Refinishing?

Flyingaero · #1 01-12-2010, 01:41 PM

Im not sure if I posted in the right section or if Im even referring to what I think I am but here goes: I plan on buying a used bass in black offline and the seller stated that there are some scratches on it. How should I go about getting rid of the scratches? I have another black bass and there are tons of tiny scratches and I dont know where they came from (I play with my fingers all the time yet I feel like I need a pickguard) the back is covered in tiny scratches also. How would I get rid of the tiny scratches on my fretless bass and how would I go about completely redoing the gloss finish? Im not afraid to do a lot of work, I just want to look as good as possible when playing on stage with lights coming from all directions. ANy help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Pilgrim · #2 01-12-2010, 02:21 PM

It's a judgment call. Polish is what you need, but polish is abrasive. Scratches are removed by either removing paint down to the level of the bottom of the scratch, or by removing enough paint to smooth the scratch to a point where it's not noticeable.

If a scratch is through the paint, you can't remove it...you'll make it bigger. Your option there is to fill the scratch. See Dan Erlewine's book on guitar repair for how-to. ReRanch also makes some touch-up pens in Fender colors which might do the trick.

If it's really deep but not through the paint, you can either fill it and then polish, or try to simply polish it out. Don't get carried away with abrasive polish or you will go through the paint at the bottom of the scratch.

If scratches are light, good for you - chances are you can get rid of them with a fine abrasive polish.

My favorite polish for scratches is 3-M Finesse-It II. It's a very fine machine polish and is best used with a soft cloth and a hand that can go 100 RPM for a few minutes, a large buffing wheel, or with a small soft buffing wheel chucked up in a variable speed drill. GO EASY with it.

(This is just my experience - others may have more info or alternative suggestions.)

Flyingaero · #3 01-12-2010, 02:40 PM

Im assuming by paint you mean the solid black coloring on top of the wood and under the gloss? None of mine are that bad. It just looks like I was playing with a key lightly scratching the top layer. Im guessing thats good?

VroomVroom · #4 01-12-2010, 02:50 PM

If you could post some pics of the bass, that'd be very helpful. Short of that, I'm going to guess that the instrument will have a two-stage finish, very similar to most automotive finishes - a color coat which is topped by a clear coat. Depending on the severity of the scratches, as was eloquently mentioned above, you very well may be able to level the finish by polishing the clear. 3M's stuff is excellent, by the way. For polishing by hand, I often recommend Meguiar's Scratch-X. It's got very light abrasives, and finishes down well. The danger of using machine polish by hand is that it can be difficult to fully break down the abrasives, in turn leaving behind micromarring and hazing.

Flyingaero · #5 01-12-2010, 03:11 PM

The scratches on my current bass arent deep at all and you cant feel them if you run your hand over it. It just looks really bad and sloppy with fingerprints added on top. Im just worried about this bass Im planning on buying which can be in any condition

Stumbo · #6 01-13-2010, 12:17 AM

"Tiny scratches"? you mean swirl marks? You can get those just from wiping down your bass or rubbing your shirt or pants when you're playing. It's just the nature of the beast.

If you can't see the swirl marks from a couple of feet away, I wouldn't worry about it. IMO, spend your time playing and practicing.

Pilgrim · #7 01-13-2010, 11:17 AM

If the scratches are tiny, I suggest the Meguiar's Scratch-X mentioned above - it should work well with hand application. Auto parts stores should have it.

Flyingaero · #8 01-13-2010, 07:14 PM

Yes! the back is covered in swirl marks as well as other scratches( which might have come form my belt). So for shallower scratches and swirl marks theres Meguiar's Scratch-X and for deeper scratches theres the stuff by 3M? what would you fill it with( as in the scratches)? You guys hav been very helpful! I have a solution for my current bass as well as the one im planning on getting

Pilgrim · #9 01-13-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyingaero

Yes! the back is covered in swirl marks as well as other scratches( which might have come form my belt). So for shallower scratches and swirl marks theres Meguiar's Scratch-X and for deeper scratches theres the stuff by 3M? what would you fill it with( as in the scratches)? You guys hav been very helpful! I have a solution for my current bass as well as the one im planning on getting

Chances are the bass has a poly finish, and filling poly can be tricky...and as I mentioned above, if you want to go that route you need to at least get Dan Erlewine's book and do some homework. It's not trivial to get a good finish over a fill.

I'd use the Meguiars product first and probably not try filling...if there's no scratch through the paint, you should be OK. I also suggest moving your belt buckle - there's no reason to scratch up your bass with a belt buckle.

becker4567 · #10 01-13-2010, 08:27 PM

Veteran basses, like Fenders "Road Worn" series are highly sought after and admired (not to mention expensive). You might think twice about wanting a picture perfect bass. A few dings and scratches give it (and you) character and an 'old pro' look, which many people (including me) think looks pretty cool!