Removing Paint from a Strat-body.

[Kenni]

Hi there - hope you're all well

Lately my interest for re-finishing a guitar has grown, and I then decided that I would pick up a cheap guitar for practice and see how it goes.

I've done a little research on the internet and I think I've got it all down.
Just wanted to ask here too, to be extra careful.

The guitar body I'm going to remove the paint from is an old Encore Strat-type guitar. So no binding to be concerned about, and the neck can be removed, while I work.
I'm thinking of using the heatgun-method. To me it seems like the best solution.

I've removed all the hardware and I'm almost ready to begin.
I've got the heatgun, a scraper and some sandpaper. Regarding the sandpaper, shouldn't 120 & 220 grit be enough? Or should I go a little higher?? Or is it all depending on how the result looks, when I've got all the paint, etc. removed?

Any advice/suggestions??

Thanks!

 

[Freddy G]

you should be able to peel that poly right off with heat

 

[Kenni]

you should be able to peel that poly right off with heat

Hi Freddy!

Thank you - appreciate your reply!
Alright, I'll do that - probably get started soon

Cheers!

 

[timgman]

Yep, I've done a few.. one mim and one american deluxe.. Please do it outside with good air.. the fumes are daunting.

 

[Kenni]

Yep, I've done a few.. one mim and one american deluxe.. Please do it outside with good air.. the fumes are daunting.

Thanks for your reply!

I'll do it outside, or a place with good air.

Cheers!

 

[kakerlak]

If you can get the finish cleanly off (either with heat or chemical stripper), you shouldn't need to do much sanding at all. I've seen a lot of refinished guitars whose edges are all wonky from too much sanding -- thinning around the neck pocket and sides that should be flat sanded into a slightly arcing profile are the biggest issues.

I always used the "aircraft remover" aerosol stripper. It's nasty stuff, but it really lifts the finish up. Rubber gloves and 0000 steel wool. The heat gun method looks intriguing, though!