Can you put car waxing products on guitar bodies?

[playsguitars]

I got to borrow an Ibanez S from my cousin yesterday and am in the process of cleaning her up ang getting ready to string. But, I can't help thinking even after I used Dunlop formula 51 on her, she still looks a bit dull on the paint. Can you theoretically apply cleaner wax/scratch removal products, wax, claybars, etc to them? Wood, primer, paint, clear, it seems as if they're pretty much the same. Correct me if I'm wrong though..

[playsguitars]

I've heard not to use silicone based products, but how about 100% carnauba waxes?

[AggvGtivr6]

I've used McGuire's carnuba wax on my strat before. Dint hurt anything, and made it nice and smooth. It has a very light sunburst finish so it hides scratches pretty well to start with, but i imagine on a black guitar it would help.

[vr6pilot]

I, too, have used automotive wax on my guitar projects but not any kind of polishing compounds. A factory finished guitar should have a few coats of clear on it so I would first try to fill in light scratches with wax before rubbing out with a polish.

I've also used Mother's metal polish on chromed bridge parts to take down light surface rust, corrosion, and crud but go light as guitar bits have thin chroming layers.

[Señor Peligro]

I've actually been using Meguiar's quick detailing spray wax on my guitars (and drums) for years now, works just fine.

[Zombiestatus]

If the finish is painted and cleared yes you can. I have used both Mothers Wax and Liquid Glass Polish on my Strat, Parker, Ovation, and J-Bass. Everything else I own is either a matte finish, wood, or poly-coated. I have also used Mothers Metal Polish on Nickel hardware which does fine as well.