davidl Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 My brother will use lighter fluid on his bass guitars for cleaning sometimes. He came over with a new Epi 335 on Saturday and we talked about cleaning a bit. Is lighter fluid too harsh for Nitro finishes? I know it is somewhat toxic and I wouldn't use it but is it safe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 . Naptha lighter fluid is fine for cleaning. As long has there are no harsh additives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 Only on flame tops....... :unsure: ....Even then, only if they are BOOK MATCHED..... .... I would think not Dave, but others may know otherwise..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ne14t? Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 Zippo fluid will work, and it works pretty good actually, you can clean almost every single part of the guitar with it, heck it will even take the crud out of your strings. Apply to a rag then wipe down your guitar, do not apply directly to the guitar. If you use NAPTHA on your fingerboard its probably a good idea to use some Lemon Oil on it after as the NAPTHA will dull the fingerboard a bit. I personally use only a microfiber cloth and some elbow grease, take a little time but it guarantees nothing touches the guitar that I dont want too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duane v Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 I only use it on the back of my necks with a microfiber cloth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 You will eventually end up finding a finish that you regret using it on. Just because it worked on on guitar, doesn't mean it will be safe for all of them. I have used naptha for a problem before, and had success, and also one occasion where it cause problems. I now consider it a high risk deal. Even if you end up using it for an issue, there is no good reason I can see for using it again. The scary thing about lighter fluid, is it isn't made to be used as a cleaner or a polish, so one batch or brand could be different than another, and no way to be certain what it contains. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damian Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 Interesting......I had no idea........So, on all finishes, or, just nitro ?? How about faded finishes ?? Poly ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fl00dsm0k3 Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 dont know about guitar but great for a camp fire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 Hendrix used it! ;>) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidl Posted May 30, 2011 Author Share Posted May 30, 2011 Hendrix used it! ;>) CB Sure, but he only got to use it once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff-7 Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 I used it to clean the fingerboard gunk off the '64 LG1 when I got it, then went back over it with Fret Doctor. No issues at all. Never used it on a finish, I've got cleaners and polishes for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G McBride Posted May 30, 2011 Share Posted May 30, 2011 I got a big can of Naptha at the lumber yard and use it to clean my guitars all of the time. I always grab it when a neck gets sticky and wipe em down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fl00dsm0k3 Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 dont clean nere a open flame or else you ger a good fireglow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopssorryy Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 There's a bunch of people over at the Acoustic Guitar Forum that use lighter fluid to clean their guitars. From brand new, to guitars that are 60+ years old. Might want to do research on the brands, and what it'll do to your finish, before you clean her up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrosurfer1959 Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Naptha works great on guitars. A lot of newer fluids add stuff other than naptha so be careful and read the contents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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