Solid Body Electric

Allman_Fan · #1 12-07-2010, 11:41 AM

I realize this is an acoustic guitar forum, but maybe someone can advise me.

Generally speaking, how tough is it remove the finish off the body of a solid body electric with a bolt on neck ($200 guitar)? Do you used chemicals and/or sanding? How do you apply new paint/finish?

Also, if I can't do it myself, how much should something like this cost me if I get someone else to do it?

I realize some of this may vary, so I am just looking for general info.

Thanks!

dfvxc · #2 12-07-2010, 12:26 PM

Personally, I feel that you will get the best results by spending a bit of cash on sandpaper and a sanding block, and a lot of time. Are you wanting to just change the colour of the guitar? If so, you won't need to take ALL the paint off.

mr. beaumont · #3 12-07-2010, 12:31 PM

Cheap guitars--very tough. Probably a thick coat of poly on there, covering up likely a 3 or more piece body...

I'd highly suggest browsing or joining up at the tdpri.com. There's a section there ("finely finished", or something) that has a bunch of threads by guys who's whole deal is finishing and refinishing solid body guitars. You might learn a bunch, and figure out if it will be worth the hassle.

sharkydude50 · #4 12-07-2010, 03:25 PM

http://reranch.com/reranch/index

Check out the FAQ's, Jigs & Tools section and read the link you will find in the "Where and How do you start a refinish"

Most folks here use a chemical stripper or heat gun to remove thick poly finishes. If the guitar has binding around the body or headstock- then extreme care must be used when taking off the old finish (chemical strippers will dissolve plastic binding in a matter of seconds and we all (hopefully) know what too much direct heat does to plastics!)

Good luck and most of all- take your time!

martinedwards · #5 12-08-2010, 02:49 AM

pig of a job.

if you want a bare wood finish, then forget it.

if it is solid wood, then it'll be several pieces, quite possible with filler. of course it is most likely ply.

if you want a different colour, sand it enough to get a "key" so the new paint will stick properly.

Allman_Fan · #6 12-08-2010, 10:24 AM

Yeah, this sounds like too much work for me. I'm not THAT interested.

I'm pretty sure it's not plywood. It's $200 used, not new.

Let me ask this. If I have seen another guitar of the same model but with a natural finish and it is one piece, can I assume that the painted one is also one piece? Or do the manufactures' do it both ways (single piece and multiple piece) and leave the single pieced ones natural and paint the multiple piece bodies?

Curly · #7 12-09-2010, 06:07 AM

very few cheap guitars are one piece bodies ... in fact, very few US made Fenders are one piece. Some seams are well matched, but there's really no way to tell until you strip that finish.

for some who just want to change the color, it's enough to sand the finish (without stipping), then use a bonding paint over.