poly finish

[Michael P. Lemieux]

Hello Everybody,

Question: I have to strip a electric guitar that has a poly finish and does anybody have a idea what to use to get it off. I can tell it's poly because I put acetone on it and nothing. Any help would appreciated.

thanks,

Michael

[Mike Kolb]

After my last attempt at removing a poly finish (at least I *think* it was poly....) from a Takamine, I can suggest only lots of sandpaper and a whole lotta' elbow grease.  Paint stripper didn't faze it.

[Michael P. Lemieux]

Thanks, I was afraid of that.

Peace

[Ned Knepp]

I re-did the finish on the face of a uke for a friend that was poly. I was able to scrape a lot of it off but sand paper played a role. I don't think I want to strip a whole guitar.

 

[Phil Keener]

Very, very careful use of a heat gun will allow you to peel poly off in a sheet using a plastic tool (sometimes).

Very, very careful use of a stripper with a lot of methylene chloride (nasty stuff) will bubble the poly off. Wear a complete compliment of PPE and work outside. Have emergency personnel standing by. 

Both of these procedures are not as safe as some rubbin' with the sandpaper, which I will op for next time.

[Pierre-Antoine Roiron]

Sandpaper too!

[Michael P. Lemieux]

I would like to thank every one for your feedback.

Michael

[Kerry Krishna]

I have 'seen' video of the heat gun thing, and it worked incredibly well, BUT Man, that dude had done about a hundred before that. You can not but experience like that. My jaw was on the floor watching it though.Almost all the poly came off the neck in two solid pieces. Awe inspiring, AND impossible for mere humans to do, all at the same time.

[Michael P. Lemieux]

Hey Kerry,

I just tried using my heat gun and it works great. You just have to hold the end about 2 inchs from the surface and it just starts to peel up after a few seconds and then take a scraper and it comes right off. Thanks everyone for the info. Later,

Michael