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I'm planning a build for export to the USA, and am hoping to avoid the USFWS "tax" by not putting any shell on it. I'm considering pearloid for fret markers and headstock inlay. However, for the headstock inlay, there could be a problem. I use nitro for my finish, and I suspect that the nitro might melt the pearloid. Has anyone had experience shooting nitro over pearloid? Can it be done? Any tricks to successfully doing so?

Celluloid of all types, not just pearloid, was used almost exclusively for instrument bindings from the 20's into the 70's under lacquer finishes without any problems.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Hi Brian and Todd. Thanks for the input. I never thought of all those older guitars with celluloid bindings under lacquer. Good point. And the adhesion advantage.... I'll take that. Mind you, I've never had adhesion problems with shell. Don't ask me about ebony or EIR. Thanks again.

The pearloid available today may or may not be celluloid. It could be polyester, or some oither modern plastic. At any rate, lacquer is compatible with most kinds of plastic.

Not only celluloid bindings, but many older instruments had celluloid on the peghead....either as ivoroid or pearloid.

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John