Re-Clearcoating

[chvc333]

So I'll start with a little back-story for specific detail, I have an Epiphone Les Paul with a ton of sentimental value. I had mentioned to my friend (who took a small 6 month Luthier program in Michigan) that I wanted this guitar to have a matte/satin finish instead of the glossy clear coat. He proceeded to assure me that his method would be the proper way to achieve what I wanted, & basically just rubbed the top layer of the clear-coat off with steel wool. Although it is indeed matte now, it leaves nasty finger prints that won't wipe off and looks like (for lack of a better term) shit. If anyone has an opinion on what to use/how to go about re-coating a guitar while retaining a matte/satin finish, it would be greatly appreciated. It still has the base black paint, but I guess i'm wondering more so if it is alright to put another clearcoat layer on top of it at this point?

[henrim]

I don’t think he has rubbed the clear off. Just matted the surface. It would be hard work to get all the clear off. Especially with steel wool.

You can degrease the surface and wipe it with fine scotch pad to try to maintain the looks, but you have to repeat the procedure every now and again. Matte surface is always subject to fingerprints. Proper matte would require a matte paint. Which is also vulnerable on an object like guitar body, that is in constant contact with greasy fingers.

You can’t use wax on matte, but for a kinda shiny satin you can protect the matted surface (to some degree) with wax. Without polishing the surface. But that look is not matte. More like gloss gone dull, if you get what I mean.

If you want to, I believe you can go back to gloss by polishing the guitar.

[Bizman62]

Hi and welcome!

The steel wool method your friend used is indeed valid and if done correctly you won't see any directional micro scratches. But you're right, every greasy fingerprint shows and won't go away by just wiping. You'd at least need something that removes grease - a clean microfibre cloth is good but as it will suck the oils from your skin as well you'll have to wash it regularly.

If the steel wool work has been done properly there's cleaners and protectants for matte paints and plastics, most likely you can find those for automotive use. Similarly you can adopt hints and tips for maintaining matte cars.