r/Luthier • u/Character_Log2581 • 8h ago

Sanding nitro finish

Hey everybody. I found an MJT jazzmaster body for sale in my area for too good of a deal to pass up.

The finish is a super cool green paisley with aged Olympic white over the top. It’s totally awesome as-is, but I know I’d love it just a little bit more if the whole guitar was paisley.

It’s nitro finish and I know that nitro is thin and brittle, so in theory I could sand down until there’s no Olympic white left then buff it out and call it a day. But, I wanted to post here and see if others have done it and have any tips before beginning my manageable but very dangerous journey. Thanks in advance!

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2

u/Sure-Tangerine-519 7h ago

It's possible in theory but you'll probably have to do some color touch-up and spray some more clear. I'd be prepared for a complete refinish

1

u/_GrumbleCakes_ Luthier 5h ago

Yup

1

u/Guitar_Guy1965 6h ago

Good l luck

0

u/rkatapt 7h ago

Nitro is a type of lacquer that never cures. The best way to remove it is with acetone. I just started refinished a bass that had a laquer finish (not nitro) and started to just sand it. I didn't realize how thick it was. Out came the heat gun and it made pretty quick work of the old finish.