So, you’ve got a guitar body ready for a new look. Maybe it’s a new project, a tired old instrument in need of a makeover, or a raw wood body waiting for its personality to be sprayed on. You head online, search for "guitar paint," and are immediately hit with a wall of options: Nitrocellulose, Acrylic, Polyurethane.
They’re all just spray paint, right? How different can they be?
The answer is: very. The finish on a guitar does more than just add colour; it affects the instrument's feel, its durability, and how it will age over time. Choosing the right one is key to achieving your desired result. Let's break down the three main aerosol contenders so you can make an informed choice for your project.
The Vintage King: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
If you've ever drooled over a vintage '50s Fender or '60s Gibson, you've been admiring a nitrocellulose finish. For decades, this was the industry standard.
Nitro is a solvent-based lacquer that creates a very thin, flexible finish. It never truly cures in the way modern plastics do; instead, the solvents evaporate, leaving a hard film that continues to change over its life.
Pros:
Ages Gracefully: This is nitro's main claim to fame. It yellows, fades, and develops "checking" (thin cracks) over time, creating that sought-after vintage patina.
Feels "Organic": The thin finish feels less like a thick plastic shell, which many players prefer. Purists argue it allows the wood to "breathe" and resonate more freely.
Easy to Repair: Each new coat of nitro chemically "melts" into the previous one. This means scratches and dings can be spot-repaired and blended seamlessly.
Cons:
Fragile: Nitro is soft and susceptible to dings, scratches, and wear. This is great if you want a "relic'd" look, but not if you want pristine protection.
Highly Flammable & High VOCs: Nitrocellulose lacquer releases a lot of Volatile Organic Compounds. You absolutely must use a high-quality respirator and work in a very well-ventilated space, away from any ignition sources.
Reactive: It can react badly with the foam and rubber on many common guitar stands, causing the finish to melt and discolour.
Long Curing Time: While it's dry to the touch relatively quickly, it can take weeks or even months to fully harden.
Who is it for? The vintage enthusiast, the relic artist, and the patient builder who wants an authentic, old-school look and feel.
The Modern All-Rounder: Acrylic Lacquer
Think of modern car paint, and you're in the ballpark of acrylic lacquer. This is a more modern, plastic-based formula that offers a great balance of ease of use, durability, and colour options.
Pros:
Good Durability: It's significantly harder and more scratch-resistant than nitrocellulose. It provides solid protection for a daily-use instrument.
Widely Available & Affordable: You can find acrylic lacquer in a huge array of colours at most hardware and automotive stores.
Faster Drying/Curing: Acrylics typically dry faster and cure harder much more quickly than nitro, speeding up your project timeline.
Colour Stability: It is much less prone to yellowing over time, so your Sonic Blue will stay Sonic Blue.
Cons:
Doesn't "Melt-In": Unlike nitro, each new coat of acrylic forms a distinct layer. This means repairs are more difficult to blend, and you typically need to lightly sand between coats to ensure good adhesion.
Can Feel "Plasticky": The finish is generally thicker than nitro and can feel less connected to the wood.
Doesn't Age: It won't develop the same vintage checking or patina as nitro. It will simply look like an older, slightly worn modern finish.
Who is it for? The first-time finisher, the musician on a budget, or anyone who wants a durable, modern-looking finish in a specific colour without the hassle of nitro.
The Indestructible Shield: Polyurethane
Polyurethane is the undisputed champion of durability. Most modern, mass-produced guitars are finished in "poly." It’s designed to be tough, glossy, and protective. In an aerosol can, you are typically getting a 1-part (1K) version, which is user-friendly.
Pros:
Extreme Durability: Polyurethane creates a hard, plastic shell that is highly resistant to scratches, dings, sweat, and chemicals. It’s the best choice for maximum protection.
High-Gloss Finish: It's excellent for achieving that "dipped in glass" look.
Fast Curing: Modern poly finishes cure quickly and reach maximum hardness efficiently.
Cons:
Thick Finish: Poly is often applied thickly, which critics claim can dampen the wood's natural resonance (a hotly debated topic!).
Very Difficult to Repair: A chip in a poly finish is a chip. It doesn't melt into itself, and spot repairs are nearly impossible to make invisible.
Application Can Be Tricky: It can be less forgiving than lacquers, with a higher tendency to run or create an "orange peel" texture if not applied carefully.
Who is it for? The gigging musician who needs their guitar to withstand the rigours of the road, or anyone who prioritizes ultimate protection and a pristine, glossy look over vintage character.
Quick Comparison Chart
|
Feature |
Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
Acrylic Lacquer |
Polyurethane |
|
Durability |
Low |
Medium-High |
Very High |
|
Ease of Repair |
Easy |
Difficult |
Very Difficult |
|
Aging |
Yellows & checks |
Stays colour-true |
Stays colour-true |
|
Feel |
Thin, "organic" |
Modern, smooth |
Thick, "plasticky" |
|
Curing Time |
Very Long |
Medium |
Fast |
|
Safety (VOCs) |
Very High |
High |
High |
Final Words of Advice
Safety First, Always! No matter which you choose, you are working with hazardous chemicals. Work outdoors or in a space with powerful, active ventilation. Wear a respirator rated for organic vapours, nitrile gloves, and safety glasses.
Preparation is 90% of the Job. A perfect paint job on a poorly prepared surface will look terrible. Ensure your guitar body is properly sanded smooth, grain-filled (if necessary), and sealed/primed with a compatible product.
Practice! Don't make a beautiful guitar body your first-ever spray project. Grab a piece of scrap wood and practice your spraying technique: thin, even coats, keeping the can moving at a consistent distance.
Ultimately, there is no single "best" finish. The right choice depends entirely on your goal. Do you want the living, breathing character of a vintage classic? Go with Nitro. Need a reliable, durable finish in a cool colour for your workhorse guitar? Acrylic is your friend. Want to encase your guitar in a suit of armour to protect it from everything? Polyurethane is your shield.
Happy spraying!
