Nitrocellulose lacquer
A traditional finish made from cellulose nitrate dissolved in solvent, applied in many thin coats that melt into one another as they dry.
It is favoured for two reasons: it goes on remarkably thin, and it hardens in a way that lets the wood under it keep some of its liveliness, which many players believe is audible compared with a thick modern coating. It also ages visibly, yellowing, checking and wearing through at contact points. The trade is that it is soft, retains solvents for weeks after spraying, and is being restricted for environmental reasons.
Example: a thin nitro finish on an acoustic top will wear through at the strumming area within years, which players often regard as desirable character.
See also
Related
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