Gloss nitro to satin finish,,,is it possible?

**banjer23** · Mar-12-2011, 7:01am

What procedure short of refinishing is possible to change a gloss nitro lacquer finish to a less shiny satin finish,,just on the top of the mando?

**GRW3** · Mar-12-2011, 7:25am

Bill Monroe used a pen knife to scrape the gloss off of his mandolin after Gibson refinished it for him as a surprise. He also used it to gouge out 'The Gibson'. That might be a little too authentic.

**Ben Somerville** · Mar-12-2011, 8:01am

I did that to my Eastman with some 00 steel wool. It worked well until my fingers and arms started to "polish" up different spots, giving it an overall uneven look. So then I took off the strings and bridge again and rubbed some olive oil all over it, which gave it sort of a semi-gloss look which I really like and also took the uneven look away.

**barry k** · Mar-12-2011, 9:47am

Yup, steel wool will do the trick. On a brand new satin or matte finish it will "buff up" where there is rubbing....finger planting, neck, etc.. I have been using the satin finishes since 1993, the paint people use a deglossing formula in their mix, then call it either 30, 60 or 90 sheen.

**Michael Lewis** · Mar-13-2011, 12:59am

You can scuff the surface so it looks satin but anywhere you rub or handle the finish it will eventually wear to a gloss. Even satin finishes that have the flattening agent in them will do the same.

**8ch(pl)** · Mar-13-2011, 3:28am

Satin finishes show dirt more than gloss. My Mid Missouri M-4 had a grubby look on the top, from my arm and the previous owner's arm. It was impossible to clean. I sanded the top down and refinished it with WATCO Semi-gloss Nitrate Cellulose Lacquer, from an Aerosol can.

I then installed a Cumberland Acoustic Armrest. When I bought my M-1 I purchased an armrest before I started playing it.

You can sand your top and redo it like I did, but you need to know what you are doing. Some finishes are very thin, some are too thick. My Samick A (Korean) had a very thick finish. I repaired a crack in it's top, then wet sanded it down with 400 grit. I then used a fine Scotch-brite and Turtle Wax Rubbing and Polishing Compounds. All this was hand applied. The finish had been so thick I did not sand through anywhere - and I really sanded it. I believe the sound is somewhat improved.