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Old soft Gibson lacquer
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Author:  Chris Pile [ Thu Oct 26, 2017 6:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Old soft Gibson lacquer

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.

Author:  fumblefinger [ Thu Oct 26, 2017 11:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Old soft Gibson lacquer

Naphtha.

Author:  Chris Pile [ Thu Oct 26, 2017 11:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Old soft Gibson lacquer

Well, what are you doing on Friday?

Author:  jeffhigh [ Sat Oct 28, 2017 5:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Old soft Gibson lacquer

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.

Author:  Tim Mullin [ Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Old soft Gibson lacquer

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


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Author:  Chris Pile [ Sun Oct 29, 2017 5:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Old soft Gibson lacquer

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.

Author:  fumblefinger [ Mon Oct 30, 2017 12:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Old soft Gibson lacquer

I sell lighter refills on the side...

Author:  truckjohn [ Mon Oct 30, 2017 5:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Old soft Gibson lacquer

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....

Author:  Haans [ Mon Oct 30, 2017 6:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Old soft Gibson lacquer

I wouldn't trust that guy to shovel snow...

Author:  cs51762 [ Fri Nov 03, 2017 9:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Old soft Gibson lacquer

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.

Author:  Chris Pile [ Thu Nov 16, 2017 5:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Old soft Gibson lacquer

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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