What’s the Best Way to Keep My Guitar’s Finish Looking Fresh?
As a guitar player, you surely understand how important it is to keep your instrument’s finish looking marvelous. Not only it brings extra elegance to your guitar’s appearance but also sustains its value. So how can you maintain your guitar’s finish in the long run? Here are some helpful tips to keep your guitar’s finish looking as fresh as possible.
1. Clean Your Guitar Regularly
Cleaning your guitar frequently is perhaps the simplest way to maintain its finish. You only need a clean cloth, guitar polish, and elbow grease. Begin by removing all the excess dirt, dust and any other debris from the surface of your guitar using the cloth. To prevent scratches, make sure you use a clean and soft cloth.
Then, using a guitar polish, you can wipe down the whole guitar to give it a new fresh finish look. Bear in mind that your guitar’s finish may differ from the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning products. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning instructions to avoid using harmful chemicals on your guitar.
2. Wipe Down Your Strings Regularly
Strings tend to collect dirt and oils from your fingers that can create grime on the fretboard and tarnish the frets. Not only dirt but also oils with time can add to the collection that can result in rapidly deteriorating your guitars’ finish. To avoid this from happening, make sure to wipe down your strings after every practice session with a non-abrasive cloth made especially for cleanings guitar strings.
3. Use a Clean and Dry Case for Storage
When not playing your guitar, it’s important to store it in a clean and dry case. Dirt and moisture can quickly create harmful mold and mildew, leading to unrepairable damage to your guitar’s finish. A hardshell case provides the necessary protection to your guitar from scratches and moisture. A dry case will also prevent any irreparable damage caused by changes in temperature and humidity.
4. Invest in Guitar Straps with Soft Leather Backing
If you play with a guitar strap, make sure that its material doesn’t damage your guitar’s finish. Choose a strap with a soft leather backing to prevent wear and tear on your guitar’s finish. Other leather fabrics such as suede or nylon can be rough and abrasive which can quickly wear down the finish at points of contact.
Furthermore, localized rubbing can cause the paint to wear off the guitar within just a few months if the strap is not made with proper materials. You can find nice leather guitar straps that won’t break the bank but still protect your guitar.
5. Avoid Placing Your Guitar in Direct Sunlight
Leaving your guitar exposed and directly in the sun can be hazardous to your guitar’s finish. This might have some underlying effects on your guitar, such as fading your guitar’s color and damaging the paint if left there for an extended period of time. Additionally, heat can also distort and warp the wood of your guitar, which can lead to significant damage to your guitar’s tonal quality.
In conclusion, maintaining your guitar’s finish requires ongoing care and consideration. By following these simple tips and investing in proper guitar cleaning products, you can prevent unnecessary damage and ensure that your guitar looks fresh and appealing for years to come.
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