Originally Posted By: Notes Norton

Even though I wipe it down when the gig is done, it's getting some graying where my forearm rests on the guitar. That's what I'm trying to get rid of.

I don't want to use anything that will harm the finish.

Bob


Tough to say for sure here because as in all things guitar... it depends.

Long answer...
One has to know for sure if its a nitrocellulose or polyurethane or polyester finish. If I had to guess given how you describe the graying area, I'd say nitrocellulose because that's more porous than poly and contact stains simply tend to happen more often. But its just a guess.

The builder's website with the specs for that guitar can provide an answer... at least as to how they built them today.

There is a way to find out for sure certain but it requires getting to a hidden area, like the control cavity, where some finish exists to make the test. Worth it? Not really, unless you are checking a supposedly "vintage" guitar (there are fakes out there).

But before you do anything, you need to have 100% confidence you know the finish.

If its nitrocellulose, sometimes naptha works. Sometimes even Windex works.

If you do anything remember the Basic Woodworking Rule #1.. apply to the rag... never the wood. Test first in small spot in an hidden place (the proverbial "undisclosed location") to make sure it doesn't corrupt or harm or cloud the finish. You don't know who built this and the quality of workmanship or the exact materials. Could be great, could be not so great. TEST FIRST.. don't risk making it worse and having to have the thing sanded down and refinished.

If it sounds like I don't have much of an answer or waffle a lot, its because there is so much "it depends" involved.

Short answer...
If it were me, I wouldn't worry about the graying area and would leave it alone. Its typical guitar wear and doesn't harm the sound or playability.

Best answer...
If the graying really bothers you, best to take it to a qualified luthier. I think its one of those things someone ought to see live and in person to have any real answer for and deal with. Why? Because, as in all things guitar, it depends.