How to deal with a scratch in nitro finish?

**Chef** · #1 04-24-2009, 08:12 AM

I just snagged an Alleva LG5 in nitro finish outta classifieds.
It has a small scratch in the finish on the rear. I don't know if I should just let it be, or do something about it?

Here's a pic of the scratch; not the best photo, but the bass is still in transit:

I've emailed Jimmy @Alleva to ask him this as well; but-can I/should I apply a little bit of clear over the scratch to keep it from peeling/migrating/otherwise getting worse...?

Rock-Bassman · #2 04-24-2009, 08:17 AM

Character?

**Chef** · #3 04-24-2009, 08:25 AM

I *really* don't care that it's there...but if some clear as a touchup would keep it from deteriorating there...then that's great.

**zenrad** · #4 04-24-2009, 08:41 AM

You could drop some clear lacquer in (super glue will work in a pinch), then level sand through the various sandpaper grits and buff it out. If you're not experienced doing this it will be noticable and possibly look far worse than it does now.

Personally, I'd leave it alone. It doesn't look too deep in the photo, if it's not down to the wood it's unlikely to spread or get worse. I have a few chips taken out of nitro finishes that have been there for 20 years without changing. I only fill those that go down to the wood and make it easy to chip away a larger area of finish

Pilgrim · #5 04-24-2009, 10:32 AM

I'm pretty sure that Dan Erlewine's book on guitar repair has details on this - as I recall, it's a lacquer drop-fill/sand/polish process. If the damage is only in the lacquer itself, it shouldn't be too hard to work with.

**zenrad** · #6 04-24-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I'm pretty sure that Dan Erlewine's book on guitar repair has details on this - as I recall, it's a lacquer drop-fill/sand/polish process. If the damage is only in the lacquer itself, it shouldn't be too hard to work with.

Yes, I think it's called "Guitar Finishing Step-By-Step". It's not all that hard to do, but I will not suggest for anyone to experiment on their favorite instrument if this is the first time they have done this.

Practice on scrap.