Introduction
Guitars come with different finishes that serve different purposes. Some are meant to enhance the aesthetics, while others are intended to increase durability. A wild, sweaty stage performance is a typical scenario that a guitar may go through when in use. Therefore, musicians ought to choose finishes that will protect the guitar from extreme performance conditions, as well as camouflage sweat stains. In this blog post, we will explore the best guitar finishes for disguising wild, sweaty stage performances.
Polyurethane Finish
Polyurethane (PU) finish is a popular guitar finish that is mostly used on electric guitars because of its durability. The finish comprises a plastic resin that provides a hard surface coating that protects the guitar from scratches and stains. The plastic resin also creates a glossy finish that enhances the guitar’s appearance. The PU finish is ideal for disguising wild, sweaty stage performances because it does not absorb sweat, and it is water-resistant. Therefore, the guitar remains clean and dry throughout the performance. The glossy finish reflects light, which makes it difficult for any sweat stains to be visible from a distance.
Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish
Nitrocellulose lacquer (NCL) is the traditional finish used on older guitars. The finish comprises cellulose, nitrocellulose, and solvents that evaporate when applied to the guitar’s surface. The NCL finish creates a thin layer that provides a beautiful vintage appearance. Although the NCL finish is not as durable as PU, it is still strong enough to protect the guitar from minor scratches and stains. When it comes to disguising wild, sweaty stage performances, the NCL finish is ideal because it ages well, hiding any sweat stains.
Satin/Matte Finish
A satin/matte finish is a type of finish that is not glossy. The finish is achieved by sanding or rubbing the guitar’s surface with abrasive materials that create a smooth texture. The satin/matte finish is suitable for disguising wild, sweaty stage performances because it is non-reflective, and it does not show fingerprints or sweat stains easily. The finish also has a natural look that complements wood grain and texture. However, musicians must note that the satin/matte finish is not as protective as PU or NCL, and it requires periodic maintenance to prevent excessive wear.
Oil Finish
The oil finish is a low maintenance guitar finish that is easy to apply and maintain. The finish comprises natural oils, such as linseed, tung, or walnut. The oil finish is rubbed onto the guitar’s surface and left to penetrate the wood pores for protection. The finish provides a natural appearance that enhances the wood’s grain and texture. The oil finish is ideal for disguising wild, sweaty stage performances because it is non-reflective and does not promote sweat stains. However, the oil finish is not as protective as PU or NCL and may require periodic reapplication.
Conclusion
Choosing the right guitar finish is critical for musicians with wild, sweaty stage performances. The finishes highlighted above (PU, NCL, Satin/Matte, and Oil) are suitable for musicians who desire to protect their guitars from sweat stains and prolong their lifespan. The PU finish is the most durable, and it provides a glossy appearance that reflects light, disguising sweat stains. The NCL finish is vintage-looking and ages well, hiding sweat stains. The Satin/Matte finish is non-reflective, and it does not show fingerprints or sweat stains easily. The Oil finish is low-maintenance and provides a natural appearance that complements wood texture and grain.
Musicians ought to pick the finish that matches their preferences, needs, and budget. It is also wise to seek advice from guitar specialists to avoid making costly mistakes. Once a finish is applied to a guitar, it becomes part of the guitar’s identity, and it may affect its future value. Therefore, musicians must choose wisely.
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