Stainless Steel: (Studio Stainless, Red X, Studio Style, Studio Select and California models) As the name implies, putters made from Studio Stainless Steel (SSS) or German Stainless Steel (GSS) will perform forever and resist corrosion indefinitely, as long as they are kept free from moisture. However, if left wet, nearly every type of steel can rust. Simply drying your stainless steel putter after each round will ensure that it will be around for decades to come. Just like cleaning your irons with some soapy water, you can do this with putters made from stainless steel, if necessary. Just be careful not to scrub too hard, or you may risk removing paintfill from the putter’s engravings. Even nicks and dings will resist rust as long as they are cleaned and kept dry. Although not necessary, some players prefer to lightly oil these putters to retain shine and to remove fingerprints. A Scotty Cameron Oil Cloth will do the trick.

Carbon Steel with Gun Blue/Black Oxide or Oil Can Finish: (CGI Classics, Scottsman, Classics, Teryllium, Oil Can Classics, '01-'02 Studio Design and '06 Circa '62 models) Scotty has always said that carbon steel is great to work with on the mill. It’s soft (as far as metal can be soft) and has a great feel. But, as we all know with raw, unfinished steel, it’s highly susceptible to oxidation, or rusting. Some prefer to let a raw carbon putter head rust for an old, gnarled look, but most of us do not. That’s why nearly all Scotty Cameron putters made from raw carbon steel are finished.

Carbon steel Scotty Cameron putters with the gun blue/black oxide and oil can finishes (including 3X black, 3X oil or brushed) need special treatment. To preserve and protect them, they must first be cleaned and dried after use. By dry, we mean free from moisture—water is raw carbon steel’s enemy. Also, a thin application of oil (silicone, gun oil or even baby oil) applied with an oil cloth to the entire putter head and neck will preserve and protect these finishes. You do not need to scrub the putter head; simply lightly wiping it down will suffice.

Scotty urges you to follow a few simple guidelines for putters with a gun blue/black oxide or oil can finish, as these finishes are most susceptible to oxidation:

·       Always dry your putter after play with a soft, lint-free cloth; never leave your putter damp or wet

·       Then, wipe your putter with a Scotty Cameron Oil Cloth

·       Always store your putter in a dry headcover (wrapping the putter head in an oil cloth and then storing in a dry headcover can also preserve a gun blue or oil can finish)

·       Avoid leaving your putter in extremely hot or cold environments

Honey Dipped: (California models) Scotty’s stainless steel California putter line comes with a heat-treated finish he calls honey dipped due to its rich, golden hue. By design, this finish will vary from putter to putter and age gracefully according to use. Special care is not necessary, as the head material is stainless steel.

Pro Platinum and Charcoal Mist Finishes: (Pro Platinum, Mil-Spec, Bulls Eye, '07-'08 Circa '62 and '07-'08 Red X models) Pro Platinum and Charcoal Mist finishes are each a nickel-based plating that Scotty has used on carbon steel, as well as stainless steel. They are highly durable, low-maintenance finishes that will resist corrosion as long as they are stored clean and dry. You should still treat these finishes with care to avoid dings, which can become areas for rust to develop.

Black Pearl: ('03-'05 Studio Design) Black Pearl is a durable plating over soft carbon steel that Scotty applied to several putter models in the past. It requires no special treatment, but should be handled with care to avoid dings, which can become areas for rust to develop. The Custom Shop no longer offers restoration of this finish, but will offer Charcoal Mist as an alternative for players who wish to restore a putter finished in Black Pearl.

Chromatic Bronze: (Tour-only) As a rare, Tour-only finish, this is hand-applied at the Putter Studio and will vary from putter to putter. It requires no special treatment, as it is applied to stainless steel putter heads.

Chromatic Blue: (Tour-only) As a rare, Tour-only finish, this is hand-applied at the Putter Studio and will vary from putter to putter. It requires a completely moisture-free environment, and should be kept lightly oiled and dry at all times, as it is applied to raw carbon steel.

Teryllium/TeI3 Inlays/Inserts: Teryllium is a copper alloy Scotty has used as a face inlay in finished carbon steel putters, as well as stainless steel putters, to give players a soft and smooth feel off the putter face. This material will not rust, but will develop a rich patina over time if left untreated. Many players prefer this look, but the original shiny appearance can be achieved using mild brass cleaner or even a small amount of toothpaste. Keep in mind, the Teryllium inlays are held in place by a sound-dampening elastomer, and care should be taken when cleaning the inlay to not damage the elastomer surrounding the inlay.