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Originally Posted by OriginalCrash  I posted this on the Basses forum, and it was recommended I try it here... I've read plenty about nitrocellulose vs. poly(urethane, usually... I believe). But what about differences in poly finishes? Is there any significant difference? Does a polyester finish age any better than urethane? Is it as difficult to remove? Anything else?
Brian
P.S. Here's a link to the other thread, if you're interested... |
There are the factory applied polyurethane finishes which are very hard and tough and impossible to remove without a heat gun or sanding. Then there are the DIY polyurethane varnishes sold in paint stores and Home Depot, which are more like traditional varnishes, but just a bit tougher and more resistant to chemicals and water than varnish. These can be very hard to remove with strippers too once they've fully cured. Most people use them because they're relatively easy to apply and don't require expensive spray equipment. I don't care for polyurethane for varnishing because I don't like the look as much as real varnish and because they are tough to rub out to a very high gloss.
Polyester is another factory applied finish. Very tough too and needs to be sanded off.
I don't know what the difference is in aging between factory polyurethane and factory polyester. Each seems to have their advocates. In general the poly finishes outlast everything else for wear. But once you scratch or chip them it's very tough to do an invisible repair.
I wouldn't give much thought to any differences between them when considering buying a bass. It won't affect the sound and any other differences are likely not going to be noticed much by you. The manufacturers might feel different though but would base their preferences on things like ease of application, cost, speed of drying and how easy to polish to a high gloss.
The whole finish scene is changing rapidly these days because of worker safety and environmental concerns. Many finishes are being phased out in favour of water solvent based finishes. These are starting to get better and soon may rival the polyester and polyurethanes being used now for toughness and longevity. The same is happening with the DIY market.
