nitrocellulose VS acrylic

[Dennis D.]

What the difference between nitro cellulose and acrylic lacquer? Are the differences detectable visually?

[Mike M.]

Re: nitrocellulose VS acrylic

nitrocellulose lacquer was used almost exclusivly by GM up until the late 50s. acrylic lacquer came on board @ 1957(inca silver) . once sprayed and rubbed our, i can't discern the differences in the two lacquers. pre-application, the nitro is "stringyer" than the acrylic.if you dip a screwdriver in the nitro can and withdraw the blade, a "string" of the nitro will develope between the blade and the can containing the nitro. acrylic much less "string" effect. to me, both lacquers , when buffed, give a much more pleasing finish when compared to the enamels and urethanes. mike

[Dennis D.]

Re: nitrocellulose VS acrylic

Mike,

Can I assume that given the choice between Nitro or todays finishes, to simulate acrylic, you would choose the nitro?

[Mike M.]

Re: nitrocellulose VS acrylic

i'd choose acrylic over nitro as its easier to acquire and is easier to finish. i'm no pro painter though. mike

[Dennis D.]

Re: nitrocellulose VS acrylic

Wow! Tell me where to get the acrylic.

[Ray C.]

Re: nitrocellulose VS acrylic

It is hard to find lacquers in some states. If you check out the fourm link below it will provide you with a link to PPG distributors. I have used PPG lacquers on the past three paint jobs. Make sure you purchase a package of paint products (paints, primers and thinners).

Ray

https://www.ncrs.org/forum/tech.cgi/noframes/read/277031

[Alan S.]

Re: nitrocellulose VS acrylic

Dennis:
I thought long and hard over a several year period about the question of base-coat/clear-coat vrs. acrylic lacquer. I decided on acrylic when I found someone who has been painting for forty years and believes he has never used anything but acrylic lacquer. He allowed me to help with the preparation (which I liked) and he sprayed it. I have done very little hand rubbing on it. It's a red '71 Coupe that I bought in March of '71. I believe it looks like it was done by a pair of GM painters who were having particularly good days. The paint looks like really nice Corvette paint not street-rod paint (not that's always bad). I love the look of acrylic lacquer. For some people and some cars, acrylic lacquer is the right choice.
Regards,
Alan

[Kent K.]

Re: nitrocellulose VS acrylic

Bill Tower tells me that laquer is available in downtown Orlando, FL. 'Taint cheap!

BTW, this photo shows my '67 the restoration of which was finished just prior to the '94 Cypress Gardens Winter Regional where it received its first Top Flight. See my profile for the rest of the story.

Kent #6201

[Richard S.]

Re: nitrocellulose VS acrylic

Kent,

Is that the Bill Tower who owns Grand Sport 005....that was once owned by Montrealer Dave Greenblat? I saw that Grand Sport race at Saint Jovite in 1965. And....I was at Cypress Gardens in 1994 and spent a long time admiring your 67....

[Kent K.]

Re: nitrocellulose VS acrylic

Yes Rick, he's the same Bill Tower as always and quite an interesting guy.
Thanks for the compliment on the '67. I have to thank the 3 previous owners, one of which (#2) was Jerry Bramlett.
Kent #6201