Martin Guitar Polish

jkilgour2000 · #1 07-18-2019, 04:22 PM

So, when I play for a while the top of the guitar gets a little “rough”? Not the right word - just not as smooth as the rest of the top - where my right arm rests against the top. Every time I put the guitar away, I wipe the spot down with Martin Guitar Polish - see pic. It clears up the spot, and all is well. How ever I have a couple questions if anyone else does this ...

1. Can I skip doing this a few times, and still be able to clean up the rough area, or is it wise that I’m doing it every time I finish? I guess what I’m asking is will this hazy spot set in permanently if ignored for a while?

2. If I do continue to do this every time, am I hurting the finish in the top with this polish?

3. Is it ok that I’m just really focusing on the hazy/rough spot rather than the entire guitar top, which is unaffected by my playing?

Thanks for answering some dumb questions!! IMG_0355.jpg IMG_0354.jpg

dbuck · #2 07-18-2019, 05:27 PM

I use the same stuff to clean the same spot on my guitars after playing. It’s only an issue when I’m wearing a short sleeved shirt. I’ve been doing this on my Martins and Collings and there haven’t been any issues. As long as you use a product without silicone you should be fine, eve a damp micro fiber cloth would work.

jkilgour2000 · #3 07-18-2019, 07:41 PM

Thanks dbuck — good to know !

Tnfiddler · #4 07-18-2019, 07:45 PM

Whenever I play my D41 at home, I keep a soft cloth draped across that spot to keep the smudges and dirt off of it. Makes keeping that spot clean a little easier.

jschmitz54 · #5 07-18-2019, 09:05 PM

I wear long sleeve T shirts to avoid the haze but I still get it in some spots. Good to know this product removes them.

HeyMikey · #6 07-18-2019, 09:14 PM

I just cut the toes off an old black sock and pull it up over my elbow. Perfect use for old socks. No mess no fuss.

Stevien · #7 07-18-2019, 09:16 PM

Or, you can cut the sleeve off an old flannel shirt, & just slip on the sleeve when you play. An ounce of prevention .....
Steve

Russell G · #8 07-18-2019, 09:26 PM

Not a dumb question at all. Martin polish is an excellent product and from my experience, consistent applications will not hurt the finish. I'm a little fussier with nitro finishes for obvious reson, they show up every fingerprint and smudge.

Cabarone · #9 07-18-2019, 11:26 PM

I keep an old washcloth in every case and drape it over where my arm rests...before putting them back in I use the same cloth to wipe them down all over...I keep meaning to do the sock thing...and yeah, Martin polish is what I use on all my guits...

budglo · #10 07-19-2019, 04:00 AM

Its going to happen. Wear at the spot your arm rests on the top is inevitable. The very least it will get hazy. I just wipe mine down with a soft cloth and naptha. Works great and no waxy build up.

sc-smitty · #11 07-19-2019, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeyMikey

I just cut the toes off an old black sock and pull it up over my elbow. Perfect use for old socks. No mess no fuss.

I second this. But I use an extra long (knee high) gym sock and it covers from wrist to upper arm.

C-ville Brent · #12 07-19-2019, 09:22 AM

HeyMikey, great idea, never thought of that. I have old socks that I usually save for putting over good socks when using the chain saw. Now there is a new use and I may get less grief from the gf about keeping them.

I use both Martin polish and MN Detailer. My Ambertone D-41 is the only guitar where the Martin polish seems to be noticeably better. I think regular cleaning is probably less detrimental to the finish than accumulated oils setting there.

Blueser100 · #13 07-19-2019, 09:39 AM

I use a homemade arm sock with the toe cut out. I don't like swirl marks on gloss tops or stains on satin tops. I only play at home so I don't have to worry about making a poor fashion statement.

Goodallboy · #14 07-19-2019, 09:42 AM

I would never use polish that frequently.

I simply wear long sleeves and wipe my guitar with a soft cloth after each session.

Bluemonk · #15 07-19-2019, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goodallboy

I simply wear long sleeves and wipe my guitar with a soft cloth after each session.

I always wear long sleeves when I play, not only to protect the finish, but also because I can't stand the feel of my bare arm against the guitar. The contact between skin and finish creates a friction that impedes my playing.

I've never understood the need to wear short sleeves when playing guitar. In warm weather, are short sleeves that much cooler than a light long sleeve cotton shirt? Not in my experience.