Stripping Paint Off The Sides (& more!)

[beaglesandbass]

I’m in the process of stripping a bass to put on a new finish, using the heat gun method. I’m satisfied with how the front and back is turning out. I’m not gouging or burning the wood, but I’m kinda stumped how to do the sides.

Should I keep at the heat gun method doing little bits at a time or is there a better way for the sides?

 

[chinjazz]

I used a heat gun on both sides the last time I did one. I also did as much as I could with the heat gun on the sides, but when it came to the inner horn areas I recall trying the heat gun, then using a spindle sander and hand sanding. It was a bass body of my design so no worries on altering the shape by a mil or so.

Remember to keep a mask on, and do it outside. Serious toxic smoke. I ran a fan in a different direction than my face.

Hope this helps!

 

[funkinbottom]

If the finish on the edges are to difficult to remove with heat, I use Aircraft stripper. Nasty crap, but works great. Make sure area is well ventilated, or better yet outdoors if weather permits.
Are you going with a transparent/natural or opaque finish? If going with opaque you don't necessarily need to take it down to bare wood.

 

[beaglesandbass]

Are you going with a transparent/natural or opaque finish? If going with opaque you don't necessarily need to take it down to bare wood.

I’m doing an opaque finish (spray can method). I have limited time to work on the bass (3 month old at home), but I have all the paint off. Now I’m in the stage of filling any little dings and sanding, getting bass ready for some primer coats. Following steps I found online, I’m basically...

• Filling everything that needs it
• Sanding with 120 grit sandpaper wiping down with wet cloth, let dry
• Sanding with 220 grit sandpaper wiping down with wet cloth, let dry
• Sanding with 320 grit sandpaper wiping down with wet cloth, let dry
• Wipe the body with a naphtha-dampened rag

Sound about right so far?

 

[Jisch]

I dust everything off between sanding grits, but you don't need to wet it down like that before going to finer grit, unless I'm missing something.

 

[beaglesandbass]

I dust everything off between sanding grits, but you don't need to wet it down like that before going to finer grit, unless I'm missing something.

According to the site (I’ll link below), it helps raise the grain? I suppose for making sanding with the finer grits more efficient?

DIY: How to Refinish Your Axe | Premier Guitar

 

[funkinbottom]

Sound about right so far?

Yes sounds good. I usually only sand raw wood down to 180 -220. 320 is a little over kill, but certainly wont hurt. Your primer coat will let you know of any areas needing further attention.

What color are you going with?

 

[Jisch]

I forgot about grain raising, I usually only do that once though, if at all.

 

[beaglesandbass]

Yes sounds good. I usually only sand raw wood down to 180 -220. 320 is a little over kill, but certainly wont hurt. Your primer coat will let you know of any areas needing further attention.

What color are you going with?

I haven't even started the 120 yet, so if 320 isn't needed, I definitely don't have to do it.

Not exactly sure yet. Thinking of going with a bright blue sparkle. I have all black hardware and a black pickguard so I’m thinking that’d look pretty cool.