PRS SE CE24 matte finish question

[Tim Ulsh]

Just got an SE CE24 with the matte finish.
I'd like to add some protection to the finish, and I'm fine with it shinning a little.
Someone suggested this:
Minwax 15200 Gloss Brushing Lacquer Spray

Is the existing matte finish Nitro or Poly?
And does it matter which product I put on top of it?

Thanks.

​

 

[PaulCreedeSmith]

 

[MarcWink]

I would assume that the SE line is using poly finishes across the line. As for using a product to clean it, I'd be cautious using any type of wax as it may dry in an unsightly white color in the crevices of the grain. If you really have a hardon to put some protection on the guitar though, I'd recommend a ceramic type coating product like Gyeon's Evo Ceramic for matte finishes. The problem with these types of products are that they're EXPENSIVE. When I was detailing cars as a side hustle in grad school, I kept a few different products in my garage for matte paint and the ceramic stuff for matte paint was around $75 for a 2 and a half-ish ounce bottle that would be enough to do a decent sized SUV and a mid-size sedan. The other problem with the stuff is it has a definite shelf life once opened. For the VERY small amount that you'd use on a guitar...not worth the cost.

 

[László]

I wouldn't use a wax on any guitar, but especially not on a matte finish. And poly is hard, thick stuff. It's not going to wear off for a very, very long time.

All a wax does is fill in the microscopic scratches that haze shiny finishes and make them appear shiny again. But it does leave a buildup. Waxes cause yellowing, too, and a coat of wax isn't going to accomplish much on a matte finish, unless maybe you sweat a ton when playing. Just my two cents.

Honestly, if I had a guitar with a matte finish, I'd simply keep it clean, maybe wipe it every so often with a slightly damp microfiber cloth in sections, and immediately dry each section with a clean microfiber.

 

[SinSir]

Keep it as is and love it for the guitar she is...or get another. The lack of filler on the grain isn't going to be your friend in the process. This is coming from someone who's taken multiple satin guitars to a VOS like finish and used to own a car restoration business.

 

[deathworlder]

I wouldn't use a wax on any guitar, but especially not on a matte finish. And poly is hard, thick stuff. It's not going to wear off for a very, very long time.

All a wax does is fill in the microscopic scratches that haze shiny finishes and make them appear shiny again. But it does leave a buildup. Waxes cause yellowing, too, and a coat of wax isn't going to accomplish much on a matte finish, unless maybe you sweat a ton when playing. Just my two cents.

Honestly, if I had a guitar with a matte finish, I'd simply keep it clean, maybe wipe it every so often with a slightly damp microfiber cloth in sections, and immediately dry each section with a clean microfiber.

Not microfiber...
This satin is an open pore finish; it could grab fibers.
I use a t-shirt and Taylor's satin cleaner.

If you're a believer in the benefits of a thin finish, adding protection is going to work against that.

 

[SinSir]

Here we go.. microfiber and casing guitars are favorite Les topics!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Here we go.. microfiber and casing guitars are favorite Les topics!

Laz has been open to suggestions in the past, well he was once in 1751, on a Thursday afternoon in May.

 

[László]

Not microfiber...
This satin is an open pore finish; it could grab fibers.

A high quality microfiber is lint free and shouldn't leave fibers. The ones I use don't (I've had several instruments that have satin necks, and currently have one as well).

A cotton T is much more likely to leave lint and cotton fibers behind. That's what cotton does.

But everyone should use what they're comfortable with.

 

[deathworlder]

A high quality microfiber is lint free and shouldn't leave fibers. The ones I use don't (I've had several instruments that have satin necks, and currently have one as well).

A cotton T is much more likely to leave lint and cotton fibers behind. That's what cotton does.

But everyone should use what they're comfortable with.

We've had this conversation not too ong ago...

 

[László]

We've had this conversation not too ong ago...

Could be - I've certainly been known to repeat myself!