Arm crud on my Guitar

[lowrider]

I'm not sure what finish is on my Martin cs OM-18. The spec sheet that I got from Martin only says ''gloss finish''. I also don't know if the first owner put any wax or something like that on it. He didn't play it very much but I've had it for about six months and I play it a lot. It got a big smear or smudge on the side and top where my arm wraps around.

I tried to clean it with water; it didn't budge. Tried Windex; nope. Tried acetone and it kind of dug into the finish making swirls.

I used auto polish to fix the mess I made and now the guitar looks good again. I don't want to go through this again. What can I use to clean the guitar?

Also, I'm thinking of trying a John Pearse armrest on the guitar. Are they sized for different size guitars? How are they held on? And are they removable?

Thanks guys!

[varmonter]

If windex didnt take it off then it was some serious
acetone took the crud and whatever finish you
had on the guitar and mixed them together .
which dried into a dull laquer if you will.
the auto polish then acted like sandpaper and took
the laquer down to the good finish below
Best not to let the guitar come in contact with
whatever was on your arm in the first place.
There is a pleathora of products out there that
clean and polish. Things like alchohol laquer thinner ,paint thinner
and acetone should be avoided as they dissolve finishes and
mix whatever the crud is with the dissolved finish. drying into
a lovely dull sheen. The autopolish is abrasive
like rubbing compound and is certainly a last
resort to fix crud-related issues.
For years i used windex to clean and pledge
to polish with zero issues. Was told here
that i probably shouldnt do that . I bought
an " all purpose guitar detailer by music nomad"
It seems to work ok. little bit goes a long way.
I have a jp armrest on one of my guitars.
it works as designed . Ive been told you can
remove them with fishing line acting like a cutter between the armrest
and guitar. Havnt tried it yet.

[AndrewG]

Ah yes, the joys of nitrocellulose! I honestly don't understand why this finish is still used when there are more durable types available which aren't so fragile that you have to wear special clothing to avoid damaging them (like 'arm socks').
Seriously though, the finish on my CEO-4R clouded a little in the same position; I experimented with Dr. Duck's Ax Wax (no wax), which cleared it up. Same on my Les Paul Custom which really showed clouding on the ebony finish.

[StephenHD35]

Virtuoso cleaner ( not the polish) will take that off your guitar in about 30 seconds.

[JayBee1404]

Virtuoso Premium Cleaner, followed by Virtuoso Premium Polish. If naphtha won't do it, those are my go-to products, because they are designed to remove grunge and grime from delicate finishes, they work, and they don't harm nitro.

The usual disclaimers apply......IMHO, YMMV etc.

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by lowrider

I'm not sure what finish is on my Martin cs OM-18. The spec sheet that I got from Martin only says ''gloss finish''. I also don't know if the first owner put any wax or something like that on it. He didn't play it very much but I've had it for about six months and I play it a lot. It got a big smear or smudge of skuzz on the side and top where my arm wraps around.

I tried to clean it with water; it didn't budge. Tried Windex; nope. Tried acetone and it kind of dug into the finish making swirls.

I used auto polish to fix the mess I made and now the guitar looks good again. I don't want to go through this again. What can I use to clean the guitar?

Also, I'm thinking of trying a John Pearse armrest on the guitar. Are they sized for different size guitars? How are they held on? And are they removable?

Thanks guys!

You mention playing it for 6 months, a lot, and didn’t mention if this is the first time you’re wiped it down. If so, then you can avoid further issues short of an arm rest by simply wiping your guitar down each time you play it. Nothing but a soft cotton cloth and a little effort is necessary to keep it looking great.

[Neil K Walk]

These sorts of threads always amaze me. Sure, guitars are expensive but they are also essentially just tools with a limited lifespan. While cracks and dings are unfortunate, they are inevitable and nothing to "fret" about. If caution hinders your desire to push the guitar to its limits, then the you and the guitar are not living up to your full potential.

You might want to wear something to protect your guitar! I'd recommend no short sleeves or belt buckles and you should be golden. If you want an attachment for your guitar, I'd recommend a cloth diaper - seriously. Those plastic things are just expensive tone killers.

[stephenT]

I use Zymol Z503 Car Cleaner Wax, it is the best stuff hands down. "Made from the highest grade of ingredients that are derived from nature, including gentle cleansing lemon oil, and aloe vera emollient to help prevent dulling and spotting. Contains coconut oil for natural cleansing of even the most sensitive paint finishes.

Removes sweat marks, etc. Smells great, easy to use.

You're on your own w/ the arm rest thing. Not a fan.

[bluesfreek]

Mineral oil. It can be found at any pharmacy and a tiny bit will go a long way.

[SalFromChatham]

I used to own this HD-28 (great guitar). It had a grey below-the-finish haze that I could never get out, even with virtuoso. I am happy you got your out. The prior owner played and loved it so much that sweat and crud sunk in below the finish. You could only see it at certain angles.

The advice I got on another forum was that short of a refin, there was nothing to be done about it. It was officially a beauty mark.

[Humbuster]

Originally Posted by Neil K Walk

! I'd recommend no short sleeves )

Long sleeve shirt and problem is fixed.

Take it from someone who sweats like Micheal Jackson in a confessional.

[Neil K Walk]

Originally Posted by Humbuster

Long sleeve shirt and problem is fixed.

Take it from someone who sweats like Micheal Jackson in a confessional.

LMAO! This response should be included in the current "beater" thread as well!

[woodbox]

Some players I run with give me crap about wearing a sock on my right arm,
or a long sleeve shirt.
And some don't.

But I'm inclined to go with the sentiment I've been telling my Son since he was old enough to listen:
"It's a whole lot easier to STAY OUT of trouble,
than to GET OUT of trouble.

Okay, I'll stop.

[bluesfreek]

Originally Posted by Humbuster

Long sleeve shirt and problem is fixed.

Take it from someone who sweats like Micheal Jackson in a confessional.

Yeah I am the same way...except for the Michael Jackson part...

[robey]

Originally Posted by lowrider

acetone....auto polish

Um...what?

If a damp warm soft cloth doesn't do it, consult a luthier and a dermatologist.