The Electra Forums

I just picked up an older guitar that has what looks like a brush applied black and white finish. 9 times out of 10 a finish this shoddy is just slapped on over the original finish. Does anyone have any tips for removing this paint job while possibly saving the original?

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"Quote me as saying I was mis-quoted." - Groucho Marx

try paint remover or solvent. you know how hard it is to remove poly, well, stuff that removes hardware store enamel probalby will barely touch the poly underneath.

I used acetone with a rag to rub purple paint off my first MPC bass. worked really well... wear gloves and mask with good ventilation....

before and after pics
http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/80s/mick/ ... /x620.html

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My Electra Pages
I have too many projects!

Mick, this worked like a charm. The original sunburst finish was almost flawless under the house paint or whatever I removed with acetone as per your suggestion, thanks! (better late than never

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"Quote me as saying I was mis-quoted." - Groucho Marx

Cool! glad it worked out for you.....

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My Electra Pages
I have too many projects!

you should consider CitriStrip, works great and is WAY less toxic
http://www.citristrip.com/

yeah, that stuff is good, I've used it too, but I don't know how it would do, just trying to remove the top layer only....

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My Electra Pages
I have too many projects!

Good tip, I'll give it a try next time...the toxicity of the acetone scares me for sure! Thanks.

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"Quote me as saying I was mis-quoted." - Groucho Marx

The toxicity AND volitility........do thi sin a well vented area-and NO SMOKING or .....................................................BOOM !!!!!!

I am by day an environmental consultant who works on cleaning up hazardous waste sites. Not to consider any petro chemical benign but as petro chemicals go acetone is fairly safe. It volatile and thus a fire hazard and with any volatile chemical you should consider ventalation when you are working with it. You would have to breathe in a lot over a very long period to do much harm though. It is not a skin contact hazard (although it will dry your skin). Don't drink it

The citrus based solvents are not as safe as some would think. The attitude seems to be they are a natural product whcih smells nice so they should be OK. This is not always true. Although they use citrus oils as a base some do use petro chemicals. They tend to be much thicker than acetone and thus will stay in contact with your skin for a long period if you don't use gloves. If you use any extensivly, you should request an MSDS (material safety data sheet) from the manufacturer. if you are in the US they have to send you one for free. If you have questions, PM me and I will be happy to help.

What's your opinion on the toxicity of Nitrocellulose Lacquer? I've sprayed 4 or 5 guitars with it, I take a lot of care but is this stuff as nasty as I hear it is?

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"Quote me as saying I was mis-quoted." - Groucho Marx

I don't have a specific opinion on nitrocellulose laquer. If you are using a specific manufacturer, I can look up the MSDS and let you know.

Sorry for the delay in the reply.

LOL, no worries I'm even slower It's McFadden's for the clearcoat nitro and Guitar ReRanch for the colors. I don't spray enough for serious health worries...mostly just curious.

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"Quote me as saying I was mis-quoted." - Groucho Marx

Let us know how it turns out.