I've been wondering about this for awhile. I hope this isn't a stupid question but i've been seeing these comercials on tv about auto scratch removers and was wondering if they would work on bass scratches and swirl marks. I just don't know if they would ruin a basses finish or not. What do you guys think? Or is a bass finish a whole different animal?
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Auto scratch remover on bass guitars?
- Thread starter fender68
- Start date
I am not a pro (and I'm sure one will be along any second to clear it up for both of us) but I would imagine it depends on the finish.
Yeah, i don't know if it's bs or not. They make it look great on TV. I guess a urethane fender finish is different than a cars.LOL
I use a scratch remover on all my basses- it's Novus, used for acrylic surfaces. Works well on light scratches and swirl marks, removes them completely in my experience on about 80 bass guitars. It will not work on deeper scratches though but it does lighten them up a little.
Automotive products can work well on poly bass finishes. A good quality cleaner wax that is safe for clear coat finishes is as aggressive as I would recommend for a single stage application. It can really do wonders for light swirl marks and take the edge out of minor scratches.
When it comes to more serious compounds I would use caution. Rubbing and polishing compounds can remove a significant amount of material. They can be effective but require some knowledge and experience to get results and not damage a surface.....older basses in particular are trickier to work with and the stakes are generally higher.
When it comes to more serious compounds I would use caution. Rubbing and polishing compounds can remove a significant amount of material. They can be effective but require some knowledge and experience to get results and not damage a surface.....older basses in particular are trickier to work with and the stakes are generally higher.
I also use Novus Plastic Polish and it works well. The main reason I have it, is it works really well on car finishes. Novus #2
I use Planet Waves' "Restore" polishing compound, and it's pretty good at removing swirl marks from a poly finish. It says it's safe for nitro finishes as well, but given it contains a mild abrasive, I haven't tried.
The primary cause of swirl marks on a guitar/bass finish whether you're polishing/waxing or removing scratches is that people use cloths that have previously been used for other purposes.
The used cloths trap tiny particles/dirt that abrade the finish when used on your guitar.
Use NEW 100% cotton cloth or microfiber and only use it on your bass. Circular motion is not the issue.
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You could just play a beat up bass, and not polish it at all. 
Chef
In Memoriam
Chef
In Memoriam
Meguires has automotive products in several progressive grades that works well
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I have a funny story about that auto scratch remover stuff. About 10 years ago I bought some off TV. I only had to pay shipping! 
So I get it, and I'm at the back of my car trying to see if it works. It didn't, so I was a little annoyed and went in the house to throw it away. When I came out a few hours later to go to work, all down the driver's side door was keyed right through the primer.
I love that story because here I was trying to remove superficial scratches with something that doesn't even work, all the while my car needed major repairs and I had no clue at that time because I hadn't been to that side yet.
So I get it, and I'm at the back of my car trying to see if it works. It didn't, so I was a little annoyed and went in the house to throw it away. When I came out a few hours later to go to work, all down the driver's side door was keyed right through the primer. I love that story because here I was trying to remove superficial scratches with something that doesn't even work, all the while my car needed major repairs and I had no clue at that time because I hadn't been to that side yet.
DiabolusInMusic
Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism
I have also used Meguiar's on all of my basses with gloss finishes and have had great results.
Obviously there are other products that will also provide excellent results.
Obviously there are other products that will also provide excellent results.
