How to buff out a satin finish?

[Misty44]

Why would you even want to!!??

One reason is to bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain, the difference being night and day.

I plan to buff out my 000-15S (which was/still is only available in satin) to a "satin gloss" as opposed to a high gloss, in other words just enough to highlight the mahogany, which right now looks dull, flat, and lifeless in comparison to what it could be.

[cpmusic]

Another reason is to get rid of surface noise. Most of what's represented as a satin finish is actually a flat finish, and it's noisy, especially if you use an internal mic or soundboard transducer.

Of course, you can always buy a guitar with a glossy finish, but getting the guitar you want at a price you can afford doesn't always allow that option.

[Broadus]

Originally Posted by Howard Klepper

Why are so many people buying guitars with a finish they don't like, and expecting that they can change it to a different finish?

Satin finishes are often on the less expensive guitars, such as the Taylor GA3 and GA4. The tops of those two are gloss, but the back and sides are satin. A large part of moving up to the GA5 - GA8 is the beauty of the gloss b/s, in addition to the tonewoods and inlay, etc. The gloss requires more labor, so a higher price. Cutting expenses, many buy the less expensive and then decide they'd like to get some sheen where there's satin.

Bill

[michaelw]

has anyone been able to successful returning a satin finish
(that has been become "semi-gloss" due to being in contact
with skin oil in the course of playing over several years)
back to it's original matte satin appearance?

i'm looking for alternatives to 0000 steel wool - cleaning up
the particles of spent steel wool aren't my idea of a good time

thanks

[Brian85]

can anyone post pics of what this may look like?

im getting intrigued

[james55]

Originally Posted by Kevin Gallagher

I'd advise starting with medium cut cleaner, then moving on to fine cut cleaner, swirl remover and finish up with Carnauba wax for a final polish.

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher

*******

Kevin

I purchased a three bottle kit from LMI that consists of a LMI medium cut cleaner/polish, Meguiar's #17 plastic fine cut cleaner/polish and Meguiar's #10 super fine plastic polish. Are these products intended to be used for gloss finishes only to remove scratches or could they be used to buff out a satin finish?

[jlott00]

[Brian85]

i just spent the past 3 hours doing it to my GC 4. heres the outcome:

Before:


After:





i havent done the 2nd part yet; the waxing or whatever, but so far im enjoying how much it brings out the ovangkol!

[Dan Carey]

Here's my Larrivee OM-03R all buffed up with Stew Mac scratch remover and a hand drill powered buffing wheel:

[PorkPieGuy]

Originally Posted by SeamusORiley

I buffed out the 000-15 because my arm had already produced a nice buff and the removal of the pickguard gave a tan line.

I have to say that it looks stunningly beautiful. The grains of mahogany look so much more pronounced...

I really loved the 000-15 when I first got it, and love it even more now....I like the feeling of personalizing it.

Also did the bone saddle and ebony peg changes that was recommended.

I just love the sound of this thing....so beautiful.

Got some pics? I'd love to see a Martin 15-series buffed out.

Thanks.

[Misty44]

Got some pics? I'd love to see a Martin 15-series buffed out.

Here's a 000-15S, not mine, but an excellent example:

http://www.creestudios.com/cree_guitarservices2.html

However, if not done correctly, buffing out a mahogany 15 can result in a not so smooth and/or consistent finish...research on the proper procedure is advised!

[SeamusORiley]

wrong thread.

[Hey_day]

Great info

[msb100712]

Seamus, how did you do it?

[TDavis]

Could anyone recommend a guitar shop or luthier that would do a great job on this? I sincerely doubt my ability and the patience necessary to do a proper job, and I would seriously consider paying someone else to do it if I could guarantee the end result.