I'm attempting to remove a polyester finish from a Mexican made P bass body, so I can repaint it. I first thought it was polyurethane, but after checking it out on the Fender website, I realized I was in some trouble. Apparently, chemical strippers don't work on polyester. Some have suggested sanding. Does anyone have any ideas?

Welcome to TB.

" Dynamite "

I'm attempting to remove a polyester finish from a Mexican made P bass body, so I can repaint it. I first thought it was polyurethane, but after checking it out on the Fender website, I realized I was in some trouble. Apparently, chemical strippers don't work on polyester. Some have suggested sanding. Does anyone have any ideas?

It's possible to use a hairdryer to soften the polyester layer for peeling it up if you can get a clean sharp edge to begin lifting. Be careful not to indent the wood underneath as you pry. Be patient!

few years ago i experienced the same problem - mexican P.. i wanted to rescue her from that thick 'monstrosity' and then i chose to make a whole new body... still think its easier ;;

Or get this:

http://www.m-tc.com/paint_stripper/polyester_paint_stripper.htm

seem to remember that good old fashioned lighter fluid will disolve those poly guitar finishes....ooooops.....sorry its the one thing that doesnt work!!!!

air craft stripper will work, It's made by kleen strip. I have used it on a couple of bodies, for best results use 80 grit sandpaper all over the boby, this will open up the surface of the poly and alow the stripper to work better, also if you can find a tuperware type of shallow wide storage bin, you can cover the body with the bin after you apply some of the stripper, this allows the vapor of the stripper to go to work and thats what is going to break down the poly, It's not a quick process, but It's quicker than sanding.

few years ago i experienced the same problem - mexican P.. i wanted to rescue her from that thick 'monstrosity' and then i chose to make a whole new body... still think its easier ;;



it is.........so much easier, but dont let me dissuade you. I did it just about a year ago....no chemical would touch it so i used a heat gun with a scraper...be very gentle if you do this... i caused myself a lot of extra sanding because of my haste......and be quick with the heat gun, you can burn the wood underneath before the finish bubbles if your not careful

Thanks for the link!!
Have you used this chemical yourself, or know someone who has?

Thanks for the link!!
Have you used this chemical yourself, or know someone who has?


I have used it before to strip polyester paint but not on the bass body. I don't see why it wouldn't work thou.

a belt sander maybe? but, make sure you don't get carried away and sand off loads of wood aswell

Finally an easy question!!!

Throw it in the firepit! :D

Or a Roto-Stripper. I also hear sandblasting or beadblasting will work if you're careful.

Did you find that heating the finish created strong fumes?