Guitar finishes are not all the same. What's safe on a polyurethane finish can destroy a vintage nitrocellulose lacquer. Knowing your finish type is the first step.
Identify Your Finish Type
Polyester / Polyurethane (Gloss): The most common modern finish. Thick, durable, plastic-like. Resistant to most common chemicals. The glossy feel of most production guitars.
Polyurethane (Satin): Same material as gloss poly but finished with a lower-sheen topcoat. More natural feel. Clean the same as gloss poly.
Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Nitro): Traditional finish on vintage and higher-end guitars. Thinner, allows wood to breathe. Highly reactive to solvents, rubber, silicone, and some plastics. Requires careful handling.
Oil Finish / Tru-Oil: Very thin finish that soaks into the wood. Some guitars (Warmoth, certain imports) use this. Clean with a barely damp cloth.
Cleaning by Finish Type
Polyester / Poly Gloss - Dry polish with a soft microfiber cloth for light dust and fingerprints - For heavier grime, a small amount of guitar polish on a cloth - Buff with a clean, dry cloth to high shine
Satin/Matte Poly - Dry cloth only for day-to-day - Never use gloss polish — it will fill the matte texture and create glossy spots - Some manufacturers offer specific matte guitar cleaners
Nitrocellulose - Dry microfiber only for routine cleaning - Use only products specifically labeled as nitro-safe - Never use: furniture polish, Pledge, most guitar polishes not labeled nitro-safe, rubber-backed mats - Keep away from foam stands that aren't nitro-safe (the PGL sponge padding is designed to be guitar-finish safe)
What to Avoid on Any Guitar
- Household cleaners (Windex, 409) - Paper towels (scratches lacquer) - Rough cloths - Water (can raise wood grain and damage finish edges)
Cleaning Schedule
Wipe strings and body after every session. Deep clean every 3-6 months.
Need Advice for Your Specific Guitar?
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