"Satin" finish on paint, pickguard...?

fretlessman71 · #1 10-27-2010, 01:14 PM

Whenever I get a new bass, and the back of the neck is sticky with too much glossy finish, I take a 1"x2" rectangle of extra fine wet-dry sandpaper, soak it in warm soapy water for 10 minutes, and then apply to the back of the neck, rubbing it around in small circles going up and down the neck. Breaks that gloss without breaking the seal, and makes the back of the neck nice and smooth.

Now I have reason to want to achieve that same satiny finish on a gloss paintjob on a bass, as well as the "overly shiny and reflective" plastic black pickguard I have for it. Would the same technique work, or is there something more suited for gloss paint and plastic? (It's a MIM Fender, if that helps.) Thanks in advance!

TGLbass · #2 10-27-2010, 03:49 PM

I've done that to a neck before-- I don't get the sandpaper wet. I don't go in circles. It does the same thing-- but you use a little more of the paper. 600 works well for me.-but that's just me. I don't think you want to get the fret ends wet ( where you can see the tangs on the side of the fretboard) . I have used .0000 steel wool to dull a whole guitar before but that is one heck of a job to do to make it look even all over. Lots of effort. I ended up using rubbing compound and glazing compound to get rid of swirl. There is swirl from .0000 steel wool believe it or not.

Rip Topaz · #3 10-27-2010, 03:55 PM

One word: Micromesh.

fretlessman71 · #4 10-27-2010, 09:10 PM

http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/

Okay, so I found this site. What item would you recommend to get a "flat" or "matte" finish on the paint and pickguard?

praisegig · #5 10-27-2010, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/

Okay, so I found this site. What item would you recommend to get a "flat" or "matte" finish on the paint and pickguard?

Although I've never used it, I would think that 1800 to 3200 would get the sheen you want. Look at the grit chart and compare.http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/conversion.htm

I usually use 00, 000,or 0000 steel wool and furniture polish as a lubricant, for different sheens

fretlessman71 · #6 10-28-2010, 11:07 AM

Do you have to get this stuff online? Everywhere I look either has it out of stock or adds a HUGE shipping charge. I don't know if Home Depot or Lowe's might have it (getting in and out of stores over and over is a challenge for me, so I try to find it before I go hunting, if you get my drift)...