Deglossing a bass body

fuzzy beard · #1 02-13-2013, 05:29 PM

Ok before the flames start flying i am not looking to relic my bass. I simple prefer satin finshes.

Ok i love my Mustang bass but the high gloss 3 tone sunburst body and the satin almost white maple neck have never been a perfict look to me. I would like to sand the finsh down to a nice satin finsh. But i have a few questions!

Is this polyurathan?

Is the clear very thick?

Has any of you done this?

Comments, questions, and concerns?

parsons · #2 02-13-2013, 05:50 PM

Scotchbrite, take your time and be careful

fuzzy beard · #3 02-13-2013, 06:03 PM

Careful? Is the finsh thin?

Cosmeticplagues · #4 02-13-2013, 06:07 PM

If it's poly, it's probably really thick.This method seems like it would work well for achieving that satin finish: http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/epip...pic-heavy.html I'd really like to try it on one of my guitars when I find the time.

AdamR · #5 02-13-2013, 06:07 PM

Do you have an air compressor ? You can buy wet/dry sandpaper for a dual action sander. I would sand it with 1500 to remove the shine, Then hit it with some 3000 grit. That will leave a satin finish, Not flat, not glossy. Right in between.

lavmonga · #6 02-13-2013, 06:18 PM

The pics on that thread are killer. Those LPs look great!

fuzzy beard · #7 02-13-2013, 07:27 PM

Yes I have a air compressor.

And that link on th LP's is just what I am after!

But now I have a new dilemma! Started tearing down the mustang and found it to have a great neck pocket and no bath tub routeing. Wires tunnel from control plate to pickups. Why is this a problem? Now I don't want to put the pic guard back on!LOL

Think I will satin the body and put it back together and see how it looks with out the pic guard. See how bad the screw holes look. I can always put it back on later.

1958Bassman · #8 02-13-2013, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzy beard

Yes I have a air compressor.

And that link on th LP's is just what I am after!

But now I have a new dilemma! Started tearing down the mustang and found it to have a great neck pocket and no bath tub routeing. Wires tunnel from control plate to pickups. Why is this a problem? Now I don't want to put the pic guard back on!LOL

Think I will satin the body and put it back together and see how it looks with out the pic guard. See how bad the screw holes look. I can always put it back on later.

Do you know anyone at a car body shop? You could have it media blasted. It's like sandblasting but with crushed nut shells or some kind of plastic. It's abrasive, but not as much as sand. They use glass beads, too.

two fingers · #9 02-13-2013, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cosmeticplagues

If it's poly, it's probably really thick.This method seems like it would work well for achieving that satin finish: http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/epip...pic-heavy.html I'd really like to try it on one of my guitars when I find the time.

That finish is gorgeous! I have bookmarked that page and I am now scouting for a burst P bass so I can give that a try. Thanks for sharing!

76Dub · #10 02-13-2013, 08:14 PM

That mouse sander is the best. I used it on all of my Strats and jazz basses. Works like a charm

AdamR · #11 02-13-2013, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1958Bassman

Do you know anyone at a car body shop? You could have it media blasted. It's like sandblasting but with crushed nut shells or some kind of plastic. It's abrasive, but not as much as sand. They use glass beads, too.

That would be too aggressive.

parsons · #12 02-14-2013, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzy beard

Careful? Is the finsh thin?

No, you have to let the pad do the work as outlined in that les Paul how to.

Meddle · #13 02-14-2013, 04:47 AM

Loan it to my mate Jamie for a week. He somehow manages to take the shine off most of his CDs and the screens of his phone and Ipod without even trying.

1958Bassman · #14 02-14-2013, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamR

That would be too aggressive.

Depends on the finish. Glass bead may be, but the pressure and a steady hand is needed, anyway.

For anyone who wants to do this, woodworking and body shop suppliers have sandpaper and abrasive pads in many grits. Sandpaper goes to about 15000 grit, so a heavy finish like poly isn't a total loss if sanding marks show up. One important thing to remember is that going too fine, too early clogs the paper and when clumps of finish accumulate on the paper or pad, it leave evidence in the remaining surface. That doesn't mean it's a total loss, though. It's usually a matter of using a new pad or paper, being patient and reducing pressure.

SolarMan · #15 02-14-2013, 05:57 AM

I've got a CV P-bass and I've been looking for a clever way to alter that too shiny poly finish. I believe that this (the Les Paul method) is it!

I've got the next few days off so I'm heading out to Home Depot soon for the supplies. Photos will be forthcoming!

Rip Topaz · #16 02-14-2013, 06:00 AM

I'm planning this on a bass of mine as well. Pix soon.

phillybass101 · #17 02-14-2013, 06:39 AM

Take my word for it. It's nasty job. And where are you going to dispose of the waste????

Meddle · #18 02-14-2013, 06:47 AM

The Les Paul method looks tidy! I need a Les Paul now.

lowphatbass · #19 02-14-2013, 07:57 AM

I would try a medium cut compound, Maguires or 3M.

CBNJ · #20 02-14-2013, 08:04 AM

Show some before (and after) pics!