Double Bass Another finish type question.

[Michael Case]

I've been reading all the different finish threads and it got me thinking about my Strunal finish. The finish is a poly finish, it's reddish brown (I think the color looks nice). I had "de-glossed" her about two years ago and feel it may have not been the best idea. The finish is still a little scratchy and this takes away from the grain underneath. I flirt from time to time with stripping and refinishing the bass, but since she is my only bass and I don't have much experience with finishing instruments (or setting sound posts etc); plus the fact that I keep a fairly active playing schedule, I don't want to run the risk of ruining my bass. So I've been thinking about the best way to smooth out the poly finish and polish it to get some luster back. I mostly need to know what polish would be good in this circumstance.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

[Bob Branstetter]

You didn''t mention exactly how the bass was "deglossed", so I will have to assume that some type of sandpaper or steel wool type product was used. You might try starting with 600 grit wet & dry sandpaper with water and then follow up with micromesh until you arrive at the degree of smoothing that satisfies you. Micromesh was originally developed for polishing scratched plexiglas windows in airplanes, so it should do the job on poly finishes too. However, it is going to be a lot of work by hand.

I am a little reluctant to suggest this, but if you own an obital polisher and know how to use it, you might try using Meguiar's #1 Medium-Cut Clearner followed by Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover if you want a higher gloss.

 

[Michael Case]

I used to work in a body shop and I did do polishing on freshly painted cars, so I have a handle on the orbital polishing machine. I think may go for the micro mesh though, because I remember how those machines could send rubbing compound in every direction. Oh and I used a scotch brite pad. I like to wet sand so it'll be fun.