Guitar manufacturers who have opted for nitro most often use its modern version containing a lot of plasticizers and hardeners. Thanks to these ingredients, the varnish is more durable, but it does not resemble the old nitro. The original old nitro produced in the 50s and 60s had a slightly different composition, including fewer hardeners and plasticizers, which resulted in the then unwanted (and paradoxically desirable today) characteristic Weather Checkings cracks, crumbling or discoloration. In addition, nitro without plasticizers applied using the original/old varnishing process enjoys a reputation among musicians for having a positive effect on the guitar’s sound, in contrast to the sometimes excessively thickly poured paint on modern instruments.
And it is this old-formula nitro without plasticizer that we use in our work. It is historically correct, looks beautiful on the guitar, but you have to be aware that it can crack, chip or crumble.
We paint exclusively using 100% nitro technology – we do not use any other paints.
It doesn’t matter whether you choose vintage colors from the original Gibson palette, modern colors, or shades or patterns that have never been seen before. We will advise and help you match everything so that the whole looks coherent.
Once we have decided on the color, the only thing left to do is decide on the finish style. We offer you three basic nitro finish options: FACTORY GLOSS, PLAYED & USED, or AGED.
