Removing matte lacquer

[P-punk]

Recently I bought an old Squier JV, and it is a great bass.

However a previous owner has, for some strange reason, applied a layer of matte lacquer over the entire body AND the pickguard. Wouldn't really have been a problem if he hadn't touched the bass while the lacquer was still wet. Now there are fingerprints in the lacquer all over the body.

Is there any way i can remove this layer of lacquer without ruining the sunburst underneath?

 

[Hopkins]

If the original finish was polyester you can cut the lacquer with acetone. If it was polyurethane the acetone will harm the original finish, In which case I don't know what to do.

 

[P-punk]

According to the specs I found online it is polyester.

English is not my first language, so I'm not sure lacquer is the right word. It's not lacquer like nitro, but satin/matte clear coat like this (but a different brand):

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

http://www.tcpglobal.com/SprayPaintDepot/ItemDetail.aspx?ItemNo=KRY+53530

 

[Hopkins]

You should be able to get it off with acetone and alot of elbow grease.

 

[P-punk]

Thanks.

I'll buy some acetone and try that.

 

[P-punk]

Just wanna thank you, Hopkins.

It really worked out great. Took quite a lot of acetone, and even more elbow grease, but I managed to remove all the laquer.