Rickenbacker 4003 Back of Neck Scratch

[jeff5311]

Ummm... how do I fix this?

 

[Floyd Eye]

Why would you?


If you touch it at all, I would recommend having someone do it who knows how to do it properly. I would leave it. It ain't hurting anything.

 

[wcoffey81]

i'm not a luthier but i wonder about building it up with some similar colored nail polish or testor's model paint. if you take your time, lots of thin coats, and some careful wet sanding plus polishing you should be able to get a decent looking/feeling repair. the only other option would be a refinish job on the back of the neck.

 

[guy n. cognito]

You're located in Atlanta. Find a professional who specializes in these types of repairs.

 

[jeff5311]

Ok! It's not into the wood. So it actually doesn't feel bad at all. I just want to stop the finish from chipping / cracking further.

Has anyone tried the nail polish technique with any luck?

 

[PazzoBasso]

OUCH!

AFAIK, touching up poly ain't easy...

Without a costly refin, it will always look like a patch job, but you might (as mentioned above) be able to build up some paint (with advice from a knowledgeable source) & sand/polish it to feel nice & even...

PS - try to keep the wound clean!

 

[Floyd Eye]

Mine is a '74. I have been gigging with it since the mid 80s. There are a few chips in the paint here and there. They don't get worse. I would leave the finish original dude.

 

[wcoffey81]

i have brush touched more stone chips than i ever thought possible and as long as it's a solid color you can get good results. i do suggest getting better brushes than what come in nail polish. you will also need a small quantity of thinner to clean the brush and to possibly thin down the color.

 

[jeff5311]

yeah. the ric is an craigslist purchase... so she already has a few dings -- and major buckle rash.

i'm definitely not heartbroken over the scratch, but would love to get any info from people who have successfully smoothed over a gash like this.

thanks!

 

[202dy]

Search "drop fill" in this forum.

Here is a link.

 

[Tarrbot]

yeah. the ric is an craigslist purchase... so she already has a few dings -- and major buckle rash.

i'm definitely not heartbroken over the scratch, but would love to get any info from people who have successfully smoothed over a gash like this.

thanks!

Not only is it possible but when done correctly you can barely tell it was there.

Lacquer nail polish is what you want to start with. Dab it on and let it set a day.

Then pull out 1200 grit sandpaper and wet sand it smooth. Then use Scratch X to clean up the sanded surface and polish with zymol.

Here's where it gets interesting. I used the original Scratch X in the past but I've read the new Scratch X is detrimental to the finish.

I don't recall what the best alternative to Scratch X is but over at the RRF I'm sure that answer can be found.

 

[Ric5]

Invalid Link Removed

 

[jeff5311]

An update!

From wcoffey81's suggestions above, I went out an purchased the following repair materials:

and after a little application of the nail polish, some sanding, some scratch remover and buffing, we have this:

Super easy to do and looks good as new (to me).

Thanks wcoffey81 for pointing me in the right direction. Guys, don't be afraid to do this yourself if you want.

 

[Tarrbot]

An update!

From wcoffey81's suggestions above, I went out an purchased the following repair materials:

and after a little application of the nail polish, some sanding, some scratch remover and buffing, we have this:

Super easy to do and looks good as new (to me).

Thanks wcoffey81 for pointing me in the right direction. Guys, don't be afraid to do this yourself if you want.

Excellent. It's super easy to do and the results are stellar.

I've only had experience with Jetglo. Never had any experience with other Glos.

 

[jeff5311]

Tarrbot -- thank you too! Never thought it would be this easy to do. Took only about 30 mins (after the nail polish dried).

As a bonus, I now have emo black nail polish.