Does paint remover damage body wood?

[Maximusgordon 2.0]

I started a project guitar with a swamp ash warmoth body years ago and at the time had absolutely no idea what i was doing. I tried painting it several times but because i didnt know very well what i was doing, started over a couple times by using some kind of thick paint removing stuff. It got the paint off great, but i think after a couple times the top of the body wood had gotten a little bit darker in color in some places, but it was awhile ago so i cant be sure how much so but there was a subtle change in appearance. Anyways ive recently resurrected this project guitar and have gotten a nice paint job on it, but im a bit concerned. Could using that thick paint remover years ago have damaged the wood tone wise? Obviously it made the color change a bit on the surface but i really dont care about that now. To what extent could this have sucked tone from the wood?

Thanks,
Max

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: Does paint remover damage body wood?

The solvents in the paint remover could have entered the wood and displaced the natural oils and moisture of the wood, leaving it very dry. This can be extremely damaging to fingerboards and joints. I think to know whether or not the body was damaged, we'd have to see it, but it's unlikely. If it's just discoloured - and if it's darker rather than lighter - I think you're fine.

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Does paint remover damage body wood?

Most paint strippers (even the heavy duty evil one's) Normally say right on the can for use with wood etc. Other than that, I wouldn't worry about it. You may however have to sand some of the residue off the body after. On the other hand... A belt sander w/t 60-grit paper will damage your guitar body in no time.:fingersx: :chairfall

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: Does paint remover damage body wood?

Most paint strippers (even the heavy duty evil one's) Normally say right on the can for use with wood etc. Other than that, I wouldn't worry about it. You may however have to sand some of the residue off the body after. On the other hand... A belt sander w/t 60-grit paper will damage your guitar body in no time.:fingersx: :chairfall

+1. Definitely get the residue off, or it might mess up any finish you try to put on. Especially if you're painting it.