Removing light scratches

[mattwood]

What's the best way to remove what appear to be light pick scratches from the pickguard and the top finish of the guitar. At first I thought it was a haze and tried Naptha but it didn't do anything. Would Meguiar's Deep Crystal #2 polish be safe and effective? It's a Martin OM -21 Special and I think it has a nitrocellulose finish.

[KenL]

I've had excellent results with D'Addario Restore Detailer (Step 1).

On the wood, anyway. Don't know about the pickguard.

[davidd]

Whom ever created those pick marks needs to refine their technique. Try some polishing compound or micromesh...

[edcmat-l1]

Rubbing compound first followed by polishing compound. At least on the pick guard. May want to skip the rubbing compound on the wood and just use polishing compound. Use a cloth diaper or microfiber cloth.

[Mycroft]

Originally Posted by mattwood

What's the best way to remove what appear to be light pick scratches from the pickguard and the top finish of the guitar. At first I thought it was a haze and tried Naptha but it didn't do anything. Would Meguiar's Deep Crystal #2 polish be safe and effective? It's a Martin OM -21 Special and I think it has a nitrocellulose finish.

Those are not really "light" scratches. While you might be able to buff some of them out, keep in mind that when you do so you are removing finish to bring the peaks down to the level of the bottom of the scratches.

Meguiers #2 Fine Cut Cleaner is more likely to do the job, if you want it. https://www.meguiars.com/professiona...er-m0216-16-oz

[gmel555]

Originally Posted by Mycroft

Those are not really "light" scratches. While you might be able to buff some of them out, keep in mind that when you do so you are removing finish to bring the peaks down to the level of the bottom of the scratches.

Good insight above. I'll add, if you do choose to use a stronger polishing compound on the nitro rub lightly, more is not always better. The other alternative of course is just enjoy the beauty marks.

[steelvibe]

For the Nitro

https://www.guitarscratchremover.com/

For he pick guard

https://www.meguiars.com/automotive/...0-10-oz-liquid

[Bluenose]

I've had good results with Eterna Shine Guitar Polish and Scratch Remover.

[redir]

Those look to me like they have impacted the wood which means there is nothing you can do about it unless you want to pay a lot of money for a pro to fix it. If it's your guitar and you made those scratches then just think of it as customized, you own it.