Considering a MIM Strat strip and refinish - hints and tips please!

[daithesaes]

Hi all,

I have a black 90's MIM Squire strat (with a white scratchplate) that I'm considering stripping and refinishing in a matte natural finish (not too light and not too dark, with tort scratchplate I reckon).

I've read online that a heat gun may be the best way to go as long as you don't focus on any one area for too long but not sure that's true.

Has anyone done this or does anyone have any tips for an easier/better method?

Also, once the guitar is stripped, what's the best way to finish it?

I've also read that you need to use sanding sealer, then a plastic coating and then something like tung oil......is all that necessary? I honestly have no idea on the best route so any tips gratefully received.

Whilst I was at it I was thinking of re-shaping the neck heel a la the Deluxe Strats but entirely sold on that yet....seems like a lot of extra work that could go horribly wrong!

Thanks in advance,

Dave

 

[Benjammin]

I successfully used a heat gun to removed the finish off my CP60, the sunburst/poly shell came off fairly easy with the help of a chisel. I tried removing the finish off a MIM standard, and it was not easy. It chipped off in little bits and ended up being more trouble than it was worth. There was also another layer of something (I dont know what) between the top coat and the wood which was even harder to remove. I dont know if this was a fluke, or a difference between models, or even the finish itself (sunburst vs solid). Also, the wood grain was not what you would call attractive looking. no doubt they use better looking wood with see thru finishes, but prepare yourself for ugly wood under there

 

[GySgtFTL]

I considered doing the same thing a while back but after reading through a few tutorials I decided it required way too much time and trouble for me. You can buy a blank and have it done professionally fairly reasonable. That is unless you are doing it for the sheer enjoyment of the process. Then it might be worth the time and effort.
Either way...good luck.

 

[daithesaes]

I successfully used a heat gun to removed the finish off my CP60, the sunburst/poly shell came off fairly easy with the help of a chisel. I tried removing the finish off a MIM standard, and it was not easy. It chipped off in little bits and ended up being more trouble than it was worth. There was also another layer of something (I dont know what) between the top coat and the wood which was even harder to remove. I dont know if this was a fluke, or a difference between models, or even the finish itself (sunburst vs solid). Also, the wood grain was not what you would call attractive looking. no doubt they use better looking wood with see thru finishes, but prepare yourself for ugly wood under there

Yeah the prospect of ugly wood is putting me off from starting the process. It is 'only' a Squire after all but the body is the same depth as a MIA strat and it is weighty so maybe (clutching at straws here!) they used decent slabs of wood....obviously no guarantee the grains will match etc.

For what it's worth, the neck on it looks liked flamed maple and is a dream to play (12" radius, which I prefer). If it didn't have Squire on the headstock you wouldn't believe it was a 'cheap' guitar. It was cheap for me though as it was a £40 steal on ebay so happy to throw time and money at it (it already has locking tuners, new pups and [ahem] a Callahan bridge....best Strat I've ever played and heard!)

I may leave it as it is though...not 100% decided yet. Hmmmmm.....

 

[daithesaes]

I considered doing the same thing a while back but after reading through a few tutorials I decided it required way too much time and trouble for me. You can buy a blank and have it done professionally fairly reasonable. That is unless you are doing it for the sheer enjoyment of the process. Then it might be worth the time and effort.
Either way...good luck.

Yeah not 100% sure yet to go for it...I do like the solid black and it has a few battle scars it has picked up along the way, which always add to the mojo. Big fan of the Floyd and fell in love with a black strat after watching live at Pompeii. Only thing that puts me off owning a Black strat is Clapton...not knocking the fella, he's a fine fiddler (especially in his early days) but EVERYONE wants a Blackie and I don't really want to be in that camp (apologies to anyone who is of course - each to their own and all that).

So, always loved that natural look and I think with the rosewood neck it has, it'd be a good choice with a tort pick guard. However, as you say, it is a lot of effort but I was kind of looking forward to having a project.

As another poster has said though, no guarantee the wood will look any good underneath so it could be a fools errand. It is 'only' a Squire after all.

Decisions, decisions.....

 

[Benjammin]

Yeah the prospect of ugly wood is putting me off from starting the process. It is 'only' a Squire after all but the body is the same depth as a MIA strat and it is weighty so maybe (clutching at straws here!) they used decent slabs of wood....obviously no guarantee the grains will match etc.

For what it's worth, the neck on it looks liked flamed maple and is a dream to play (12" radius, which I prefer). If it didn't have Squire on the headstock you wouldn't believe it was a 'cheap' guitar. It was cheap for me though as it was a £40 steal on ebay so happy to throw time and money at it (it already has locking tuners, new pups and [ahem] a Callahan bridge....best Strat I've ever played and heard!)

I may leave it as it is though...not 100% decided yet. Hmmmmm.....

If you like the guitar that much as it is, you might be better off leaving it, "if it's not broke, don't fix it". The CP60 I have looks great IMO and I don't regret the alteration. I did end up regretting the mods I did to the MIM standard and no longer own it it (except for the neck which is now on the CP)