Differences in Lacquer?

[Michael Baresi]

Whats the difference between nitrocellulose lacquer and the spray cans of lacquer they sell at the hardware?

[Barry Daniels]

Generally speaking (which is all we can do without knowing specific brands) spray cans usually have a lot of plasticizers in it so the lacquer will not usually get as hard or scratch resistant. On my last two guitars I used Cardinal lacquer from LMII and it is hands down the best lacquer I have ever used. Much better than the old standby, McFaddens.

[Brian Evans]

My hardware store sells something called Acrylic Lacquer, and I tried it. sprayed great, sanded and polished great, start to chip and fall off after a year, went kind of soft. When weather gets warm enough to do finishing this year I plan to refinish two guitars.

[Gordon Bellerose]

Never having worked with Nitro-C, I cannot speak to it.
Here in Canada, it is very difficult to get Nitro-C, so I have always used water based lacquer.
I have had very good luck with it.

The few times I have used a spray can, has been on small repairs. I really don't care for it for the reasons stated in the above posts.

[Clay Schaeffer]

Mohawk sells nitro in a spray can. You can get it in different sheens, gloss to dead flat. For touch up work on site it is handy to have.

http://www.amazon.com/Mohawk-Finishers- ... S35HJYXERH

Mohawk also sells CAB lacquer in spray cans if you want a non yellowing softer film. For a brief primer on types of lacquer:
www.finewoodworking.com/2005/09/13/all-about-lacquers

[Michael Baresi]

Good tip Clay. Thanks
Thats a good price too.