Dartfords are one of the UK's leading manufacturers of guitar finishing products. Their range covers every stage of the finishing process — from grain filler and sanding sealer through to colour coats, clear lacquers and polishing compounds — and is formulated specifically for the demands of instrument finishing, where quality, authenticity and consistency matter more than they do in any other finishing application.
Nitrocellulose lacquer
Dartfords' core product is their nitrocellulose lacquer range. Nitro is the traditional finish for electric and acoustic guitars — it is the finish that vintage Fender, Gibson, Gretsch and most other golden-age instruments wore from the factory. Modern polyurethane and polyester finishes are more durable, but nitrocellulose remains the choice for builders who want authentic vintage tone, feel and ageing characteristics.
Nitrocellulose lacquer breathes — it remains microscopically porous, which many players and luthiers believe allows the wood to resonate more freely. It also ages beautifully, developing checking (fine lacquer cracks), yellowing and wear patterns that polyurethane never will. Dartfords' nitro is available in aerosol cans for individual projects and in bulk liquid form for spray gun application.
Colour range
Dartfords offer an extensive colour palette that covers classic guitar finishes from every era. The solid colours include accurate matches for iconic Fender and Gibson shades — Olympic White, Fiesta Red, Surf Green, Sonic Blue, Lake Placid Blue, Daphne Blue, Pelham Blue, TV Yellow and many more. The metallic range includes Lake Placid Blue Metallic, Shoreline Gold, Inca Silver and other vintage custom colours.
The tinted clear lacquers are designed for burst finishes — amber, cherry red and dark brown tints let you build authentic sunburst and translucent colour effects over natural wood. Used with the matching wood dye range, they give you complete control over burst depth and colour graduation.
Wood dyes
Dartfords produce three types of wood dye: water-soluble aniline powder, alcohol-soluble aniline powder, and ready-mixed spirit-based liquid dyes. Water-soluble dyes give the longest working time and the most even penetration but raise the grain. Alcohol-soluble dyes dry faster and do not raise the grain, making them better for fretboard and neck staining. The ready-mixed range covers the most popular colours and is the easiest option for straightforward dyeing work. See our wood dye guide for detailed technique.
Preparation products
Sanding sealers and primers are the foundation of a good finish. Dartfords offer nitrocellulose sanding sealer (compatible with their nitro colour and clear coats), vinyl sealer (for sealing under most finish types) and dedicated primers for problem surfaces. Their thixotropic grain filler fills the open pores of ash, mahogany and other ring-porous woods, creating the glass-smooth surface that a high-gloss lacquer demands.
Polishing and finishing
Dartfords' polishing compounds complete the finishing process. Their cutting compound removes level-sanding marks, while the fine finishing compound brings the surface to a mirror gloss. The hand polishing kit includes everything needed to take a cured lacquer finish from flat-sanded to showroom shine.
