Finish dulled...how do I shine it up?

F

Farkus

New member
So, I got a Malmsteen strat body from fleabay. Someone took something abrasive to it to dull the finish. Now, there's no wood showing or anything like that, but the finish is matted, kind of like a highway 1. Is there anyway to get it 'wet' looking again (besides refin of course, lol).

Thanks for any advice.
 
Re: Finish dulled...how do I shine it up?

Your local auto body supply shop will/should have similar compounds and stuff.
 
Re: Finish dulled...how do I shine it up?

theodie said:
These,
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Finishi...s,_buffers/ColorTone_Polishing_Compounds.html

Buffing wheel or buffing pad to apply them at a decent speed. Dont be afraid to lean on it to get some heat generated. IMO< this makes for better results. Wet sand it up before using these to buff it out. If done correctly, it will look better than factory.
Click to expand...

Ok, not to be a noob, but in what order do you apply these?

BTW, I did pick up a 6" random orbit hand waxer at Wal-Mart...will this be good enough?
 
Re: Finish dulled...how do I shine it up?

Farkus said:
Ok, not to be a noob, but in what order do you apply these?

BTW, I did pick up a 6" random orbit hand waxer at Wal-Mart...will this be good enough?
Click to expand...

start with the coarse and work down to fine. i actually wouldnt wet sand it first if you arent used to doing finish work, just hit it with the compounds. The coarse one is actually pretty abrasive and will do most of the work the wet sanding would.

the key with these polishing compounds is not to stay in the same spot for too long. Make sure you move it around plenty. You do want some heat to be generated but not too much in the same place.

Also, you want to use a different buffing wheel for each compound. Since you are using the buffing pads for the first time you want to rub a little compound on the pads before you use them.

EDIT: I just re-read your post. Im not sure about the random orbit waxer...what you want is a buffing wheel drill attachment like this http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Finishi..._polishes,_buffers/Finesse_Polishing_Pad.html
 
Re: Finish dulled...how do I shine it up?

Many thanks guys. I'm pretty nervous about is as I'm brand new to this stuff and I don't want to ruin a great body.
 
Re: Finish dulled...how do I shine it up?

Farkus said:
Many thanks guys. I'm pretty nervous about is as I'm brand new to this stuff and I don't want to ruin a great body.
Click to expand...

The finishing compounds shouldnt ruin the body. I wouldnt worry there.

Good Luck!
 
Re: Finish dulled...how do I shine it up?

scottish said:
The finishing compounds shouldnt ruin the body. I wouldnt worry there.

Good Luck!
Click to expand...

+1. Also to add, dont let the compounds dry out when buffing. Have a spray bottle near by and mist it with water. Once again, apply pressure and let some heat build up. Especially on the fine and polish steps.


Get teh drill pad like Scottish suggested.
 
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