Repair Tip for Nicks on a Guitar Case

guitar george · #1 02-10-2017, 11:31 PM

For any minor nicks or marks (that usually appear white) on a black guitar case, a black "Sharpie permanent marker pen" makes them disappear almost completely! Just dab the mark with the tip of a "fine" Sharpie. Works like magic!

Brucebubs · #2 02-10-2017, 11:42 PM

Another trick if you have a black case that needs a freshen up, buy a tin of black shoe polish and place it over a lit candle, let the heat melt the polish into liquid form, dab a clean rag in the liquid and apply it to the case.
Give the whole case a good final rub down with a clean toweling type cloth.

guitar george · #3 02-10-2017, 11:49 PM

Sounds like a good idea! I'll try that.
Is it quite permanent or does it rub off at all?

Brucebubs · #4 02-11-2017, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitar george

Sounds like a good idea! I'll try that.
Is it quite permanent or does it rub off at all?

It's like a very strong black dye but I don't know how long it would last on a heavily used case.
I used it on a 1999 Taylor hard case and it really worked well.
Make sure the case is clean and it works best if you can leave the case out in the sun for a while before applying, gets the plastic a little warmer and softer.
Make sure to buff it really well when you're finished.

The idea came from my time in a car club and a member did it on his faded vinyl dash and it came out great.

Jabberwocky · #5 02-11-2017, 12:45 AM

Fiebing's Black Leather Dye.

But I thought that cases are meant to be scuffed and nicked and gave up trying to touch them up,

Wade Hampton · #6 02-11-2017, 01:31 AM

Jabberwocky wrote:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

But I thought that cases are meant to be scuffed and nicked and gave up trying to touch them up,

Me, too. When the edges start to fray, I use duct tape to keep the tolex from starting to peel off, and generally I try to use black duct tape. But that's as fancy as I get.

whm

stormin1155 · #7 02-11-2017, 08:51 AM

For tears in the vinyl, where there are little "flaps," or where seams are separating I use CV glue. Have a cloth ready to dab away excess. Wear rubber gloves. CV glue may take a couple minutes to set on most materials, but bonds instantly to skin.

Steve DeRosa · #8 02-11-2017, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

...But I thought that cases are meant to be scuffed and nicked and gave up trying to touch them up,

Back when vintage guitars were brand-new the major manufacturers used to offer dedicated covers for their top-line (often genuine leather-covered back then) cases, and I've seen instruments (mostly 17"/18" archtops) command a $1K+ premium when the included original factory cover is in excellent or better condition (inasmuch as the case - and often the guitar itself - is mint or near-mint) - then again, in those times players looked at scrapes/bumps/tears (rightfully) as damage, not "mojo"...

FWIW there are still case covers available on the aftermarket for most standard configurations:

http://www.coloradocase.com/stockguitarcasecovers.aspx

Highly recommended if you want to keep your Goodall all-good and your Martin Authentic authentic...

drive-south · #9 02-11-2017, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormin1155

For tears in the vinyl, where there are little "flaps," or where seams are separating I use CV glue. Have a cloth ready to dab away excess. Wear rubber gloves. CV glue may take a couple minutes to set on most materials, but bonds instantly to skin.

I prefer contact cement which is what they use to attach the tolex in the first place. And a Sharpy will rub off and end up staining clothes, car seats, etc.

guitar george · #10 02-11-2017, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drive-south

a Sharpy will rub off and end up staining clothes, car seats, etc.

No, Sharpie ink won't rub off which is why it says right on the marker "permanent marker". I'm only suggesting that you use it for those many small nicks that most cases end up with. I've used it many times over the years.

JakeStone · #11 02-11-2017, 10:16 AM

Sometimes the "white" marks are from banging into a painted wall or something like that. So I have been able to remove the mark/paint with a little 'elbow grease'.

djeffcoat · #12 02-11-2017, 10:32 AM

This material is used to coat the handles of hand tools. For areas on a case where the vinyl has chipped off exposing the wood, it can be brushed on.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasti-Di...03-6/202196703

Also, I've seen a lot of road-worn cases covered with duct tape.

Blueser100 · #13 02-11-2017, 10:48 AM

I already knew about these tips and have used a couple of them already myself, but this thread should be pinned at the top of the forum!

Rick Shepherd · #14 02-11-2017, 11:45 AM

I sometimes use black edge-coat for leather, works great! It acts as an adhesive and sealer.

Glennwillow · #15 02-11-2017, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

Jabberwocky wrote:

Me, too. When the edges start to fray, I use duct tape to keep the tolex from starting to peel off, and generally I try to use black duct tape. But that's as fancy as I get.

whm

Wade,

You really made me laugh with that comment! I didn't even know they made black duct tape. (Do they? Mine is all gray!)

- Glenn