I have a satin lacquer finish on a Stratocaster and was wondering if a nylon strap lightly pressing across the body when it is in the case is harmful. I know people speak of paint damage from the foam on stands, but does anyone have any firsthand knowledge about nylon resting on the finish?

Nylon will not likely harm the finish...but you may find that due to heat and the weight of the guitar, the finish may take on the "texture" pattern of the strap. Why do you leave your strap on the guitar? Also, anything touching the finish, if allowed to rub or scuff around, will eventually scratch your guitar's finish (including the strap). Also, your finish will wear anyway, and the places your body contacts the finish, and where straps or clothing rub heavily, may begin to polish up and become shiny.

Steve-oh-no, thanks for the reply. Let me ask you if there is any way to restore the flat finish where it becomes shiny from wear. I can't see trying steel wool, maybe a dab of lacquer thinner? I sure don't want to make matters worse, but can't for the life of me think on any way to restore a uniform finish. I wish I could take to the people that paint matt finishes on cars. They must suffer scuff marks around the door handles.

You can use 0000 Steel Wool. That will knock most of the shine right off! be careful, because you can rub through the thin finish very quickly with steel wool or sandpaper. Any chemical treatment will not remove the shine without the possibility of damage to the finish, so steer clear of that. Just lightly rub over the shiny spots with 0000 steel wool (you can buy this at Lowe's or Home Depot). Know this, your finish will wear through to the bare wood in certain spots anyway....if you play that guitar much. The satin look is not going to last, and neither is that finish. Since that guitar is not a collector's piece, play the thing to death! A well played guitar feels great and sounds good too! Not that you have to abuse your gear, there is a difference between well played and well abused

I own one of the 7-guitar stands you speak of. I love mine, and have kept the same guitars in it for 2 years now with no issues. DO NOT put a nitro guitar in this stand unless you first cover the contact points with a cotton cloth, or you will ruin your nitro finish! P.S. guitars really don't care how you store them. The neck will not warp or bend sideways Now, leaning them up against a wall in a very hot room or in direct sunlight could do it, because it will heat the glue joint between the neck / fretboard and cause the joint to "slip" or creep.

Use your guitar for what it is and don't worry about the finish.

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Cvilleira, this is one that I don't play. Just enjoy looking at it.

Say its not so! Guitars are meant to be played!

_________________
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson