How to best clean Taylor's matte finish?

JackB1 · #1 03-21-2018, 07:48 AM

What's the best thing to use on the tops of Taylor's matte finish guitars (like the 114ce)? Is is safe to use a guitar specific spray polish or just stick with a plain cloth?

fazool · #2 03-21-2018, 07:53 AM

Their finish is very durable, including the satin versions.

A guitar cleaner/polish or (very) lightly dampened cloth will be fine.

To clean their Finnish, however you will need to go to Scandinavia

Dwight · #3 03-21-2018, 08:13 AM

I recall Bob Taylor saying Windex.

RefrigRaider · #4 03-21-2018, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackB1

What's the best thing to use on the tops of Taylor's matte finish guitars (like the 114ce)? Is is safe to use a guitar specific spray polish or just stick with a plain cloth?

My 110e stays spotless with simply a damp cotton (or microfiber) cloth. I have Gibson guitar polish and lighter fluid available, that I had for other guitars, but haven't had to use them on the Taylor. Quoting the Taylor website:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taylor Support

Satin Finish Areas with a less glossy, low-sheen finish are referred to as "satin" finish. The wood is still completely sealed with a protective finish, it's simply a finish that doesn't later get buffed to a reflective shine. Most necks, some tops and many back and sides of the body have a satin finish. These areas can be wiped down with a slightly damp cloth for cleaning. Avoid any wax or thicker polishes on satin finished areas as they will leave the finish looking splotchy. Our Taylor polish mentioned above is safe to use on satin finishes.

JackB1 · #5 03-21-2018, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fazool

Their finish is very durable, including the satin versions.

A guitar cleaner/polish or (very) lightly dampened cloth will be fine.

To clean their Finnish, however you will need to go to Scandinavia

Roger that! Funny thing is I spelled it correctly in the message body, but not the title

Finish is one of the words I constantly misspell. That and "tomorow"

JackB1 · #6 03-21-2018, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RefrigRaider

My 110e stays spotless with simply a damp cotton (or microfiber) cloth. I have Gibson guitar polish and lighter fluid available, that I had for other guitars, but haven't had to use them on the Taylor. Quoting the Taylor website:

Is "satin finish" the same as "matte"??? I thought they were two different things.

RefrigRaider · #7 03-21-2018, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackB1

Is "satin finish" the same as "matte"??? I thought they were two different things.

I think they're the same. I know that your 114 and my 110 have the same finish, whatever the name

muscmp · #8 03-21-2018, 08:48 AM

soft lint free cloth and breath.

play music!

Athens · #9 03-21-2018, 09:06 AM

Taylor's finish has been UV catalyzed poly's for years. They are pretty well impervious to anything that you can throw at them.

A damp cloth would work well, but at road shows I've been to the Taylor folks used to use spray Turtle Wax .

No, really!

fazool · #10 03-21-2018, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athens

Taylor's finish has been catalyzed poly's...

I know they are using UV cured polyester. Not sure but I think that's a little different from a chemically catalyzed.

L20A · #11 03-21-2018, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athens

Taylor's finish has been catalyzed poly's for years. They are pretty well impervious to anything that you can throw at them.

A damp cloth would work well, but at road shows I've been to the Taylor folks used to use spray Turtle Wax .

No, really!

The use of Turtle Wax is for the Taylor gloss finishes.
If you use it on a Satin finish, you will start to buff out the finish and it will become more like a semi gloss.
I have done this to my wife's Taylor and we both like the way the finish is looking.
If you want to keep the satin finish, don't use wax, just clean with soap and water.

Luckymud · #12 03-21-2018, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L20A

The use of Turtle Wax is for the Taylor gloss finishes.
If you use it on a Satin finish, you will start to buff out the finish and it will become more like a semi gloss.
I have done this to my wife's Taylor and we both like the way the finish is looking.
If you want to keep the satin finish, don't use wax, just clean with soap and water.

Any way you could post a picture of the semi-buffed finish? How long has it taken to do this?

Sorry to hijack...

JackB1 · #13 03-21-2018, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwight

I recall Bob Taylor saying Windex.

really???? That sounds a bit harsh to put on your guitar.

JackB1 · #14 03-21-2018, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RefrigRaider

I think they're the same. I know that your 114 and my 110 have the same finish, whatever the name

OK, so just a damp or dry microfiber cloth then?

RefrigRaider · #15 03-21-2018, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackB1

OK, so just a damp or dry microfiber cloth then?

Works for me!!