Removing Layer of Paint From P-Bass

[daveinbrooklyn]

Question for a late 70s P I might pick up and restore. A previous owner decided to apply a layer of paint -- poly, not nitro -- over the original natural finish and now that layer is flaking and bubbling. It's ugly. The paint is starting to peel on its own but I'm trying to figure out how to expedite the process while maintaining the quality of the original finish as much as possible. I know I could sand it down to the natural wood but I'd prefer to carefully remove the new layer of paint only, if possible. I've been told this would be a difficult job. Does anyone have experience removing a layer of paint from a bass? What's the best way to go about doing this?

[knuckle_head]

If I were certain there were no serious (meaning large or deep) dings or cracks I'd use a razor blade, box cutter blade or glass slide to scrape the poly off.

This process is not for the feint of heart - the blade is generally held at about 10 to 15 degrees off of perpendicular and drawn toward you with minimal pressure. If the bass is less than planar it will be more work, and you need to be extra careful on convex or concave surfaces.

If you do this right all that will be required on the back side is a good buffing.