Buffed off some finish from Martin LX1 need advice

[catfish]

I polished my high gloss spruce top guitar, then decided to try slightly to work on the top of Martin 000-15M - liked the result, it became a bit glossier from original matte finish.
Then, my mistake, I did the same to Little Martin with matte spruce top, LX1, and I buffed off some of the finish, leaving whitish areas. I know it's irreversible.
I was thinking what to do, and first impulse was to apply a bit of a beeswax on it, then I did some reading and it turned out that beeswax is a no-no for tops since it will add mass and negatively affect the top's resonance.
What can I do now just to improve the look of the top? Just to get rid of whitish spots, does not matter it will look glossy or matte. Grateful for any advice.

I used Planet Waves products for buffing, I'm attaching some pictures below.

[AndrewG]

Oh dear. I would never use anything abrasive on a guitar body or neck. All is not lost, however. Get those Sharpies out!

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ps...lVKRfO8gTcTmM:

[Athens]

If it's a catalyzed finish there's not much you can do. There's no way to blend the old finish with whatever you try to apply.

Do you have a good luthier or tech in the area?

Also, it might turn out to be a more expensive fox than the guitar is worth.

Keep us posted.

[bluetweed]

I would also not use any carnauba or any other wax on the guitar / it will dampen the tone

[Athens]

I should have asked in my earlier post, sorry, but, did you just bugger up the finish or is it taken down to bare wood?

[ChrisE]

[Chuckie.egg]

Contact Martin and inquire about a factory refinishing if it's economic to do so?

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by bluetweed

I would also not use any carnauba or any other wax on the guitar / it will dampen the tone

I read this all the time. Not that I would wax my guitar top but it seems to me it would take some pretty heavy duty layers of wax to "dampen the tone" audibly.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

I read this all the time. Not that I would wax my guitar top but it seems to me it would take some pretty heavy duty layers of wax to "dampen the tone" audibly.

Wax builds up over time. Remember, the shine you get is the wax shining. In any case a gloss finish is already shiny, so I really don't see the point of gilding the lily. Old T-shirt, breath. Both free and harmless.

[roylor4]

Play it like it is and stop messing with the finishes on your guitars.

[jpmist]

Judging from the pics, my take is that you haven't damaged the finish so much as coated it with something, hence the streaks. A satin finish (even a "hand rubbed" one) has a lot of microscopic pores which your Planet Waves stuff has filled in, whitening it as it dried.

You might email Planet Waves with a pic to see what they might recommend to take it off. I'm sure you're not the first one who's done this and they need to know to put warnings on their products not to apply to satin finishes.

I'd try some denatured alcohol, then maybe some mineral spirits to get the Planet Waves coating off.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by AndrewG

Wax builds up over time. Remember, the shine you get is the wax shining. In any case a gloss finish is already shiny, so I really don't see the point of gilding the lily. Old T-shirt, breath. Both free and harmless.

I still think it would take a pretty heavy layer of wax to hear any difference.
Sorry, I just don't buy the theory.

[YeOldRocker]

Sell it as a relic.

[Side1LedZepIV]

The only realistic solution is to finish what you started until the top is consistent in appearance. Start with a somewhat aggressive compound and finish with a very fine compound. Work with the direction of the grain. When you are satisfied with the appearance, apply a light coat of natural finish stain. Let dry and buff with a soft cloth.

[fnesnor]

Well you're on your way to becoming an experienced guitar top refinisher. You can make it look nice. First, don't put any waxes, etc on it. Two, tape off your bridge, fretboard extension and sides. Three, go ahead and remove the remaining matte finish (just like you have been doing) to make the surface look the same. I would use 400 grit. Four, remove all dust, etc, from the top and seal the wood with a thin coat of shellac. Five, apply several coats of Tru Oil (short oil varnish) with a soft lint free cloth. I would shoot for a dozen coats (or more). The dry time between coats is short so you could do a couple a day. Also, I would lightly remove any dust/particles between coats with 0000 steel wool wetted with naphtha. Let the varnish cure for six months before you do any buffing (if it is required). Another tip if you use Tru Oil: Lightly dampen the application cloth with denatured alcohol before charging it with varnish. This will help it flow better and dry quicker.