How to differentiate the finish type?

[Darth Vader]

Hi guys,

How do you tell the difference between a Nitrocelulose finish from other types of finish?

 

[DaveWW]

On newer guitars you can smell the nitro and it's usually thinner. One of the things that makes it harder to tell with newish ones though is that some manufacturers often put a coat of nitro over a poly base coat which makes it thicker. The best way to tell is to use some acetone (nail varnish remover) in a cavity where the finish can't be seen with a cotton wool bud. If it's nitro the finish will start to be dissolved, or go tacky, by the acetone.

Dave

 

[Darth Vader]

Thanks, Dave.

 

[soundcreation]

I usually find nitro to look more 'natural'. Not so candy coated like poly. I also find poly a little less smooth. Like a gym floor, seems to grip more.

It can be hard to tell sometimes though. I have a poly greco that is incredibly thin...as thin as most nitro finishes...