I've got a cloudy, dull finish from my arm hanging over the top of the guitar, playing it in the summer with some sweat that has dried and left a light dull, cloudy finish on the top finish.

Any good method of restoring the top?

I am sure some folks will not agree but I had tried Petros and found it very difficult to work with......I like the fingerboard oil best but not the other products.....

For me, Virtuoso cleaner does the best job in getting really dirty guitars clean... ....I have worked on a bunch of 40's, 50's Martins and Gibsons with out any concern for the finish....The products uses a chemical reaction to remove the grind and not the finish......

The Virtuoso polish is also good.....plus it adds UV protection.... Preservation Polish from Stewmac and Dr Duck also do a fine job.....But I have learned its best to listen to the manufacturer " While there are many commercial guitar cleaners available, we feel that a rag slightly dampened with plain tap water and thoroughly wrung out will remove most dirt. Then buff with dry clean cloth. If you must use commercial products, avoid those with solvents, silicones or abrasives" That works for me....


If you want to bring back the shine or get out some marks use a little Turtle wax....I believe Collings does...I know Goodall does...In any case be carefull to avoid any finish cracks and you'll be ok.....

Allan, I tried the Petros. No luck. Tried the Restorer and the Polish. It did not work very well. That was a first for me. I have always had good luck with his stuff.

I called Collings and they suggested I try Novus #2 Plastic Polish - Scratch Remover. I located some here locally. I'll try it and report back.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: lefty,

Lefty,

I too get these dull patches on my Collings. I don't know if they are exclusively from sweat or from some other agent. I'll be interested to hear your results.

Eric

I've had really good luck with Virtuoso cleaner. The polish is nice also, but the cleaner really brings back those dull spots. I don't gig much, but I did play electric out a bit and used my favorite Strat most of the time. After 20 years or so of sweat and general abuse, I retired the guitar as my main electric and decided to clean it. It had a dull patch that covered most of the body, but really bad where my arm rests. The virtuoso cleaner made it look like new - except for the gouges.

I was told that mosquito repellent, mixed with sweat, can casue some clouding in the finish. It can be buffed out, however, with a professional buffer.....so, I am told.

I have used both the Novus #2 Plastic Polish and good ol' lighter fluid (Naphtha) on my Collings guitars and they both work great. I use the Novus to get light scratch marks out, and Naptha if it just needs a really good cleaning that water and a soft rag won't get. (Most of the time, water works.)

Jack,

I've had good luck with the Petros, although it takes a LOT more elbow grease than Virtuoso. I normally use Virtuoso as my regular polish, and only try the Petros if I have something really really tough to get out.

Gary
Atlanta