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  #16  
Old 02-17-2012, 06:56 PM
RussB RussB is offline
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Originally Posted by Kevster View Post
...is there anything that will help to hide scratches?

Put it in the case and close the lid
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  #17  
Old 02-17-2012, 06:57 PM
Misty44 Misty44 is offline
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[/I]
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I was just wondering what you use to keep the shine in your guitar - and also is there anything that will help to hide scratches?
Your new nitrocellulose finish on that D-18 will stay nice and shiny for years all by itself.

Cleaning your guitar every so often is a good idea to remove smudges and the inevitable build up of organic and other residues, the kind of stuff that builds up on your mirrors and windows. Use a clean damp cotton cloth and a dry one afterward, and you'll keep that shiny look.

If you encounter a difficult smudge, use some naphtha as found in Ronsonol Lighter Fluid - it removes sticky stuff safely and leaves the finish squeaky clean.

If you do use a polish (no waxing), get one made specifically for guitars that is silicone free. The polish from Virtuoso http://www.virtuosopolish.com/ is excellent - highly rated and used by many here. An occasional application should be sufficient.

The Virtuoso will also help remove tiny swirl scratches. I would not attempt to remove deep ones without consulting an experienced tech for fear of marring the finish with an abrasive.
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  #18  
Old 02-17-2012, 06:59 PM
jseth jseth is offline
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A soft damp cloth, followed by buffing with another dry cloth or micro-fiber towel...

Take some care and you won't get scratches! Not belt buckles, no metal buttons, no idiots allowed to play it, stuff like that... some scratches are ineveitable over the years, but they don't have to be a problem.

There are rubbing compounds that can be used for light scratches, but EVERY time you use them, you are wearing away the original finish, so it's not something you want to do very often.

I understand wanting to care for your new guitar... I did the same with my first ones, but learned that it just isn't necessary. Honestly, I may use some sort of polish every couple years, if that...

play on.......................................>

John
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  #19  
Old 02-17-2012, 07:13 PM
RussMason RussMason is offline
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Default Lizard Spit

Lizard Spit (Elderly) is a wonderful spray-on cleaner. Great for all kinds of string instruments.

Re: scratches.

If the wood is dark, such as mahogany or rosewood, dab on a little Old English (dark brown) furniture polish, with a Q-tip.

Another excellent way to cover scratches is to cut a walnut in half and then rub the walnut meat into the scratch. Works well for all kinds of wood.
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  #20  
Old 02-17-2012, 07:15 PM
kydave kydave is offline
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Originally Posted by Kevster View Post
I'm not sure if waxing is what I really meant, I was just wondering what you use to keep the shine in your guitar.and also is there anything that will help to hide scratches?
If you hide the scratches constantly, your guitar will always look like a dilettante's toy...

Play that puppy! Ride it hard & put it up wet! Let it know it is loved as an instrument to make music, not a piece of furniture!
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  #21  
Old 02-17-2012, 07:29 PM
sachi sachi is offline
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The only time you should EVER wax a guitar is when you have a Gibson with one of those mustache bridges.

And then you use this:

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  #22  
Old 02-17-2012, 07:29 PM
mds08 mds08 is offline
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Originally Posted by jestn7 View Post
I contacted Taylor and they use Turtle Wax / Express Shine at the factory. I was suprised but tried it and was impressed! You don't leave it on wet very long. Spray it on a soft cloth, wipe it on and then quickly wipe it dry with another soft dry cloth. Go figure!
I agree, used it and works great!
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  #23  
Old 02-17-2012, 07:29 PM
seattleviking seattleviking is offline
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I suppose the obvious thing to use would be Martin Guitar Polish.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...ELAID=26027384
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  #24  
Old 02-17-2012, 08:27 PM
RussB RussB is offline
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If you REALLY love your guitar, you might wanna try,





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  #25  
Old 02-17-2012, 08:58 PM
Kevster Kevster is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kydave View Post
If you hide the scratches constantly, your guitar will always look like a dilettante's toy...

Play that puppy! Ride it hard & put it up wet! Let it know it is loved as an instrument to make music, not a piece of furniture!
I like the way you think!
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  #26  
Old 02-17-2012, 09:02 PM
Dogpa Dogpa is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sachi View Post
The only time you should EVER wax a guitar is when you have a Gibson with one of those mustache bridges.

And then you use this:

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  #27  
Old 02-17-2012, 09:31 PM
BluesyRob BluesyRob is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevster View Post
I'm not sure if waxing is what I really meant, I was just wondering what you use to keep the shine in your guitar.and also is there anything that will help to hide scratches?
Planet Waves Restore removes small scratches. Planet Waves Protect helps protect from them.
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  #28  
Old 02-17-2012, 09:50 PM
Landru Landru is offline
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Polish once a year. Distilled water with micro fibre cloth as needed. Don't wax.

Preservation and virtuoso polish.
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  #29  
Old 02-17-2012, 10:15 PM
roadbiker roadbiker is offline
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I use Winzer Reflections Surface Enhancer after every time I play. It cleans and treat the surface. It comes in a pump spray bottle and is very easy to apply. It leaves a nice clean and shiney guitar. I occasionally use Gibson Guitar Polish too, but my every day treatment is Winzer.

I disagree that Bon Ami is abrassive.Being non-abrasive is one of the selling features. I have never considered using it on any of my guitars, but I can't see that it would hurt if the guitar was dirty. Lemon Pledge on the other hand is a no-no.

Most silicone-free car waxes should be fine.

Jim
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  #30  
Old 02-17-2012, 11:05 PM
RussB RussB is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harryboss1 View Post
I have always used Bon-Ami to clean...

Harry

Quote:
Originally Posted by roadbiker View Post

I disagree that Bon Ami is abrassive...

Jim
This is the Bon Ami I'm familiar with,


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