Careless neighbor burned poly finish with a soldering iron

[giantrobotswinbig]

TL/DR
- Is it possible to repair this crack/burn to a poly finish?







Update: I was able to resolve the issue. Thank you for your posts!

Do any of you have any advice about repairing a metallic poly finish?

 

[Logrinn]

Ouch, that sucks.

Let's hope some of our finishing savvy friends here can give you some advice. Perhaps Tonar knows what to do?

 

[AirCap]

Should have killed him upon delivery..... KIDDING!

No, sorry - there is no easy or good way to fix the booger in such a finish.

 

[Cagey]

Even if it was lacquer, the metallic feature makes such repairs essentially impossible. Since it's poly, all you can do is bay at the moon. Then, go get your gun...

 

[rgand]

Good for you to start soldering. It's a good skill to develop. It can be quite rewarding.

It's too bad someone has that little respect for friendship. You don't need people like that in your life.

 

[stratamania]

Because it is poly you would be looking at refinishing.

A possibility might be to rub out the mark but no telling how deep it is. In any case, you will have instead of the burn at best an exposed part of the flake that could go mat and wear prematurely.

I always cover bodies and things with old towels and the like to prevent mishaps when soldering.

Not sure what leverage is required for a soldering job.

 

[giantrobotswinbig]

Good for you to start soldering. It's a good skill to develop. It can be quite rewarding.

It's too bad someone has that little respect for friendship. You don't need people like that in your life.

I agree. His lack of respect for me and my instrument bothers me more than the damage itself.

 

[stratamania]

I noticed you had posted also on TGP, some reasonable advice on there about polishing compound.  If it does rub out, if needed you could possibly put a dab of poly varnish over the area. It might be worth a try before considering a total refinish.

With regard to the attitude, I would have expected someone to at least apologize. He probably is aware that it was not great but is trying to shirk what he did.

 

[mayfly]

I've worked on a lot of instruments for other people.  I always always treated them better than I did my own just to avoid this kind of thing.  When you're working on an instrument it's a very personal thing you're messing with.  You better not screw it up.

I don't have much sympathy for the guy who burned your guitar with the iron.  Even the 'cheap thrills tele' I covered in rags before I brought out the soldering tools even just to catch a solder drip.  There is really no excuse.

 

[rgand]

... I always always treated them better than I did my own just to avoid this kind of thing...

This really is the correct attitude. :icon_thumright:

 

[Cagey]

I agree. I've even taken to covering customer's bodies with heavy-duty anti-mutilation film so they don't get scuffed/scratched simply by handling or inadvertently setting them down on something less finish-friendly than bunny fur...

On top of that, I'll sometimes strategically tape some 28lb printer paper in areas that will see more fumbling about, like around the control cavity while soldering, as I don't expect that plastic to be much protection against hot solder/rosin spatter. Not that there's a lotta that going on, but better safe than sorry.

There are those, however, who seem to think dings/scrapes/blemishes are some sort of badge of honor, and not only don't take care to prevent them,  but don't care if they cause them. Like it's a Good Thing, or something.

 

[Fat Pete]

...There are those, however, who seem to think dings/scrapes/blemishes are some sort of badge of honor, and not only don't take care to prevent them,  but don't care if they cause them. Like it's a Good Thing, or something.

Which is fine - if it's their own guitar.

To paraphrase, you don't fudge with another man's instrument.