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Board index » Instrument Restoration and Repair

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Chris Pile
 Post subject: Old soft Gibson lacquer
PostPosted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 6:44 pm 
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I have a 1973 Gibson LP Custom Black Beauty in my care right now. The client wants me to rid it of all the non-original parts, and get it ready for sale. It's quite dirty, and I cleaned it up with Roland Guitar Detailer and a microfiber cloth. However, some spots are smearing and the cloth is leaving marks. That ain't good, and I can't convince it to behave. This detailer has never failed me before, and even cleaned up a nasty 30's National dobro and a filthy late 70's Jazz Bass without harming the finish. I'm scratching my head, guys.

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fumblefinger
PostPosted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 11:05 pm 
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Naphtha.
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Chris Pile
PostPosted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 11:42 pm 
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Well, what are you doing on Friday?

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jeffhigh
PostPosted: Sat Oct 28, 2017 5:16 pm 
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If the finish itself is soft, consider the possibility that it has previously been contaminated with something like bug spray.
No amount of cleaning will fix that, just try and lightly polish it up as best you can.
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Tim Mullin
PostPosted: Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:11 pm 
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Chris, I generally reach for naphtha for degunking of guitar finishes, but there are times I’ve also used 3M Finesse polish that cleans by very mild abrasion, rather than a solvent. Recently, I came across this video on Youtube that makes a pitch for Easy Off Heavy Duty (lemon scented) oven cleaner in a pump bottle. I confess, I haven’t yet tried it myself, but i expect I will at some point: https://youtu.be/ti1Im1QaCMU


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Chris Pile
PostPosted: Sun Oct 29, 2017 5:54 pm 
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Interesting.... Normally, anything that has to do with that idiot Dave I would immediately ignore, but he is right about the clean cotton rags. I might have to try this, as the naptha cleaned this guitar, but the smeared lacquer spot remains. I'll report back when I finally have it. Kudos to Mr. Bacon (fumblefinger) for decanting some of his 55 gallon barrel of naptha for me on Friday.

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These users thanked the author Chris Pile for the post: fumblefinger (Sun Oct 29, 2017 10:52 pm)
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fumblefinger
PostPosted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 12:18 am 
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I sell lighter refills on the side...
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truckjohn
PostPosted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 5:13 pm 
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Easy Off is a super strong caustic degreaser.

I personally would be very worried about using it on a fine finish - as it's pretty reactive. It could cut a whole lot of alcohol soluble things... For example - shellacs and aniline dyes. It can also seriously darken some woods....
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Haans
PostPosted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 6:01 pm 
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I wouldn't trust that guy to shovel snow...


These users thanked the author Haans for the post: Clinchriver (Tue Oct 31, 2017 2:33 pm)
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cs51762
PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 9:32 am 
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truckjohn wrote:
Easy Off is a super strong caustic degreaser.

I personally would be very worried about using it on a fine finish - as it's pretty reactive. It could cut a whole lot of alcohol soluble things... For example - shellacs and aniline dyes. It can also seriously darken some woods....


I've used Easy Off to remove anodizing from aluminum Porsche wheels before. That should tell you how harsh it is.

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Chris Pile
PostPosted: Thu Nov 16, 2017 5:33 pm 
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We are leaving the finish alone for now. The axe has been sold to a new owner, and he'll make all future decisions at to this LP's fate. It is strung up and playing nicely, so more music.....

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