Guitar refreshing involves stripping off the old finish, sanding, and applying a new coat of paint or varnish. It’s a cost-effective way to give your instrument a fresh look without spending a fortune on a new guitar.
However, it requires some skill and patience to achieve professional results. You could end up with a damaged or unappealing guitar with one wrong move. That means you’ll need to spend more money and time fixing it.
If you’re up for the challenge and want to save some money, keep reading. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through each step of guitar refinishing in detail.
Let’s start with the tools and materials you need to start.
Tools and Materials Needed for Guitar Refinishing
Tools and materials are essential for any DIY project, and guitar refinishing is no exception.
List of Tools
Refinishing a guitar requires specific tools to ensure the job is done correctly. Here are some of the essential tools needed:
1) Screwdriver Set
This is used for disassembling and reassembling the guitar. Various sizes and types may be needed, depending on the specific design of the guitar.
2) Sandpaper
Different grits of sandpaper are required to prepare the guitar’s surface before applying the new finish. Usually, you’ll start with a coarser grit (like 220) and gradually move to finer ones (like 400 or 600).
3) Scraper
A scraper is used to remove the old finish from the guitar. It should be sharp enough to scrape off the finish without damaging the wood underneath.
4) Masking Tape
This protects areas of the guitar you don’t want to be affected by the refinishing process, like the fretboard and hardware.
5) Brushes or Sprayers
These are used to apply the new finish. Brushes can be used for oil-based finishes, while sprayers are typically used for lacquer or polyurethane finishes.
Materials Required
In addition to the right tools, several materials are necessary for a guitar refinishing project. Here are the primary ones:
- Finish Material: The type of finish you choose will depend on your desired outcome. Standard options include oil, lacquer, and polyurethane.
- Sealer: A sealer is applied to the wood before the finish. It helps to fill in the grain and create a smooth surface for the finish to adhere to.
- Filler: If there are any dents or scratches in the wood, a filler can smooth them out before applying the finish.
- Cleaner: A cleaner removes any dirt or grease from the guitar before starting the refinishing process. This ensures that the new finish can adhere properly.
- Gloves and Safety Glasses: To protect yourself from harmful dust and chemicals during the refinishing process, it’s essential to have a good pair of safety glasses and gloves.
Let’s move to the next step, step-by-step refinishing your guitar.
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Refinishing Guitar: Step-By-Step Guide
Guitars come in different shapes, sizes, and designs. Therefore, the refinishing process may vary slightly for each guitar. However, the basic steps remain the same.
Step No. 1: Preparing the Guitar
The first step in refinishing is to remove the strings from your guitar. This is essential as it allows unrestricted access to the entire guitar body.
You can do this by loosening the tension on each string using the tuning pegs, then carefully unwinding and removing them. Make sure to keep the lines organized if you plan on reusing them.
Step No. 2: Disassemble the guitar
After removing the strings, the next step is to disassemble the guitar. This typically involves removing the pickguard, pickups, knobs, and any other hardware attached to the guitar’s body. A screwdriver is usually needed for this step.
Remember to store all the components safely and keep track of all screws and small parts. Taking photos before disassembling the guitar can help you remember how everything fits when reassembling it.
Step No. 3: Stripping the Old Finish
Once the guitar is disassembled, the next step is to remove the old finish. It can be done using a scraper or chemical stripper. If you’re using a chemical stripper, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and work in a well-ventilated area.
Apply the stripper evenly across the guitar’s surface and allow it to sit for the recommended time before scraping off the loosened finish. Be gentle to avoid damaging the wood underneath.
Step No. 4: Sanding the Guitar
After stripping off the old finish, you’ll need to sand the guitar to prepare it for the new finish.
Sanding Techniques
Start with coarser grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) and gradually move to finer grits (up to 600 grit). Always sand along the grain of the wood, not against it. This helps to prevent scratches and ensures a smoother finish. Make sure all areas are sanded evenly to avoid dips or uneven surfaces.
