Si600 Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 A quick refinishing question, what's under the top layer of paint on a normal mass produced guitar? I've got a Squire Affinity Tele which I was thinking of stripping and refinishing. I've scraped a patch of the colour paint off under the scratchplate and under that is what looks like a thick transparent layer, not unlike plastic when scratched with a screwdriver. Any ideas what this might be and how to get it off? I'm thinking of just a natural finish depending on the grain of the body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 I stripped an Ibanez GWB35 once and found that layer of whatever under the black. I ended up sanding it off as Nitromors didn’t seem to touch it. Perhaps our own build guru, @Andyjr1515 can help here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimothey Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 I think it’s a kind of sanding sealer On my Ibanez I just sanded it with 80 grit till it was all removed then switched to 240 to smooth it all off be warned tho it throws up a hell of a lot of dust doing that way........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted March 30, 2020 Share Posted March 30, 2020 Whatever it is, it doesn't need to be so thick. Sealing can be solved with a quick spray over. I suspect it might be more of the plastikote primer originally used on Fenders since the early 60's. Basically a dip that seals and levels in one go, ready for final coat. It's chemical cured so impervious to any solvents. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...