Guitar Fine Scratches??

[ACarfiello]

Hi guys,
I just bought a P.R.S. Dillon giutar, Aqua Blue and I am getting fine scratches on it, even after using a 100% cotton Tee shirt.
Can anyone tell me how not to scratch it and if I can get the exsisting scrates out of it and what to use/buy??

Thanks,
Anthony

[Jstickley]

Well, if you play your guitar, you will get scratches. That is just a part of the experiance. If you would like to remove the scratches, there is a few things you can do to remove them (just to have them come back ;)

On a guitar that would be getting restored, I use 3m Fiberglass restorer. The reason I use this stuff is becuase it cuts good, and brings it back to a shine all in one step. Plus i use it on the boat, but thats a whole nother story. I think that you should possibly take and get some rubbing compound and LIGHTLY buff the scratches.. LIGHTLY..

that will remove the scratches, but in all honesty, they will just come back. Eventually, after using the compounds on it, the finish will wear through. Not good.

Jesse

[ACarfiello]

Thanks
I was wondering if I could use like a mild cleaner/polish on it.
It has a laquer finish so i am concrned about wrecking it permently.

[Harley]

I just bought a P.R.S. Dillon giutar

even after using a 100% cotton Tee shirt.

Paul Reed Smiths are my favorite. I have a Custom in my lap as I'm typing this:), with a McCarty Standard on layaway.

All automotive stores sell polishing compound. It has the density of tooth paste and is used to remove scratches like you're talking about. Just get some on your cotton T and start rubbing. Also available in the same stores are these $17 buffer/polishers that really speed up the work. I finish a few guitars a year and would be lost without it.

6" palm buffer. Available at NAPA, Checkers, Advanced Auto, etc-
http://www.homeandbeyond.com/dynamic/prod-0018321-mini.jpg
It's like your T-shirt, only several hundred times faster. Almost impossible to screw up the finish.
I was wondering if I could use like a mild cleaner
Be VERY careful here. There's a recent photo on the Telecaster Discussion Page of a guy that used some type of cleaner on the nitro lacquer finish of his Fender '52 RI. The clear lacquer finish turned into a white cloud!

[ACarfiello]

Thanks,
any Polishing compound or Laquer polishing compund/cleaner??

[Harley]

any Polishing compound or Laquer polishing compund/cleaner??
I'd read the containers for warnings first, but generally the car gurus use many coats of lacquer(15--even more sometimes) for their showroom pieces, so most should work safetly.

The stuff I'm using right now is Turtle Wax's "Polishing Compound and Scratch Remover"..."Restores showroom shine", as read on the label. It comes in a short 10oz container. Like margarine.

Last week I got bored and left the electric buffer running on the work while I went and made some toast. Came back a couple minutes later and the area looked like glass. This is why I say it's almost impossible to screw up. BUT there's always that one thing that might be overlooked. I've just never ran into it, YET!

[Blewbyou]

OK this is what I us as it contains no wax or silicone IT also works good on the boat as Jstickley stated that's another story. But it is a very,very fine compound. http://www.starmarinedepot.com/3M+Marine+Finesse-it+II+Finishing+Material.html

[ACarfiello]

Thanks Dave,
Anthony

[Orphan John]

I used to polish years ago when i first started out but i don't bother now. But when i was polishing i used turtle wax.

On my guitar i see it as every scratch has earned it's right to be there. It just gives it a bit of added character. I also think it makes me feel more relaxed when i'm playing because i'm not bothering about catching it on a belt buckle. Either my guitar has so many scratches on it now that one more just wouldn't stand out or i'm not scratching it as much as i used to because i'm not bothered about scratching it - sounds strange doesn't it :)

[Whiskey]

THe older and more scuffed up my guitars are... the happier I am. Makes them look vintage. Adds character. Who wants to play a 'pretty' guitar??

[Orphan John]

I would like to try and play a 'Pretty' guitar but i think it would just feel really odd. Far to new - no history. I've said in another post that if i accidently pick someone elses guitar up i know right away because it just doesn't have me ingrained into the wood.

Yeah i know it sounds like i am an hippy but it just wouldn't have my vibes running through it, that lived in look and feel that no-one could ever replicate.

A lot of very famous guitarists give names to their baby. Here is a question - Who named their guitar 'Lucille'

[disobedience]

Gotta agree with the "worn" feel to a guitar.
When my Dean was new I really didn't feel comfortable with it...now that it's getting worn in to my styles it just feels more "me".

It's got some dings and scratches...and I just don't care...it's meant to be played and if you play your guitar..it's gonna get worn.

[ACarfiello]

yea I think i am going to try that, it seems that everyone likes that and that it works,(Turtle wax)
It;s my first Guitar in 20 years and its my baby and it is beautiful!!
Thanks everyone for youre' Adivice. I am thank-ful for this site and all of you's.

Anthony

[nitemare]

I think that too if you bought your guitar to play it then the scratches just dont matter, they will give personality to the instrument. I use some deerskin-like-thing (which my wife bought as glasses cleaner before, i think) and it wipes off the dirt and fingerprints nicely. Some say its a good idea to wipe off the strings after you play too, they wont corrode as easily.
Lucille was a guitar in the anime 'BECK' for example, but I dont remember the name of the owner :) That guitar had some character with its scars as I remember :)

[Whiskey]

Lucille is the name of B.B. Kings guitar.

[gtrplr]

check out liquid glass it will buff out light scratches and make it harder to reaquire the scratches. most audio car shops carry it !