How to Polish Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Nitrocellulose lacquer is used almost exclusively on musical instruments. It is extremely durable with a glossy, plastic-like appearance. Most furniture makers find it too glossy and labor-intensive for practical use. Its hard, almost impenetrable quality make it easy to take care of, but musical instruments do lose their luster and get dirty over time. Common household products like lightly moistened furniture cloths work well on nitrocellulose.

• 1

  Tear a T-shirt in half and moisten it. Use the damp cloth to gently rub off any smudges, dirt or marks.

• 2

  Pull a moistened furniture polish cloth from the container and fold it in half. Using your fingers, scrub the surface of the lacquer with small back-and-forth motions. Go over the entire surface consistently. It should leave just a trace of polish on the surface of the lacquer.

• 3

  Pick up the dry half of the T-shirt and fold it several times. Using your fingers, scrub back and forth with a moderate amount of force. Go over the entire surface.

• 4

  Lean down to eye level with the surface of the lacquer so light is reflected off the surface. Find any remaining smudges or smears.

• 5

  Buff out the remaining smudges as you find them, focusing on the light as it reflects off the lacquer's surface.