Body patch/spot repair.

[Funkflats11]

So, I refinish my p-bass surf green last year. However, a section of the back is not to my liking (a indentation was made by a nail when it was curing).

Can I just tape around that area then refinish and relacquer the damaged section?

Anyone done this?

[HaMMerHeD]

From reranch refinishing 101:

Spot Repair

Spot repair can take two basic forms. First, is the drop and fill method and second, color and clear coat. Drop and fill is just that. A chip which did not lift the color can be filled . Although, there are some repairmen that have advocated the use of "super glue" lacquer should be the first choice. The reason is that super glue does not forgive well. It dries harder and faster than lacquer and is difficult to blend in without damaging the surrounding finish. If you decide to try super glue do not use accelerators. They add a white tint to the fill.

First clean the chipped spot with naphtha, let the naphtha dry and with a tooth pick or very fine brush drop/flow a drop of lacquer into the chipped area. Let the drop dry from three hours to overnight (best) and repeat. The filled area should be slightly higher than the original finish. When dry the filled area can be wet sanded. Using a small flat block (a personal favorite is a small computer battery) wet sand beginning with #400 and working up to at least #800. When sanding continually wipe the repair dry and check the surrounding area for sand through. After the spot has been sanded flat with no shiny spots in or around the drop, rub out the repair with rubbing compound (red), polishing compound (white) and final polish with a swirl remover. Dupont automotive compounds work well and the 3M product " Finesse It II" works very well as the final polish.

Color and clear coat repairs can also be made in small areas. Simply add a tinted drop fill step to the above. The color medium should color match and must be compatible with the clear lacquer fill coat. It is best to start with a shade a bit lighter than the final color. It is easier to darken the chipped area than to lighten it. Note that oil based stains will not work with lacquer drop fills.