Nitrocellulose Finishes

Not all nitro finishes are the same — some are applied thinly and cure to feel rather hard. Our nitro finishes are applied thin as to keep the body resonant. While a polishing product will make any guitar finish look great, polishing compounds can cut through the finish if not done properly. We do not recommend using a compound on our guitars. We love the way nitrocellulose-finished guitars age over decades, and the best way to maintain the look is regular cleaning and detailing with a product designed specifically for a nitrocellulose finish. Moving the guitar between hot and cold environments can cause checking in the finish. Always allow plenty of time for your guitar to acclimate to a new environment. Certain rubber products and some other materials can potentially discolor your guitar’s nitro finish. Unfortunately, many guitarists learn this after retrieving their instrument from a guitar stand or wall hanger, only to find the neck or headstock blemished. There is not much you can do to fix this, short of a refinish. The best thing to do if you have a nitro-finished guitar is to only use stands or hangers that specifically state they are safe for nitrocellulose finishes. Try to avoid direct sunlight for long periods of time as it will discolor the finish. We are not responsible for any changes to your nitrocellulose finish after purchase caused by any of the aforementioned conditions or those natural to the aging process. Take care of your guitar and it will age gracefully.