lowendpurveyor Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 I noticed a small ding in the finish of my guitar recently. The damage seems to be just to the lacquer at this stage, the wood seems ok. My guitar is a H-150 with an Amber finish with I think nitrogen cellulose lacquer finish. I have attached a pic. I was wondering if you could suggest the best way of fixing this minor ding. I know most of you guys probably wouldn't worry about such a small ding, but its been bothering me ever since I got the guitar. My first instinct is to just touch the damaged area up with a the nitrogen cellulose lacquer. But I was wondering whether I could get the lacquer to be to the same thickness as the lacquer on the undamaged parts of the guitar (looks like a few coats may be necessary) as the lacquer seems quite thick. Will I ever be able to get the thickness of the lacquer just right to blend in and look undamaged? Thanks.
mars_hall Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 I noticed a small ding in the finish of my guitar recently. The damage seems to be just to the lacquer at this stage, the wood seems ok. My guitar is a H-150 with an Amber finish with I think nitrogen cellulose lacquer finish. I have attached a pic. I was wondering if you could suggest the best way of fixing this minor ding. I know most of you guys probably wouldn't worry about such a small ding, but its been bothering me ever since I got the guitar. My first instinct is to just touch the damaged area up with a the nitrogen cellulose lacquer. But I was wondering whether I could get the lacquer to be to the same thickness as the lacquer on the undamaged parts of the guitar (looks like a few coats may be necessary) as the lacquer seems quite thick. Will I ever be able to get the thickness of the lacquer just right to blend in and look undamaged? Thanks. Having just gone through an amateur's exercise in nitro finishing and given your experience level, I would say be prepared to totally screw it up or to spend a good deal of time and thought. The nitro will fuse to the lower surface and partially melt a layer, but the surface has to be perfectly free of an contamination (read wax, oil, etc). As far as the same level, it depends on the depth of the ding how many spray coats would be necessary. I would live with it if I were you.
big bob Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 Stewmac sells lacquer touch up sticks. I hear they work great. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Finishing_supplies/Repair_and_touchup/Behlen_Lacquer_Repair_Kit.html
yoslate Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 I would say be prepared to totally screw it up or to spend a good deal of time and thought. I would live with it if I were you. Sage advice. What you'll wind up with won't look any better...only different.... If that ding's a distraction, you're not thinking enough about what you're playing....
ingeneri Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 I've put a disgraceful number of dings into my Super Eagle after buying it in mint condition three years ago. But, I insist on using this guitar for gigs and not sitting in my apartment as a museaum piece. So, that's just the cost of doing business. Every time I've tried to read up on getting the finish fixed, I've run away in terror at the complexity, potential expense, and vast possibilities of screwing things up even worse! On the bright side, most of my dings are reminders of some cool gigs!
bobmeyrick Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 Dings are nature's way of creating a "relic"...
Spectrum13 Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 The Stew Mac sticks will build it up some but a skilled tech might be the best choice. I would remove the red circle and arrow as they bring attention to the mark.
TalismanRich Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 Dings are nature's way of creating a "relic"... Right you are! Here's an idea. Send it to me and I'll do a relic job on it for a mere... say $1000. I'll let the plating get corroded a bit, scrape it across a belt a few times, maybe even get some dirt in the pots for that real "played it for years" sound! If the nick really is a bother, I would prefer to let a professional deal with the repair. It not something I would attempt for my first time of doing nitrocel.
Genericmusic Posted November 11, 2010 Posted November 11, 2010 I understand that nicks and dings actually affect the resonance of the instrument thus delivering your own unique sound. Has anyone else heard this?
yoslate Posted November 11, 2010 Posted November 11, 2010 I would remove the red circle and arrow as they bring attention to the mark. Yes! Actual humor! LMAO! Just the kind of post tulk lies in wait to spring on the unsuspecting! Vintage HOC!
yoslate Posted November 11, 2010 Posted November 11, 2010 I've put a disgraceful number of dings into my Super Eagle after buying it in mint condition three years ago. But, I insist on using this guitar for gigs and not sitting in my apartment as a museaum piece. So, that's just the cost of doing business. On the bright side, most of my dings are reminders of some cool gigs! Got some acne on my Super now, too, Matt. Couldn't care less. In fact, the Big Girl is going to what should be a pretty jumpin' night, Friday, for the first time in a while. Can't wait!
H Posted November 11, 2010 Posted November 11, 2010 I understand that nicks and dings actually affect the resonance of the instrument thus delivering your own unique sound. Has anyone else heard this? When everyone is unique, it kinda takes the gloss off it a little, dontcha think?
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