What to use to remove fingerprints and hand oils?

[Kvebbs]

Hi all!

Wondering what you guys do to get a clean surface before applying finishes? I've read some use something called Naphta which I have never heard of or seen in my life (I live in Norway)..... Any other tips or tricks? I'm guessing moonshine is out of the question, hehe :doh:

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

In short, Naptha is lighter fluid.  Ronsonol or Zippo brand.  The active ingredient is Naptha.  The Romans used to blow stuff up with it too.

 

[Kvebbs]

oh, lighter fluid doesn't sound very healthy for the wood, but then again it should get it clean! hehe

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

That was my initial thought too, but I hear that recommended time and time again.

 

[bpmorton777]

I always use rubber gloves when handling the stuff. it sucks all the moisture right out of your skin.

Brian

 

[Keyser Soze]

Mineral spirits is also an option.  Denatured ethanol is actually ok, except that it does contain some water so drying time tends to be extended and it also raises the grain meaning you may have to sand down any whiskers that arise.

 

[hannaugh]

Oddly enough, naptha doesn't do any harm.  We used it all the time at my mom's frame shop to clean adhesive off of frames and even get gunk off of posters with no ill effects. 

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Mineral spirits is also an option.  Denatured ethanol is actually ok, except that it does contain some water so drying time tends to be extended and it also raises the grain meaning you may have to sand down any whiskers that arise.

When I've used mineral spirits on things, it always leaves a slight residue and coloration.

 

[Fcal124]

I do alot of carpentry and furniture refinishing. I always use Acetone to clean dirt, fingerprints, pencil marks, etc. Works for me. Just use in a well ventilated area.

 

[bpmorton777]

Acetone will ruin a nitro finish so probably not a good idea to start out using it when cleanning the wood...might forget after finishing starts and use it. just safer to always use the naptha. :icon_thumright:

Brian

 

[Kvebbs]

Follow-up; My guitar should arrive tomorrow :blob7:

I've been out looking for zippo-lighter-like fluid... no luck, guess the zippo-fever never reached Norway! What I'm leaning towards right now is white spirit, since that is mostly naphta... You've probably answered this already, but still; is white spirit a big no-go? The body is black korina with a wenge top - and I'm going for a tru-oil finish!

Thanks!

 

[MattPurland]

I was thinking about using white spirit also, as my local hardware store had never heard of Naphtha.. (maybe it's an american thing?)

 

[Sustainerplayer]

I've read some use something called Naphta which I have never heard of or seen in my life (I live in Norway).....

Maybe this will help:

EDIT: No help at all - sorry.

 

[Patrick from Davis]

Whoa there.  Naphtha and Naphthlene are two different beasts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naphtha

Go to that link and see if there is one in your language of choice.
Patrick

 

[Sustainerplayer]

Whoa there.  Naphtha and Naphthlene are two different beasts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naphtha

Go to that link and see if there is one in your language of choice.
Patrick

Yeah - mea culpa. Don't drink and surf ... or something ...  :sad:

 

[Kvebbs]

yea, well no worries anyway! I ended up wiping it down with white spirit, and it didn't leave a trace...=) thanks for all reply's though. It's all done and working - pics will be added tomorrow if I get to it!