Can't keep the smudge away

[Coma]

Satin finish on bod and neck. I use Dunlop formula 65, but the guitar is really, really dirty. I keep polishing (tried both old t-shirt and fiber-rag, or whatever they're called) and all that happens is the smudge keeps getting pushed around. Any suggestions? Black guitar too, so the grime is REALLY visible.

[Redmist]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

Try something like Autoglym super resin polish. It won't shine the finish if you just apply without rubbing, then wipe off the White powder when it dries.

Especially good on nitro finish.

[ItsaBass]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

Poly finish?

[phil_104]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

What ever you do, don't use the Gibson stuff. It will shine the hell out of that spot.

[Coma]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

Poly finish?

ya, pretty much, but without the gloss or overcoated laquer.

[ItsaBass]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

What about Simple Green then? Windex? Poly won't be hurt by many chemicals that would instantly harm a nitrocellulose finish.

[Coma]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

Oops, my bad. Methinks it's actually nitro. that's the one Ginson usually uses, right? Its basically a normal Gibson coating but without the laquer/clear gloss over it.

[phil_104]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

Oops, my bad. Methinks it's actually nitro. that's the one Ginson usually uses, right? Its basically a normal Gibson coating but without the laquer/clear gloss over it.

It is nitro, just very, very thin, and not shined.

[ItsaBass]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

Oops, my bad. Methinks it's actually nitro. that's the one Ginson usually uses, right? Its basically a normal Gibson coating but without the laquer/clear gloss over it.

If it is a Gibson, it is more than likely a nitrocellulose finish.

I think that there might be a terminology misinderstanding between us.

"Lacquer" simply means that it is a finish in which the solvent is just a temporary "carrier." The solvent allows you to apply the finish as a liquid, but it evaporates out, leaving behind the stuff that was dissolved in it, making the hard finish. Nitrocellulose is the stuff that is left behind, which was originally dissolved in solution with the solvent. Nitro is just one type of lacquer (organic-based resin). Acrylic lacquer is another type (synthetic resin).

From your last post, perhaps you think that if it is not glossy, it is not lacquer. That is not the case. Lacquer of any type can be glossy or matte, as can poly. The luster of the finish is not a good indicator of whether or not it is a nitro, acrylic, or poly.

So my statement that nitrocellulose is sensitive to damage from various chemicals applied specifically to a nitrocellulose finish, not just to a lacquer finish in general. Acrylic lacquer is much more hardy. Sorry if that was confusing.

My point was that if your finish is not nitrocellulose, it is probably pretty resistant to chemical and moisture damage. But if it is nitro, use more caution with what you put on it.

[Coma]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

Well, I'm fairly certain it's nitro. Furthermore, AFAIK, Gibson applies the color (some 30 coats or something) and then a clear gloss or something that hardens, protecting the paint job and wood. This is also what tends to crack over time. that last layer is not applied to the Gothic series (or any Satin finish, from what I've understood), thus making the paint job pretty sensitive (indeed, mine shows some really overabundant wear).

[Chickenwings]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

nitro goes cloudy over time - and dunlop polish just makes it go soft IME. Its just makes swirls in the nitro for which i have not found a cure.

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

Dunlop Formula 65 is designed for 90% of guitars out there

specifically, NOT guitars finished with nitro. It's great for poly tho.

You should have used the Gibson pump polish because it actually contains nitro. Now that you've massaged so much poly polish into your guitar, you might just have to get used to that smudge buddy.

[Bludave]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

Satin finish on bod and neck. I use Dunlop formula 65, but the guitar is really, really dirty. I keep polishing (tried both old t-shirt and fiber-rag, or whatever they're called) and all that happens is the smudge keeps getting pushed around. Any suggestions? Black guitar too, so the grime is REALLY visible.

I use this stuff on really grimy guitars and it works great! You can even use it on Nitro. I have two black guitars & I know what you mean about the smudge. Usually wear your arm comes in contact with the body. Try also playing with a long sleeve shirt to help minimize the sweat stain!

[Coma]

Re: Can't keep the smudge away

Dunlop Formula 65 is designed for 90% of guitars out there

specifically, NOT guitars finished with nitro. It's great for poly tho.

You should have used the Gibson pump polish because it actually contains nitro. Now that you've massaged so much poly polish into your guitar, you might just have to get used to that smudge buddy.

FML! If the store hadn't changed owner, I'd kick that *******s head in!