Questions: Crystalac

by Eric Aceto and Alex Meleshenko

Originally published in American Lutherie #59, 1999



Paul Sheridan of Bassendean, Australia asks:

Do you know anyone who is using Crystalac™ and is really happy with it? I have built up an allergy to the “low toxic” lacquer I am currently using and will probably have to change to a water-base lacquer.


Eric Aceto of Ithaca, NY responds:

I started using water-base finishes around 1988 or so when I noticed that even opening a can of nitrocellulose gave me a sore throat. Guess I built up a sensitivity over the years. The current finishes are far superior to what they were back then and I do not hesitate to use the newer formulas on our guitars. I am currently using the Crystalac™ put out by Stew-Mac. It’s a good finish and it is a breeze to apply and touch up. I do prefer to keep it thin and I do not usually put on more than six coats. It is a good hard formula with excellent clarity and color. It is easy to tint, although the color of the finish in the jar is not exactly what you end up with. I guess this is due to the slight milky look of the wet finish. Spray technique is pretty much the same once you get the hang of the viscosity. The ultimate in low toxicity would be to use this with an HVLP system. I would encourage anyone frustrated with the usual lacquer to try this finish, clean their equipment using soap and water, and then see if they want to go back. I never will.