Poly problem child

[dmraco]

So I took a chance and picked this up on guitar fetish for $90 bucks.  Set neck off set design.  Body in good shape.  Frets 23 and 24 gouged on the low E side.  I with smooth and blend.  I doubt I will ever fret a note there.  Surprising it is very light, buI am not sure what the core wood is.  Looks like mahogany with a 1/8 cap.  Guitar is GLAMS brand.

The biggest issue in the poly.  Top is OK.  The sides are cracked and missing some areas.  I am between sanding the areas and blending or trying to strip off the poly all together.  I would like to get it off all together because I don’t want to spray another finish on a poorly applied original finish.  Any tips besides SAND AND SAND?

 

[Cagey]

You need a stripper with methylene chloride in it. It'll make short work of a poly finish, while most other things short of an angle grinder won't. Klean-Strip makes a version, if you don't live in California.

Be aware that you should not ignore the warnings on the can about wearing eye/skin/respiratory protection. I'm not kidding. The stuff works well, but it'll work on you, too. Cover up!

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Jasco Paint Remover had the same effect, burns the skin like a splash of hot burning rubber.

 

[bagman67]

If the finish is already coming off, you could also take after it with a heat gun and a plastic putty knife.  Might be worth a try if you want to hold off on harsh chemicals.  But Cagey's right, methylene chloride will de-finish that thing tout le suite.

 

[dmraco]

I was watching some videos on a heat gun method.  It either make quick work of the poly and it almost pops off in sheets or it makes a gummy mess.

I have used the stripper method before and it sucks.  I may spend a few bucks and try the heat gun 1st.

Thanks for the tips.

 

[bagman67]

For some reason I have two heat guns.  If you wanna pay for shipping I'll send you one.  PM me.

 

[dmraco]

For some reason I have two heat guns.  If you wanna pay for shipping I'll send you one.  PM me.

thanks for the offer....just picked up a porter cable model off amazon prime...it will be here tomorrow :headbang:

 

[Tonar8352]

I'd use a duel action sander with 220 and get the poly off first, then finish sand with 320.