Anyone removed a poly finish before?

[Hollowpoint]

Most things I've read online seems to recommend using a heat gun/scraper online, but if possible I'd prefer to use a stripper so I don't burn or dig into the body.

Anyone done it before and have any recommendations?

Thanks!

[Bg]

yeah I've tried most things, from paint stripper to sanding. Heat gun is the way to go, just be careful. You can have all the poly off within half an hour. I used extra strength stripper and the guitar laughed at it. Did the whole overnight clingfilm thing. Try it first though, it may be less armour plated than the ones I've tried it on.

[moliere]

I've never found a stripper that took off poly properly (I didn't try *that* hard though). Most efficient is heat gun as mentioned (but then again, I've never not burned a body either, haha).

[null_pointer]

I've never found a stripper that took off poly properly (I didn't try *that* hard though). Most efficient is heat gun as mentioned (but then again, I've never not burned a body either, haha).

I'm glad nobody on this forum is racist or sexist, because the above quote would have spawned its own thread.

Back to the topic at hand, both times I've just sanded back, using high count grit paper and living with the extra time it took in the interests of not gouging at all

[jeremyb]

I've never found a stripper that took off poly properly (I didn't try *that* hard though). Most efficient is heat gun as mentioned (but then again, I've never not burned a body either, haha).

Come to christchurch mate, you gotta burn the strippers once you're done with them!

[Jay]

I prefer stripper... As I was keen on retaining the natural timber I did not want any brownish blackish burns. Stripping it was fine but do it outside.... You won't get all of it off, so then finish it off with a razor blade.

Forgot to say - used Dad's Easy Spray. Here is a link with some pics on my poly stripping results. Scroll down a bit...

http://superaxe.vanpolanenpetel.net/The ... page_id=22

[AiRdAd]

I've never found a stripper that took off poly properly (I didn't try *that* hard though). Most efficient is heat gun as mentioned (but then again, I've never not burned a body either, haha).

Come to christchurch mate, you gotta burn the strippers once you're done with them!

Are you going natural finish or painting it? If you're painting, I recommend using a heat gun too. the easiest way to do it. and probably the 'safest' way to do it too.

[Bg]

not sure but I reckon the poly finish has been made harder since that superaxes' day.... Worth a try though

[olegmcnoleg]

not sure but I reckon the poly finish has been made harder since that superaxes' day.... Worth a try though

Yes, I think you are right BG. Finish from the 70s and 80s can be quite easy to soften up, if it has not turned to goop and fallen off already (shame on you 70's Fender Inc.)

[Molly]

Most things I've read online seems to recommend using a heat gun/scraper online, but if possible I'd prefer to use a stripper so I don't burn or dig into the body.

Anyone done it before and have any recommendations?

Thanks!

Stop. Will post some tips when I get home.

[AiRdAd]

Most things I've read online seems to recommend using a heat gun/scraper online, but if possible I'd prefer to use a stripper so I don't burn or dig into the body.

Anyone done it before and have any recommendations?

Thanks!

Stop. Will post some tips when I get home.

Molly guided me through the process when i painted my guitars in nitro - he was especially helpful when I got to the final sanding stages, he had some really helpful advice.

[Hollowpoint]

Planning to do a very dark stain. Hopefully something similar to this:



(though it's actually rosewood)

[sirvill]

That bass I just picked up is probably a real cheapie and its pretty dinged up so I'm tempted to refinish it - although knowing my luck it'll be something like basswood underneath.

[AiRdAd]

would residue stripper affect the dye that you are going to put on?

[Bg]

possibly yeah, but by the time you've sanded and sealed then you'll know if you need to go further.