Smudges and fingerprints - nitro vs. poly finish

[BrettFuzz]

I only have poly finished guitars and the dark ones always look nasty when the light hits them at the right angle (if I haven't cleaned them recently).

Do smudges and fingerprints show less on nitro finish vs. poly or is there no significant difference?

 

[KokoTele]

Sometimes it’s even worse. Leave the smudges there too long and they react with the nitro, becoming part of the finish. At that point you need an aggressive polish to get them out.

 

[sammy1974]

Sometimes it’s even worse. Leave the smudges there too long and they react with the nitro, becoming part of the finish. At that point you need an aggressive polish to get them out.

Yup, I've had this happen on my blonde Tele.

 

[Fenderbaum]

Honestly i would not care. its a guitar.. a tool.. not a mirror..
Shut up and Play yer Guitar...

 

[Boreas]

I only have poly finished guitars and the dark ones always look nasty when the light hits them at the right angle (if I haven't cleaned them recently).

Do smudges and fingerprints show less on nitro finish vs. poly or is there no significant difference?

Depends on your skin chemistry, lotions, and the finish. It also depends on IF and WHAT TYPE of polish you may use. Humidity also matters as it can soften some finishes and you can leave permanent fingerprints in the lacquer. Best to leave your guitar in its case and never touch it.

 

[BrettFuzz]

Honestly i would not care. its a guitar.. a tool.. not a mirror..
Shut up and Play yer Guitar...

I agree but I always keep one on a stand in the corner of my living room and, depending on where you sit on the couch, you can see every fingerprint and smudge on it. I don't care so much for the guitar itself but it's making my living room look nasty too. This is the worst this guitar has looked; I wanted to see how nasty it would get, lol.
(queue up the tetanus shot jokes)

 

[LOSTVENTURE]

I wipe mine down after playing them. The nitro finishes are just as bad, concerning fingerprints, as nitro.