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Nitrocellulose and Sweat - What Can I do?

wisconsindead

wisconsindead

May 16, 2013
1,273
601
Milwaukee, WI
#1
Well I've been beginning to notice that my sweaty hands are damaging the back of the neck on my 1967 Guild Starfire. Sigh. I've also read that being a drinker does not help this issue. Double sigh. The finish on this bass, overall, is excellent for a 47 year old bass and I'd like to try to maintain that as best as possible for my "never-play-anything-but-this, bass".


Neck Finish Damage Close.JPG


So what actually protects the nitrocellulose finish that I could use?

My friend uses Dr. Ducks Axe Wax which has good reviews and he likes it (doesn't own a vintage guitar) but I like to make sure anything I use on this will not damage the gorgeous finish. I know its not the front of the bass and thankfully I don't sweat much other than through my hands.

I've cleaned the finish a couple times with naptha but I'm pretty sure that will only clean and not protect as it vaporizes at ATM P and T (for my science bros).

I'd also be interested in something that will bring out more shine from the finish. It probably hasn't had any finish enhancement in 20-47 years and could use a nice wax or something.

TIA!
 
#5
Shine like the center of the sun! Yes it lays in a layer over top of the finish and your sweat will never penetrate it. When it dulls in he high contact spots like the neck and where your right arm makes contact, add some to the wear areas and buff it up. The places you don't touch much really won't need additional added every time. You'll know when to add because those areas won't buff back up to a glow.
 
#8
The wax won't hurt the wood but it could cause a problem with a refinish if it isn't thoroughly cleaned off.

Naptha may strip the wax off. I would just wipe with a damp cloth and Murphy's oil soap. Then buff it all up again.

The wax were speaking of is paste wax available in the car wash section of the depth stores. Just pick pure carnuba.
 
#14
Thanks for this thread,OP. I`ve read that most serious guitar/bass collectors deliniate between CLEANING and POLISHING. Personally,I think the finish and condition of a given instrument will dictate the degree,frequency and type of product(s) to be used in its cleaning/polishing.

Recommendations for the general cleaning (i.e. removal of sweat,salt,dirt,etc.) of my 1971 Fender Musicmaster bass? It`s a nitro finish,but with medium/moderate crazing.Also,is it true that you shouldn`t use a 'polish' or 'wax' on crazed finishes? Read warnings that residue will build up in the cracks,possibly causing chipping or flaking in an original finish. Pundits also state any product containing silicon or harsh petroleum-based chemicals should NEVER,EVER be used on a vtg/collectible instrument. (Isn`t naphtha petroleum-based?).

Gorgeous Guild Starfire,btw!!

HosMan



 
#15
Thanks HosMan, shes a gem.

I ended up going with Virtuoso Polisher. Cleaned it with Naptha first. It turned out nice, not as shiny as it probably would've been with wax, but cleaner, smoother and with more luster. However I'm not sure if it will solve my problem. I have some reserves about using wax because it builds up and may be difficult to remove/dissolve w.e later on. We'll see how the next few weeks go after this coat of the Virtuoso. It seems that truly the best option/route is to put a clear coat of nitro on there to prevent further chipping and protect the finish.
 
#19
I'm sure you are not alone at all, I also enjoy the look of worn finish on certain basses (fenders mostly). This guild just looks so nice that I think the wear on it will only hurt its appearance. I'm also trying to maintain its value which will certainly go down as finish wear increases.
 

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