Mohawk Stringed Instrument Lacquer Aerosol - Gloss Nitrocellulose

Mohawk have been producing guitar finishing products for decades and are the preferred choice by many top American guitar manufacturers.

Nitrocellulose (known as 'Nitro') has been used by most of the worlds leading guitar makers since the beginning of last century due to it's superior look, acoustic properties and durability. Nitro is still used by many of the top manufacturers on their highest grade instruments. Companies that use Nitrocellulose on their top range instruments include Martin, Maton, Gibson, Fender and Collings.

One advantage of a Nitrocellulose finish is that it is thinner than products like Polyurethane and Polyester. This means it does not impede the vibration of the timber parts of a guitar. It also has a superior look and allows a small amount of the grain to show through so it doesn't look 'plasticy' like other finishes.

Safety - Like all lacquers of this type it is extremely important to read the safety instructions and Material Safety Data Sheet. This product has strong fumes so it is important to spray in a ventilated area and use a respirator mask designed for spray paint. It is also highly flammable.

Application - As it is a clear gloss lacquer, several coats of lacquer should be applied with a light sand and several hours drying time between coats. It is important a thick enough layer is applied to allow cutting back and polishing. The cutting back is done with fine wet and dry sandpaper and polishing compound. It is possible to achieve a mirror finish with proper cutting back.

Sealing is not necessary as the lacquer will seal the timber. Some luthiers prefer to use a sealer and the manufacturer recommends a vinyl sealer as it has the same flexible properties as the lacquer.