitrocellulose lacquer. TTC works with a broad array of manufacturers and producers of finished goods in a vast range of industries to produce top quality lacquers and coatings, which are suited to meet the needs and demands of each finished product. Tennessee Technical Coatings formulates nitrocellulose lacquer for customers in the musical instrument industry as well as the manufacturers of other goods that require a beautiful, high-sheen, long-lasting durable finish. To learn more about the benefits of and uses for nitrocellulose lacquer, contact Tennessee Technical Coatings.

About the Author

Randy Wood Guitars on Farmers Almanac TV

Songs in the Key of Wood $11.75 …

Shop Fox D3125 Parrot Vise $42.95 These unique vises swivel a full 360 degrees and then locks in place when the jaw is tightened. Vise can also be mounted sideways for versatility. Precision casting and machining make this vise a pleasure to use. Jaws measure 3 1/2″ wide x 2 1/8″ high and open to 4 3/4 ” capacity. Optional Tilting Jaws with rubber pads pivot to hold tapered material. Holes in jaws allow mounting of custom wooden f…

Shop Fox D2804 6-Inch Aluminum Deep Reach C-Clamp $10.95 This cast aluminum C clamp features a 1 5/8″ clamp capacity, an extra deep 6″ reach and is suitable for a variety of clamping applications. Ribbed construction and thick castings make this C clamp both light and durable. Handy for general woodworking and instrument making….

Two Cherries 2mm Palm Chisel $25.95 Violin bow makers and instrument makers have long used small chisels like these for fine fitting and paring work. Once you try them you too will appreciate the control and accuracy attainable with these short compact tools. The pear shaped handle fits comfortably in the palm of your hand making a variety of grips and positions possible. If you do fine precise work these chisels will be a valued…

Guitar Building Series…Introduction to guitar building wood, tools and plans $19.95 Designed for the beginning luthier, this 60 minute video provides a step-by-step overview of the wood, tools, plans and building kits available for guitar building. Applicable to both classical and steel string guitars, you can view selected clips of this video by going to YouTube and doing a search for “Jamie Boss wood and tools”. To see my other guitar building and repair DVDs on Amazon, just do…

The Luthier’s Handbook: A Guide to Building Great Tone in Acoustic Stringed Instruments $15.17 An essential item for the instrument builder, The Luthier’s Handbook explores the secrets and science behind making good-sounding acoustic stringed instruments. Renowned author Roger H. Siminoff brings to the table more than four decades of luthiery exper…

Lutherie Woods & Steel String Guitars: A Guide to Tonewoods With a Compilaition of Repair & Construction Techniques $25.00 …