Elixir 80/20 Acoustic Guitar Strings
Elixir's coating formula is undisclosed; possible PFAS use, but no public evidence confirms it.
Elixir 80/20 strings use proprietary nanoweb or polyweb polymer coating claimed to extend string life and reduce corrosion. The brand doesn't disclose coating chemical composition or PFAS content, and no independent lab testing is publicly available.
The better-graded swap
D'Addario
D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Strings XS 80/20 Bronze Coated
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Steel wound with bronze or nickel-silver wrap; proprietary polymer coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Elixir 80/20 Acoustic Guitar Strings is made of, ingredients and materials
Elixir 80/20 strings use a steel core wound with 80% copper and 20% nickel alloy (bronze wrap), then coated with Elixir's proprietary polymer finish. The coating's chemical composition is not publicly disclosed, which creates uncertainty about potential PFAS or other synthetic polymer additives. Steel and bronze/nickel are stable materials with no known leaching risk under normal string tension and humidity. The polymer coating is the only component where composition and potential off-gassing or degradation pathways remain opaque.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Undisclosed polymer coating composition
Elixir's coating formula is proprietary and not chemically characterized in public sources. PFAS use is possible but unconfirmed; other synthetic polymers or adhesion promoters may be present without disclosure.
Nickel in wrap alloy
The 80/20 bronze wrap contains nickel, which can release trace amounts through skin contact during play. Individuals with nickel allergies or dermatitis may experience reactions with prolonged exposure; this is a known issue with metal string instruments generally.
Polymer coating degradation
As the coating wears or ages, breakdown products from the polymer layer could theoretically be ingested (via fingers to mouth) or inhaled as dust. No documented cases exist, but the absence of data reflects lack of testing rather than confirmed safety.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Copper and nickel in the wrap are not water-soluble under normal string conditions. Leaching into food or saliva is not a documented concern for guitar strings, as tension and dry storage do not promote corrosion or release.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public reports indicate formaldehyde resins or significant VOC off-gassing from Elixir coatings. The coating is designed to remain stable on the string surface, not shed or release odors during normal use.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Elixir has not published material safety data sheets, chemical composition details, or formal PFAS statements for its string coatings. The company markets the coating as proprietary and long-lasting but does not engage in third-party transparency initiatives or certifications for chemical content. No recalls, contamination incidents, or regulatory findings have been documented for Elixir strings in public sources. The silence on coating chemistry is typical for guitar string manufacturers but leaves consumers unable to verify safety claims independently.
How it compares in its category
Coated strings like Elixir's are premium products designed for extended lifespan (2-3 times longer than uncoated strings). Uncoated strings (plain steel or phosphor bronze) avoid polymer coating unknowns but wear faster and require more frequent replacement. Some competitors (notably D'Addario EXP) also use proprietary coatings without full disclosure. Elixir's coating is one of the most widely used in the premium segment and has no established safety record better or worse than comparable coated alternatives.
If you buy it
Replace strings when they lose tone, develop corrosion, or break, typically every 2-3 months for regular players or 6-12 months for casual use. Store strings in a cool, dry place; humidity accelerates corrosion under any coating. Do not expose strings to extreme heat (above 120F sustained) as polymer coatings can degrade unpredictably at high temperatures. Wash hands after playing extended sessions if you have sensitive skin, as trace metal residue (nickel) from the wrap can accumulate on hands, particularly relevant for nickel-sensitive individuals.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Elixir has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Elixir 80/20 Acoustic Guitar Strings?
- 80/20 Bronze (copper-tin alloy) with phosphor-bronze coating
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Coating degradation and particulate release
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Nickel-plated steel core with nickel-brass wound exterior
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Nickel skin contact sensitivity
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Nickel-plated steel wound around hexagonal steel core
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Nickel contact dermatitis
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More guitar strings grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.