Sanding can produce a lot of dust, which can be harmful if inhaled. Therefore, always wear a dust mask while sanding. Additionally, wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust particles is a good idea.
Step No. 5: Applying the New Finish
After sanding, it’s time to apply the new finish. The type of finish you choose will depend on your desired outcome and the wood your guitar is made from.
Application Techniques
Regardless of the type of finish you choose, it’s important to apply thin coats and avoid going back over what you’ve already applied. If you’re applying an oil or stain finish, you can use a piece of fine linen to apply the finish vigorously.
For spray finishes, make sure to shake the can thoroughly before use. After applying the finish, you should sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any bumps.
Step No. 6: Polishing and Buffing the Finished Guitar
After the final coat of finish has dried, you can polish the guitar to give it a smooth, shiny appearance. This is done using a rubbing compound and a clean cotton cloth. Apply a small amount of the rubbing compound to the fabric and gently rub it onto the guitar’s surface in a circular motion
Step No. 7: Reassembling the Guitar
The final step in the refinishing process is to reassemble the guitar. This involves reattaching all of the hardware that was removed earlier, including the pickguard, pickups, and knobs. Refer to photos or notes taken during disassembly to ensure everything is correctly reassembled.
Following these steps, you can refinish your guitar and give it a new look while preserving its quality. But read the below common mistakes to avoid before starting.
What Mistakes Should Be Avoided When Refinishing A Guitar?
For a successful guitar refinishing project, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Rushing the Process
Refinishing a guitar is a process that requires patience. Each step must be done thoroughly and correctly, from removing the old finish to applying the new one. Rushing can lead to uneven finishes, scratches, and other mistakes affecting the final result.
Not Preparing the Surface Properly
Before applying the new finish, preparing the surface properly is crucial. This means removing all of the old finish and sanding the guitar evenly. Please do so to avoid the new finish not adhering correctly, leading to peeling or flaking later.
Skipping Safety Measures
As mentioned before, safety measures are essential during the refinishing process. Failing to wear protective gear like a dust mask or safety glasses can pose health risks. Also, not working in a well-ventilated area can lead to exposure to harmful fumes from the stripping chemicals or finish.
Applying Too Much Finish at Once
When it comes to applying the new finish, less is more. Too much finish at once can lead to runs or drips, which can be challenging to fix and mar the final result. It’s better to apply several thin coats, sanding between them, to achieve a smooth, even finish.
Not Allowing Enough Drying Time
Each finish coat needs sufficient drying time before the next one is applied. Not allowing enough drying time can result in a sticky or tacky finish and cause the subsequent coats not to adhere correctly.
Improper Reassembly
After all the hard work of refinishing, improper reassembly can lead to functional issues with the guitar. It’s essential to carefully reattach all the hardware and strings, ensuring everything is in its correct place and properly aligned.
Let’s move to the benefits of refinishing a guitar.
What Are The Benefits Of Refinishing A Guitar?
Refinishing a guitar can have many benefits, both aesthetically and functionally. Some potential benefits include:
- Give your guitar a fresh, updated look without buying a new one.
- Preserve the quality and sound of your guitar by removing an old, damaged finish and replacing it with a new one.
Increasing the resale value of your guitar if you plan on selling it. - Allowing for customization options such as choosing a different type or color of finish.
- Providing an opportunity to fix any cosmetic or functional issues with the guitar.
- This is a satisfying DIY project for guitar maintenance and repair enthusiasts.
- Saving money by avoiding the cost of purchasing a new guitar.
Conclusion – Guitar Refinishing
Refinishing a guitar can be rewarding and beneficial when done correctly. Following the steps outlined in this guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can give your guitar a fresh look.
But as with any DIY project, it’s essential to be patient, thorough, and take proper safety precautions. With time and effort, you can transform your old guitar into a beautiful instrument that looks and sounds new.
