There are many methods for coating musical instruments and undoubtedly shellac, together with the oil finish, is one of the oldest and most appreciated techniques.

The type of coating is very important and is used to protect the instrument from:

• humidity
• oxidation
• dirty
• aging

Sayerlack produces the best coatings for musical instruments where particular quality performances must be combined with the maximum aesthetic result. It supplies the products to many manufacturers of musical instruments and master luthiers.
Sayerlack offers water-based, solvent-based polyurethane and polyester, shellac, and oil-based finishes for all types of application, both artisanal and industrial.

Water-based products and shellac paints are particularly suitable for artisan violin making and harps.
Solvent, polyester and polyurethane paints are mainly used for industrial production of products such as electric guitars, grand and upright pianos, etc.

THE SHELLAC PAINTS

Sayerlack shellac paints help restore natural beauty to antique furniture. Ideal for musical instruments.
They can be used on rough wood, shellac paint or nitro finishes.
The shellac paint is dry to the touch after about 8 hours and it is recommended to apply the pad.
The transparency it generates gives the wood an elegant and renewed appearance and highlights all the veins, the roots, the feathers and the marbling.

The main characteristics of this type of paint are:

• Enhance the wood grain
• Excellent transparency
• Ideal for musical instruments

HOW TO APPLY THE SHELLAC PAINTS

• Use a good swab
• Prepare a primer
• Apply the first coats of shellac
• Polishing through different phases: greasing, oiling, finishing, patination

OIL FINISHES

Oil finishes are a valid alternative to ennoble the essence of musical instruments. Particularly recommended for those who love the natural beauty of wood.
For certain uses, oil-based finishes are the most appropriate choice: they act differently than traditional paints, they dry very slowly, not covering the surface, but impregnating the wood fibers.

This mechanism allows to preserve the aesthetic characteristics of the wood which thus preserves a natural color.
The possibility of being able to repeat the treatment with the same product also makes the oil treatment an easy and versatile solution.