Moisture Affixing Towel to Back of Bass

**RawOrange** · #1 02-13-2011, 04:22 PM

Hey everyone, i've got an interesting problem to solve. My buddy just gave me a 1974 Fender Precision that he hasn't played in twenty years. He wants me to try to get it playing nicely again, however, the towel that was behind the bass seems to have gotten into the finish and little mini fuzzes are stuck to/ in the basses finish. He says that it's probably from moisture. I need to find a way to get rid of these. I will try to get pictures up later. Any help is appreciated. Thanks everyone.

darkstorm · #2 02-13-2011, 05:00 PM

Try useing some paste or cream wax, like your gonna polish it in regular way. Ive had good luck with this removing sticky residue from removed stickers and such. Maybe will work for the little fuzzies too.

**StrangerDanger** · #3 02-13-2011, 05:03 PM

I would try Goo-Gone and some elbow grease.

**RawOrange** · #4 02-13-2011, 05:08 PM

yeah, I think all that can be done is taking the fuzz away, as it seems that the towel mixed with moisture actually ate away the finish. Its a shame, such an amazing bass is messed up because of something as simple as water.

scotch · #5 02-13-2011, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RawOrange

yeah, I think all that can be done is taking the fuzz away, as it seems that the towel mixed with moisture actually ate away the finish. Its a shame, such an amazing bass is messed up because of something as simple as water.

Water is the UNIVERSAL solvent! Given enough time, water beats up just about everything.

To the op: I would stay away from waxes & polishes. A tiny bit of water on a stiff cloth & LOTS of elbow grease will likely get rid of the fuzzies (without seeing the bass). Depending on the severity, you may need to use a mild abrasive like a scotchbrite pad. Then clean up the area and possibly fix the finish topcoat. A 70's bass likely has a thick poly finish, its tough stuff! You've got your work cut out for you.

Jazzdogg · #6 02-13-2011, 05:22 PM

A towel can easily become imprinted in a degraded finish. If you don't exercise care, you could damaging the finish trying to solve the problem.

If it were my problem to solve, I'd start by examining the damaged area under task lighting and magnification to make sure the finish is in good enough shape to proceed.

If the finish were otherwise OK, I'd liberally lubricate some 0000 steel wool with Howard Feed-n-Wax and gently rub the damaged area - with the grain - to remove stray fabric fuzz while smoothing the surface.

When the surface is free of fabric fuzz, rub out the finish using soapy water or mineral spirits and micro abrasives to restore the surface texture and sheen.

Hope it turns out well for you.

Rick Auricchio · #7 02-14-2011, 09:49 AM

First, ask if the bass has its original finish. If it was refinished, you may be able to figure out what you're dealing with.

And, if it's a refin, you might not worry much about the condition of the back. It can be refinished again later if necessary.

**RawOrange** · #8 02-14-2011, 08:46 PM

I managed to get the fuzzies off with just a cloth and some elbow grease, this is the end result. I don't mind the pits that it left, I call that character.

scotch · #9 02-15-2011, 06:23 AM

Oh man! Killer bass!

Given that much pitting on the back, you'd be looking at sanding and refinishing. There's no buffing or smoothing that will fix that!

Rick Auricchio · #10 02-15-2011, 10:16 AM

It looks like a sloppy refinishing job, and someone put it in the case before the finish was really solidly cured.

Are there bubbles and pits on the front of the instrument? That's what makes me think it's a refin.

The other marks on the back remind me of Crosstown Traffic: "Tire tracks all across your back..."

rodneyat · #11 02-15-2011, 10:22 AM

It does not look like a refin to me. It's a shame about the towel marks. But, you now have a really nice players bass. I would not worry about the marks..just play it! And, btw, you were wise to just use some good old elbow grease. These old nitro finishes do not react well to any type of waxes, solvents etc. If you had used goo gone..I expect it would have turned out as "finish gone" or just a big goopy mess. Bad either way.

elgecko · #12 02-15-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RawOrange

...Its a shame, such an amazing bass is messed up because of something as simple as water.

Aye! Water be a harsh mistress!

tank49 · #13 02-15-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RawOrange

Hey everyone, i've got an interesting problem to solve. My buddy just gave me a 1974 Fender Precision that he hasn't played in twenty years. He wants me to try to get it playing nicely again, however, the towel that was behind the bass seems to have gotten into the finish and little mini fuzzes are stuck to/ in the basses finish. He says that it's probably from moisture. I need to find a way to get rid of these. I will try to get pictures up later. Any help is appreciated. Thanks everyone.

He just gave that to you??? That's awesome and I really need to get some new buddys!

**RawOrange** · #14 02-15-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

It looks like a sloppy refinishing job, and someone put it in the case before the finish was really solidly cured.

Are there bubbles and pits on the front of the instrument? That's what makes me think it's a refin.

As far as i know, it wasnt refinished, but it is possible. Also, no, there aren't bubbles or pits on the front. There is only a bit of pitting under the strings that also appear to be from water damage.