What to do about white stuff In "dry creek bed" checked finish?

[Rick Homan]

The photo tells the story. The back of the headstock looks the same, and there is a little of this on sides at the upper bout, and a spot on the back. Based on Frank's warning about using polishes on old finish in the "Cleaning" article on Frets.com, I am guessing someone tried to do just that (yes, it came to me this way).

I have tried water, mild detergent, naptha, and denatured alcohol. In each instance, the white stuff completely disappears so long as the surface is wet. As soon as the surface dries, the white stuff comes back unchanged.

So, I tried an experiment. I had used Dr. Duck's Ax Wax (recommended by LMI) as the last step when I built my StewMac 000. I rubbed a little on the back of the headstock and the white stuff disappeared. I gave it a good buffing and let it sit for 30 mins. and it still looks great -- rich color, lustrous glow.

But, have I solved the problem or only postponed it? And, is there a "real" solution?

[Ronnie Nichols]

If that product cured this, I think I'll order some.
Ronnie Nichols

[Rick Homan]

Here is a photo of the back of the headstock, taken a day or so after the application. It had looked just like the photo with the original posting. I should emphasize that nothing came off the guitar when I buffed. So, that white stuff is still there; it just doesn't show when it is wet.

[danove]

Frank has some good advice here
Maybe you have to clean off the wax before proceeding.

[Rick Homan]

Thanks, danove! That is a good article. However, I am dealing with a shellac finish here. I am pretty sure this white stuff was added, as in Frank's article on not using creamy polishes on old finishes.

BTW, the product I mentioned says, on the bottle, "Contains no wax!" I am guessing they decided to call it "Ax Wax" because that rhymes and it might appeal to a certain type of player. It also says "Contains no silicones . . . abrasives . . . synthetics . . . acids." On the back of the bottle it says "Contains petroleum distillates."

Anyway, two weeks after application, the white stuff has not re-appeared. The stuff does give a nice lustre and feel to the instrument. LMI had recommended it as a final step when finishing a new instrument. Also, there is no disclaimer here: I have no connection to LMI or this product. I just tried it and want to pass along my experience and some information. It's the least I can do for all the information and help I have received here and on Frets.com.