Polished Satin finish

[Uncle Pen]

I picked up this wonderful Larrivee L02 used last year from a local shop. Besides the voice, one of the things that I enjoy about the guitar is the smooth finish, which from what I can tell, has somehow been polished in some way from it's original satin finish. I'm really pleased with the smoothness and sheen over a fresh satin finish, as it gives a nice worn in feel. It's definitely not a gloss finish, but maybe closer to a french polish. Whoever performed the work did a fine job, in my opinion.

Does anyone know what technique might have been done to accomplish this finish? Hopefully the photos capture the sheen.

[ALBD]

I have a satin guitar and I polished it with cleaner wax. Very easy and now looks and feels exactly as you describe your guitar. I much prefer it that way!

[Uncle Pen]

Originally Posted by ALBD

I have a satin guitar and I polished it with cleaner wax. Very easy and now looks and feels exactly as you describe your guitar. I much prefer it that way!

What was the product, and what was the method you used?

[dnf777]

I had a satin taylor in for work, and some Dunlop 65 plain ol’ polish got on it. I always abided the warning NOT to polish satin finishes, but I love the look/feel. It looks exactly like your pics.

[Matts67]

I recently polished my Iris DF Distressed. I used Sonax Perfect Finish with an orange foam light cutting pad w/drill attachment.

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[Uncle Pen]

Originally Posted by Matts67

I recently polished my Iris DF Distressed. I used Sonax Perfect Finish with an orange foam light cutting pad w/drill attachment.



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Interesting timing for you to mention the Iris DF. Mine is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

[Rogerblair]

I have done several like that, the most successful being Larrivees, coincidentally. I use 000 steel wool which results in a wonderful soft luster…rich looking and very smooth as you mentioned.
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[Uncle Pen]

Originally Posted by Rogerblair

I have done several like that, the most successful being Larrivees, coincidentally. I use 000 steel wool which results in a wonderful soft luster…rich looking and very smooth as you mentioned.
Attachment 61087Attachment 61088Attachment 61089

So you just scrub away with 000 wool? Any technique or pattern to do or avoid?

[Stevien]

Be aware, that using steel wool will take half or more of the finish off.
Steve

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by Uncle Pen

Interesting timing for you to mention the Iris DF. Mine is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

I dunno anything about polishing satin. But you’re gonna love the DF. Glad it’s finally landing, my friend.

[ALBD]

Originally Posted by Uncle Pen

What was the product, and what was the method you used?

I just use Maguires cleaner wax and a microfiber cloth. Buff with some elbow grease—I definitely didn’t need a buffer. Didn’t take much work to get that French polish shine. I would not rec steel wool!

[Rogerblair]

Originally Posted by Uncle Pen

So you just scrub away with 000 wool? Any technique or pattern to do or avoid?

No, I don’t just scrub away. The process is a slow tedious one that, if done incorrectly, will result in going through the finish. I’ve never taken it too far accidentally. I’ve stripped a couple poly finished cheap guitars with steel wool, however, and that takes a surprising amount of “scrubbing”.

The process does remove some of the finish thickness, as will any process where an abrasive (rather than a polish) is used. I’m not convinced that it’s half the thickness, but some. Larrivee’s don’t require much pressure to level and satin-polish the finish. Larrivee does a good job of fine-sanding and applying smooth finishes that respond easily to the satin process.

Rb

[musicman1951]

It's fairly standard practice to use 0000 steel wool and wax on furniture finishes (with the grain, of course). The wax lubricates the steel wool so it removes very little finish - mostly the dust nibs that land on the finish as it dries.

000 steel wool by itself would be considerably more aggressive.

[Goat Mick]

Looks great! I always polish any satin finish instrument I get. They don't shine like a full gloss but it does give them a more refined and finished look.

[lowrider]

Originally Posted by Goat Mick

Looks great! I always polish any satin finish instrument I get. They don't shine like a full gloss but it does give them a more refined and finished look.

Mick, can you post a pic of you polished 000-17? I saw you post that you polished it before. My J-17 is getting shiney areas and I'm wondering if I should just polish the whole top.