Best way to sand off paint

[PatO]

I'm working on removing the finish from an old Peavey Foundation and can't help but think there is a better way to do this. I used an electric palm sander to get the front and back and am now going after the edges and curves with a rough grit sandpaper sponge. Is there a better way to do this?

[timmus]

lots of heat and a 1" paint scraper...I would search on here or out on the Wider Web on removing poly finishes from guitars...there's alot of info out there on doing this very thing. I did it a few years ago on an MIM bass...turned out good.

[millsbass5]

Sandpaper,or a beltsander works!! (joke!!)











For my most excellent advice,I expect some good ol' Vermont maple syrup. Oh,a case or two,please.......

Sorry,couldn't pass it up. But seriously,if it's other than nitro,I've heard of strippers bein' used. Good luck,keep us posted.

[Pilgrim]

Do a search for my thread on posts about refinishing.

[JLS]

Well, yes--palm sanders are toys. Heat/scraping/stripper, or the best: have someone else do it!

[PatO]

Originally Posted by millsbass5

Sandpaper,or a beltsander works!! (joke!!)

For my most excellent advice,I expect some good ol' Vermont maple syrup. Oh,a case or two,please.......

Sorry,couldn't pass it up. But seriously,if it's other than nitro,I've heard of strippers bein' used. Good luck,keep us posted.

I'll get you some VT gold in exchange for you sanding this thing down! Ha.

[PatO]

I've been reading through the links offered by Pilgrim and I'm left with a few more questions.

how can I tell if it's nitro or poly finish?
since I've already flat sanded the front and back down to the wood, will using a heat gun on the sides and in the contours hurt the exposed wood?

[bassmanrocke]

All solid color peaveys were poly.

[Pilgrim]

If you try a dab of paint stripper on it and it peels, it's nitro. Paint stripper won't dent poly. I believe that rubbing with fingernail polish remover will do the same - and it's easier to find if you're married.