Removing scratches

anonymous278347457 · #1 03-03-2007, 02:18 PM

Ive got some pretty deep scratches on one of my guitars, it looks like it was done with a key or a blade or something.

I lighted sanded it with some fine steel wool and fine sand paper, and then buffed it with a cloth for a bit. The scratch is now far less visible, but the paint in the surrounding area is slightly more matt than the rest of the guitar(its more grey than black) I think it just needs a good buffing.

What sort of polishing/buffing compound can I use to get back the shine?

Or will it eventually even itself out over time?

202dy · #2 03-03-2007, 07:41 PM

It won't even itself out over time.

The grit of buffing compound you start with is dependent on the grit size of the sandpaper that you used last. What is the finest grit of sand paper you used? If you finished up with 1000 or 1200 grit paper you could move to a Meguiars #4 then to a #9 and finally to #7. If the scratches from the abrasives are deeper you might want to start with #2.

HTH

Stinsok · #3 03-03-2007, 07:51 PM

Without seeing the extent of the scratches, it's hard to say. For "normal" clear coat scratches I use Mothers Cleaner Wax (car wax/in liquid form.) It's safe for car clear coats and has worked really well for me. It takes time, but well worth it. I took a really nice Carvin electric guitar in on a trade, but the finish was marred by heavy pick scratching. It took quite a while, but when I finished, you couldn't tell anything was ever wrong.

Atoz · #4 03-04-2007, 01:29 AM

I use Meguiar's "Scratch-X" followed by Zymol (both available at auto parts stores) on my JetGlo Ric. Works wonders.

202dy · #5 03-04-2007, 07:56 AM

When choosing from the automotive products category you must be careful. Many of these products contain silicone. Your guitar and silicone are enemies. It causes problems with touch ups and refinishing. Your tech does not want these silicones transferring to his bench. BTW, this includes Armor-All, which many people use on their guitar cases. It transfers from the case to your hands and from your hands to your guitar. Voila! Contaminated.

Atoz · #6 03-04-2007, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202dy

When choosing from the automotive products category you must be careful. Many of these products contain silicone. Your guitar and silicone are enemies. It causes problems with touch ups and refinishing. Your tech does not want these silicones transferring to his bench. BTW, this includes Armor-All, which many people use on their guitar cases. It transfers from the case to your hands and from your hands to your guitar. Voila! Contaminated.

Definitely. You just don't want to pick up just anything from the auto parts store.