When it comes to guitars, there are a lot of factors that contribute to how amazing they sound and look. One of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to the aesthetics of a guitar, is the finish. It’s what gives the guitar its gleaming shine, and can make all the difference in the world when it comes to the feel and overall appearance of the instrument.
So, what exactly makes guitar finishes shine? Is it due to the sparkle or texture of the finish? And ultimately, do you prefer matte or glossy finishes? Let’s explore some of the factors that contribute to the shine of a guitar’s finish and find out which type of finish is best for you.
Before we delve into the specifics of what makes a guitar finish shine, it’s important to understand what a finish actually is. In essence, a guitar finish is a coating that’s applied to the wood of the guitar in order to protect it from damage, as well as to enhance its visual appeal. A finish will also contribute to the way the guitar resonates, as it will affect the way the wood vibrates.
Initially, guitars were finished with a thin coat of shellac, a resin that is made from the secretions of the lac beetle. However, in the 20th century, many guitar manufacturers swapped to using synthetic finishes. These types of finishes are much more durable and long-lasting than their natural counterparts, and are also much easier to apply.
The most common types of synthetic finishes used on guitars today are polyester, nitrocellulose, and polyurethane. Each of these finishes has its strengths and weaknesses when it comes to durability, ease of application and of course, shine and texture.
Polyester finishes are typically the most durable, which makes them perfect for solid-body electric guitars. However, the downside to this type of finish is that they are typically quite thick and can feel quite plastic-like to the touch. Because of this, polyester finishes tend to not have the same level of shine as other types of finishes.
Nitrocellulose finishes, on the other hand, are not nearly as thick as polyester finishes. Despite being thinner, they still offer a high level of protection to the wood of the guitar. Nitrocellulose finishes are also famous for their “checking,” which is a series of tiny cracks that form in the finish over time. This gives the guitar a vintage look and is a sought-after feature for many guitar enthusiasts. Nitrocellulose finishes are also known for their exceptional shine, which is why they are so popular for high-end guitars.
Polyurethane finishes are perhaps the most versatile of all the types of finishes. They offer a high level of protection to the wood and can be applied in a variety of thicknesses, depending on the desired effect. Polyurethane finishes are also typically the most resistant to scratching, which makes them great for guitars that will see a lot of use. However, they don’t have quite the same level of depth and shine as nitrocellulose finishes.
So, it’s clear that the type of finish used on a guitar will have an impact on its shine and texture. However, there are other factors that contribute to the way a guitar finish appears as well.
The first of these factors is the level of buffing that the finish receives. When a finish is applied to a guitar, it will typically have some level of texture to it, whether it be bumps or ridges. In order to give the finish a smooth and polished look, it needs to be buffed. The amount of buffing that a finish receives can greatly impact the appearance of the guitar, as it will determine how light reflects off the finish.
The level of smoothness a finish has is also important. When light hits a surface that isn’t perfectly smooth, it will scatter in all directions, creating a diffuse reflection. However, when a surface is perfectly smooth, light will reflect back at a single angle, creating a specular reflection. This is the type of reflection that gives a finish its shine.
Another factor that contributes to the shine of a guitar finish is the level of clarity that it has. When a finish is applied to a guitar, it will typically have some level of cloudiness, which is caused by the air that becomes trapped in the finish as it dries. The level of clarity that the finish has will be determined by how well the air is able to escape from the finish during the drying process. Typically, finishes that are applied in thin coats will have a higher level of clarity than those that are applied in thick coats.
So, with all of these factors in mind, it’s clear that there are many things that can contribute to the shine and texture of a guitar’s finish. But ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when it comes to deciding whether a matte or glossy finish is best.
Matte finishes tend to be less flashy and can give a guitar a more understated look. They are typically smoother to the touch than glossy finishes, and are less likely to show fingerprints or scratches. They are also less prone to glare, which can be advantageous when playing under stage lighting or in sunny outdoor environments. However, matte finishes don’t have the same level of depth and shine as glossy finishes, which can make the guitar look a little less “exciting.”
Glossy finishes, on the other hand, are much shinier and flashier than matte finishes. They are able to show off the details of the guitar’s grain and provide a greater level of depth and richness to the color of the guitar. Glossy finishes also tend to be smoother to the touch, which can make them more pleasant to play. However, glossy finishes are more likely to show fingerprints and scratches, and can create glare under certain lighting conditions.
In conclusion, the question of what makes guitar finishes shine is a complex one that involves a number of different factors. Ultimately, the type of finish that you prefer will depend on your personal taste, as well as your needs as a player. Whether you prefer a sleek matte finish or a flashy glossy finish, there are plenty of options available to suit your style.
Image Credit: Pexels