how do i get rid of these scratches?

[Josh Emmons]

I can't believe this happened... My guitarist "friend" needed to use a bass. I let her use my Fender Jazz for a week, and she returned it to me in this condition... Who knows how it happened, but I got some finish scratches. They are not deep, but they make these annoying white lines. I do not have the money to refinish this, but I need them gone. how do i get rid of them for cheap? Also, its a burst finish, high gloss. (in case photos are missing)

how do i get rid of the scratches?

 

[johnk_10]

i just buff those type of scratches out on my buffing wheel i have the large 14" stewmac one and use menzerna compound sticks, but even a small tabletop one can handle those.

you can also do it by hand with some micro-mesh ultafine sanding cloth and then use meguiars #2 followed by meguairs #7, or their scratch remover followed with a good wax.

 

[Musiclogic]

+1^^^^^ if you have access to a buffer.

I would use 1000 grit wet, 1500 grit wet, 2000 grit wet, #7 rubbing compound, Meguiars Deep Crystal sealer, and Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax....I buff the rubbing compound and waxes with a 5" automotive random orbit buffer.

I also have 2 large (16" muslin buffing wheels, but I know most don't have access to these)

 

[hover]

If you don't have access to the above equipment, andy competent repair person or body shop can be rid of those in about 30 minutes to an hour.

so take it there, and hand your "friend" the bill. While you're at it , ask her what she dragged your bass against, as that's obviously what those are from.

 

[Arnie]

Wouldn't just an automotive compound work?

 

[Bubba Ghanoosh]

From the pics, those scratches don't look too deep. They should buff out.

A cheap fix would be an automotive clearcoat scratch remover (like Nu-Finish Scratch Doctor), followed up with a quality carnauba wax (like Dunlop 65 Cream of Carnauba Wax).

Using clean soft cotton cloths and light pressure, apply in small circular motions. Don't press too hard or you'll leave swirl marks.

You may have to apply the scratch remover more than once, but with patience those scratches should come out.

Disclaimer: I am not a luthier, but I've successfully removed light surface scratches from my instruments this way.

 

[mathewcanhaz]

+1^^^^^ if you have access to a buffer.

I would use 1000 grit wet, 1500 grit wet, 2000 grit wet, #7 rubbing compound, Meguiars Deep Crystal sealer, and Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax....I buff the rubbing compound and waxes with a 5" automotive random orbit buffer.

I also have 2 large (16" muslin buffing wheels, but I know most don't have access to these)

This +1

 

[kander]

how do i get rid of the scratches?

Those aren't scratches; that's mojo!

 

[Pilgrim]

I vote for taking it to a pro and making it crystal clear to your so-called "friend" that she is getting the bill.

And then never, ever, under any circumstances, allowing her to touch any of your belongings again.

 

[darkstorm]

Have your friend pay for the repairs, they caused the damage.

 

[96tbird]

And then never, ever, under any circumstances, allowing her to touch any of your belongings again.

Wait, 2 questions. Is op single and what's she look like?

 

[mikeswals]

Your straplock button is also loose. You better tighten that before those scratches become the least of your problems.

 

[john grey]

I vote for taking it to a pro and making it crystal clear to your so-called "friend" that she is getting the bill.

And then never, ever, under any circumstances, allowing her to touch any of your belongings again.

+1

Took the words right out of my mouth. What a JERK this person is to do that to you! When a person is decent enough to lend something of value to another - that's a genuinely friendly, and trusting thing to do. To return it like that speaks louder than any middle finger.
If she didn't offer to pay for the damage I certainly would give her the bill - but I would learn a very deep lesson that this person is not a friend.

 

[walterw]

wow, like i just pointed out in this thread, cause,

I let her use my Fender Jazz for a week,...

and effect

 

[grendle]

Their white scratches so their not through the clear. You can buff them out by hand in 20 min or less with some decent polish.

 

[PaulMacCnj]

I've used Mothers California Gold Scratch Remover for scratches like in your pics. It's does a good job as long as they aren't too deep.

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[slaphappychappy]

I use car polish. Like mothers as said above, or turtle wax. Make the paint really shiny too. I also use citrus cleaner on the bridge. Sparkly.

 

[Liam Wald]

You can get rid of the scratches by making her buy the bass.

 

[john grey]

Superficially, the scratches may be from "Wall Board" or some sheet-rock material with a white surface coat. But my gut says it's deep and the "white" is a element of the photograph & lighting. I could be wrong, happily.

If it's as nasty as I think it may be, a temporary cleanup and fill with a automotive wax MIGHT make the scratches less noticeable but modern clear coat can be very thick & if those scratches are at the wood line, that finish is ruined. The wax will rub off within a few days of playing. The idea of using a very well made buffer might be able to reduce the clear-coat down close to the level of the scratches but there always is the problem of how close it is to the wood. Even a random orbit wheel may take it very close to the wood so the next scratch would be a wood gouge. Plus there are SO MANY scratches, they take up a large area of the body.

I honestly hope I am wrong in this; but it appears that the body's finish is ruined in the long run. It might be that a light buff is better than a total attempt at eliminating all the scratches. If it was mine, I would opt for a light buff IF the scratches weren't simply white paint from wall-board.
If it WAS the later, it could be made to disappear with a great deal of care.

 

[stflbn]

In a pinch... cheap and available polishing compound = toothpaste

I've used toothpaste multiple times to polish up an area on basses that's gotten lightly scratched or marked from playing. Those marks may need something more than a light polishing compound though.