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Taking care of lacquer wood finishes

I have a pair of speakers with a high gloss lacquer wood finish. They look like they are in mint condition, until I shine a flashlight directly on it. Then you can see all the imperfections, little scratches, and swirl marks. I wiped a little area while shining the flashlight on it to see if a microfiber cloth would mark the wood, and it did. Is this normal? Are all high gloss lacquer wood finishes this easy to scratch? Do any of you do anything about it, or just leave it alone? I know on high gloss paint finishes you can use automotive supplies, but again this is a high gloss lacquer wood finish.
souljasmooth
goose
721 posts
 
Souljassmooth I used to have JM focal utopia speakers with a black piano gloss finish. It was a challenge to not damage the surface. The best thing I found was Zaino Z-2 show car polish. It does not leave not a film, powder and has no abrasives or silicones. The other consideration is what to apply it with and subesequently wipe it off with. As you indicated the microfiber cloth (depending on the type) can leave swirl marks. I found that the cloths used to clean eyeglasses work really well. They are an ultra soft microfiber cloth used on plastic eyeglasses. I have never noticed any scratches using these specific cloths. (I also wear glasses). Another option would be to use a 100% soft cotton cloth. I must not have any polyester in the material since this will causes scratches.

souljasmooth OP
130 posts
 
The microfiber cloth I used is a kind used for cleaning ipad screens. Seemed like it shouldve worked fine. I also did a google search and the answers were not specific enough. Are speakers with automotive paint the same as a high gloss lacquer, as far as care goes? I thought it would be completely different. What do people with speakers like Sonus Faber Amati do? My speakers have a finish very similar to them.
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,768 posts
 
Souljasmooth - Yes, I've used the Fender instrument care kit on my own speakers but considering how important this is to you I'm withdrawing my recommendation of it.

I would suggest you find a local cabinet maker who does fine lacquered furniture and consult with them.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,614 posts
 
If you can only see it when shining a flash light on them - why is it really important ? Their intended purpose is playing music - really :-)

Good listening

Peter
souljasmooth OP
130 posts
 
Peter, that is part of my original question. Are other people with high gloss lacquer finish speakers doing anything, or just leavin it alone? If its normal, I'm not too worried about it, but if its an easy fix, then why not make them perfect. These lacquered finishes are becoming more popular. I actually prefer natural finishes with a semi gloss finish. Much easier to maintain. Any sonus faber users out there that care to respond? I use to own guarneri homages but never checked with the flashlight. Dynaudio is even using these finishes in their new confidence speakers
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