Taking gloss finish off guitar DIY

deadtotheworld · 29-06-2009, 8:02 PM

I have one of those Slash Sig Les Pauls from last year. Id love to remove the high gloss finish off the front, but not completely remove the colour (tobbacco burst) Is this possible? or would it just ruin what is already a pretty finish as it is. Id like it to look a little more classic or vintage.
Similar to a darker version of this...

Taking gloss finish off guitar DIY-images.jpeg

I understand that the pic of the guitar above is probably very old but is it possible to re-create this effect with a very very fine - almost the finest of sanding?
Any help, suggestions, warnings or experience and results would be very welcome!

Thanks in advance!

KelvinS1965 · 29-06-2009, 9:27 PM

I reckon you might cut through the sunburst colour as it is a paint under the laquer IIRC. If you want to make the gloss look matt you could try 1500 or 2000 grade paper, but very carefully (maybe remove the pick guard and try under there if it has one? I know the pictured one doesn't).

I striped down my 1982 Japanese '57 reissue Strat when I was younger and lived to regret it. I plan to get it refinished, but it will have devalued it as apparently they are becoming more sort after. I hope that I'll never sell it though, so maybe it doesn't matter.

deadtotheworld · 30-06-2009, 4:42 PM

Nah it doesn't have a pickguard. I thought that although the tobbacco burst colour was underneath the high gloss, that it may have stained right into the wood, so after a light sanding it would appear faded - but I haven't a single clue about things like this!!

KelvinS1965 · 30-06-2009, 5:17 PM

My Strat was 2 tone tobbaco sunburst (near enough anyway) and it came clean off the wood, no staining. Of course it's a completely different make to yours, so it could be different.

Crocodile · 30-06-2009, 5:59 PM

I would have thought that the question would be best asked of Gibson themselves. They were very helpful when I was enquiring about wall hangers.

deadtotheworld · 30-06-2009, 6:23 PM

Oooh thanks - good idea... I never thought about asking Gibson, wonder how helpful they will be as I am pretty much defacing the guitar! I will give them a try though thanx!

Crocodile · 30-06-2009, 7:22 PM

If Gibson are of no help then try the Les Paul Forum.

I think I'd be inclined to leave well alone & let time do the job but maybe parking it on a stand by a window will tone it down a bit quicker? But mind it doesn't get too hot in this weather!