The Dunlop D65 polish I have is useless for polishing up years of hazing on my LP custom. I've been looking at vids and it appears you need a cream polish that is mildly abrasive and effectively takes a thin layer of the nitro-cellulose finish off - kind of like a 't-cut' that you might use on a car. Some videos use soft cloths, others a fine micro-cloth but I'm concerned these might scratch. Videos I've seen include Gibson pump polish, Eternashine, music Nomad,
Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and Polish. Eg
So, having watched numerous videos, read reviews (some of the variation you read is really extreme!), and because I don't want to damage my LP I'm confused, unsure, and a bit nervous at trying to figure out which is the best - a product that genuinely works and will get rid of haze and swirls, polish to a new 'straight out of the factory' shine, but not damage my guitar. And do you genuinely need to buy expensive polishes or are there 'generic' solutions that pro's use?
So, to all you pro-experts out there, what really are the best most effective and safest 'cream' type products to use and the right type of cloth that will get my LP back to a pristine shine that 'stays' but won't damage it?
I started out with nothing..... but I've still got most of it left (Seasick Steve)
Comments
edit… cut up an old cotton T-shirt or pair of under crackers to use as a cloth!…
For a beat-up or dirty polyester or polyurethane finish I’ll start with rubbing compound and work my way up.
But yes, T-Cut is quite abrasive, when you use it you are removing finish. Fine for occasional use on a large area but I have had rub-throughs on the edges of the body or headstock a couple of times.
I've used it on Gibsons and nitro PRS Private Stocks. Takes away the swirls really nicely with a proper microfiber cloth.
If you are worried about taking OFF the nitro then use SRP
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Autoglym-Super-Resin-Polish-1L/dp/B009LHHHZE/ref=sr_1_5?adgrpid=52622346945&dchild=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwo4mIBhBsEiwAKgzXOIH3nuBhkvqlG4oYQzWf870MqpyVJZhuVYuLI62EKpkGapEzEmI5nBoC6_QQAvD_BwE&hvadid=259015631403&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9044965&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17175507983702235220&hvtargid=kwd-377019992281&hydadcr=12238_1856443&keywords=autoglym+-+super+resin+polish&qid=1627567631&sr=8-5
This is a filler polish, rather than remove material, it fills the gap. And as you use the guitar after, it will wear off and then sort of needs reapplying later on as needed.
On a car with the weather, rain and driving at 70mph this means the weather will takes it off naturally. On a guitar, it should last a hell lot longer.
Ultimate Compound is another one that will breaks down and get finer as you polish it. So rather than use different type of grit of polish, this does it all.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-G17216EU-Ultimate-Compound-Restorer/dp/B002KKCLO6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=ultimate+compound&qid=1627567748&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOEdWOVZOWkU2TzJTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTYxNzYxMVgzTTFTODFHSEs3NSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTY3NTg4Q0s5RVhVUDFESERQJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
SRP doesnt provide much protection, and would usually be protected with wax or a sealant after.
My head said brake, but my heart cried never.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-repair/fillers-and-preparation/halfords-rubbing-compound-421107.html
https://www.windmillguitars.com/products/lizard-spit-vip-vintage-polish