Outside summer gigs and bug spray, sunblock

[Loud Librarian]

I'm paranoid about having bug spray anywhere near my guitars when we play outside (historic LPs). I've read that the deet or whatever can harm the finish. Is this also true of sunblock?

Unfortunately that means I'm getting bit by the bloodsuckers when they come out.

Any thoughts on this - what do you do, just suck it up and get bit...or swat away while playing? What about sunblock, also a bad thing? For now I'm using neither when playing outside.

[germs]

deet will melt the finish, bindings, and any oil-based parts it comes in contact with. not immediately, but repeated exposure may produce undesired results.

sunblock can wick off of your arms and seep into the control cavity, solidifying once it cools and can cause problems after repeat exposure.

UV sun rays can fade your finish...

see where this is going? just bring along a cheapie and stop worrying!

deet though...i'd avoid the bug spray if you've got nitro finishes.

[Loud Librarian]

ya, probably should get a cheapie one of these days. We try to stay out of the sun and sometimes bring tarps and whatnot. Thanks for the info on the deet.