APSE Matte Finish
 

Hey, Guys - Just picked up a Rainsong APSE and and am enjoying it. One of its "features" is its unique dull matte finish. The care instructions that come with it are the same ones as the high-gloss models and include using "a high grade, non-abrasive automotive detailing product such as Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Final Inspection 34 or Quik Detailer".

I worry that using a high gloss product on the matte finish will damage it. Wondering what some of the veteran APSE owners have found.

- Frank

The key term there is "non-abrasive." Many gloss-finish cleaners use a mild micro-abrasive to maintain the glossy finish, like re-applying a very fine-grit finish every time you clean. For a matte finish, you want to avoid those abrasive cleaners at all cost. There are lots of automotive cleaners that are made safe for matte finishes, I would look into those.

I don't know about the APSE but I regularly use Meguiar's Quik Detailer to clean my Rainsong Smokey. It is still as matte as it was when I bought it.

I can see avoiding abrasives. I'd also worry that any product that left a wax or polish residue would create a problem.

Thanks Mountainmaster for noting your experience. I didn't realize the Smokey was a matte finish - I asume similar to the APSE. Sounds like Meguiar's Quick Detailer is a safe place to start given your results.

The instructions are from Rainsong and came with the guitar?

I’d go with the old “try it on a small unimportant area”, or just trust the manufacturer. Or call them directly for a discussion of your concerns.

I have an APLE. It’s a great guitar. I just clean it with a damp cloth, and dry it with a dry cloth.

I like Mark's approach. I sometimes use micro fiber pads, but they are abrasive and are avoided. When younger, and poor, with wooden guitars, I'd use toothpaste--worked good, smelled nice.

Plus 1 on that !!!!!!! Works for me as well

I find just a simple cotton cloth with a little moisture wipes down the RS just fine, I had the APSE and APLE and found it worked just great on the Matt as well as the gloss.
Auto products work but most have petroleum distillate in them and I don't care for the stuff near me when playing.