LORE® Instrument Polish is a plant-based, carnauba wax-formulated polish designed to clean and protect guitar finishes. It contains no silicone, no petroleum derivatives, and no synthetic polymers — just effective, natural ingredients that clean the surface and leave a durable, warm-gloss protective layer. This guide covers how to use it correctly and get the best results.
What It's For
LORE® Instrument Polish is designed for use on finished guitar surfaces — the body, finished neck, headstock, and any lacquered or coated surface. It cleans light contamination (fingerprints, sweat, dust) and deposits a thin carnauba wax layer that protects the finish and enhances its appearance.
It is safe for polyurethane finishes, nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, and gloss finishes of all types.
It is not recommended for satin or matte finishes, where it may alter the sheen. For satin finishes, use a dry microfibre cloth or a satin-specific cleaner.
What You'll Need
- LORE® Instrument Polish
- Two clean microfibre cloths — one for application, one for buffing
Step-by-Step Application
1. Start with a clean surface. For best results, the guitar should be free of heavy grime before polishing. If the guitar is very dirty, wipe down with a slightly damp cloth first and allow to dry. The polish will lift grime and clean the surface but if you skip the damp cloth clean-up then you may need to apply a second coat of the polish. The grime will mix with the polish and it wont go as far.
2. Apply polish to your cloth. Add a liberal amount on the cloth. Apply to the cloth, not directly to the guitar.
3. Work in small sections. Apply the polish to the finish using gentle circular or straight strokes, working in small sections. You'll notice it goes on slightly hazy — this is normal.
4. Allow a brief flash time. Leave the polish for 1–2 minutes to allow the wax to begin bonding to the surface. In warm conditions this happens faster; in cold conditions, allow a little longer.
5. Buff to a shine. Using a clean, dry microfibre cloth, buff the polished area using light, circular motions. The haze will clear and a warm, deep gloss will emerge. Work section by section until the entire surface is buffed.
6. Inspect and repeat if needed. For guitars that haven't been polished in a while, a second application after the first has fully cured (30 minutes) can deepen the protection and shine.
How Often to Apply
For most guitars played regularly, polishing every 1–3 months is appropriate. Guitars on display or played less frequently may need less frequent treatment. Polish when the finish looks dull, shows fingerprint build-up, or feels less smooth than usual. For the typical sweat staining you can focus on those areas more frequently to keep a long lasting shine.
Tips for Best Results
- Use clean cloths. A cloth that's picked up grit or debris can scratch the finish. Use fresh microfibre cloths and wash them regularly.
- Don't apply in direct sunlight or on a hot surface. The polish will dry too quickly and be harder to buff.
- Less is more. A thin, even coat buffs more easily and provides better protection than a thick application. Use a large amount for stubborn grim removal.
- Polish the headstock too. The headstock is often overlooked but benefits from the same protection as the body.
LORE® Instrument Polish is a straightforward product used correctly: apply to a cloth, work into the finish in sections, allow to flash, and buff to a shine. The result is a clean, protected finish with a warm, natural gloss — and none of the silicone contamination risks associated with most commercial polishes.
Safe on all gloss finishes and hardware.