Wax on-Wax off

[Cletus]

In your humble opinion, what is the best polish for a mandolin. I am just trying to take care of a lowly Kentucky KM-380-S.

[johnwalser]

Gerlitz No. 1 Carnauba Guitar Wax & Polish.
John

[doublestop]

Petro's

[Michael Lewis]

Actually, most mandolins finished with lacquer are better off if just wiped down with a clean soft dry cloth after eash use before they are put away. If you get something on the finish try to remove it with a slightly damp cloth and gentle rubbing. Maybe 3 or 4 times a year at most use a polish designed for instruments if needed, but you certainly don't need to be applying much of anything to the finish unless there is a problem, in which case take care of the problem. If there are any openings (cracks, chips, etc.) in the finish whatever you apply will get into the wood and can cause serious finish problems if repairs and touch up are needed.

[Bradley]

I've always been a fan of Virtuoso Polish http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Mandosecond]

Michael: great advice.

Would your suggestion be the same re varnished finishes?

Thanks.

[Ancient]

Axwax

[Michael Lewis]

Regarding varnish finishes, the clean dry soft cloth is the same, but I would tend to use less water if any at all. There are preperations like David Harvey's Jubilee Polish that are well regarded. For french polish the answer is more french polish WHEN it is needed, not too often. French polish should only be applied by a skilled person, otherwise you can make a real mess of your finish. The best care you can give your instrument is prevention of damage and dirt, the polish is mostly to help clean up a mess that should never have been. The focus should be on your mental approach to the situation (prevention) more than the product(s) that should be used. Don't use anything containing silicone if you can help it.

[Cletus]

Thanks everyone, I had no doubt that there would be some great advice here. I'll go easy on the polish and concentrate on more regular 'rub-downs'. Today was my day of rest from the mando, so I am getting restless for tomorrow.