Satin Finish Turning Glossy. Can It Be Reversed?

Snargle said:

I'm the proud owner of a KoAloha Concert ukulele. Over the past year, the satin/matte finish on the soundboard, particularly the area next to soundhole where I usually rest my little finger when fingerpicking, has started to go glossy/shiny. I understand this is due to a combination of finger oils and friction (I do tend to have oily skin). My question is can this finish be restored to its original satin finish? It looks weird having this gloss area on an otherwise matte finish. Should I just chalk it up to normal wear and learn to live with it?

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strumsilly said:

A musical instrument is meant to be played and honest play wear is a badge of honor in my book and an indication of a "good" instrument.

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strumsilly said:

.....A musical instrument is meant to be played and honest play wear is a badge of honor in my book and an indication of a "good" instrument.......

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strumsilly said:

I've taken a satin finish and "glossed" it using an automotive scratch remover [rubbing compound] but never went the other way. I would just leave it alone. A musical instrument is meant to be played and honest play wear is a badge of honor in my book and an indication of a "good" instrument. My gloss Koaloha tenor is satin below the soundhole from my fingernail scratches .[/QUOTE

I have "glossed a few as well. I love the low gloss it produces and how it shows off the woods colors and grain. I've read very light use of 0000 or 00000
steel wool will get the job done if it's satin, matte is another matter - two different finishes. You should be hearing from some "finishing experts" soon.

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BlackBearUkes said:

If you really want to get the satin look back, use 0000 steel wool with a little paste wax or wool lube and rub in the direction of the wood grain. Its easy.

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