What finish is this?

[brainiac]

Hey everyone!:1:

New to the forum and first post!

Bought a used Warmoth LP build (Warmoth LP style basswood body with Warmoth LP style maple/maple neck - 25.5", 1-11/16", SS, Wolfgang profile) with EVH Wolfgang pups that arrived last week. However, I have no clue what this finish is! The body is pretty light being basswood, but so is the paint (I assume). I'm pretty un-knowledgeable when it comes to finishes and was hoping somebody here could throw some light.

Also, it arrived with the nut being some good 3-4 mm off/away from the fretboard from all sides and it broke off mid-way the 2nd day. Took me 2 days to scrape off all the glue (first-time nut installer) and then file and glue-in a TUSQ XL (last 3 pics). Let me know if you think it's still a poor job that needs fixing.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: What finish is this?

I got detracted and i'm just here thinking how much better the lp design looks with maple and none of that tardis binding. :notworthy

 

[AlexR]

Re: What finish is this?

I'd say a home rattlecan job myself.
The tuners have been installed before the paint was dry - look at the ripples as the bushing nuts were tightened.

The body also looks like it has not quite been sanded enough before finishing too - the white has gouges in it that are under the paint.

All in all a 3/10 effort on that one - I hope it was cheap.

 

[brainiac]

Re: What finish is this?

I got detracted and i'm just here thinking how much better the lp design looks with maple and none of that tardis binding. :notworthy

:haha: I've always been on the rosewood/ebony camp but yeah, the maple board and neck does look good on an lp (even on this one with this rubbery sort of paint)

 

[brainiac]

Re: What finish is this?

Sigh! I feared so.

What do you think are my options? Will look into some online resources about how to strip finishes and reapply them (or maybe just oil?). Please feel free to recommend something

Also, apart from the looks of it, does it make any difference to the overall instrument in terms of quality and tone?

The only saving grace was that I got it for $260. I think it was a good deal given a Warmoth neck (with SS frets), Warmoth body with decent pups and some basic wiring. Again, feel free to let me know otherwise - will be a valid lesson for the future.

 

[AlexR]

Re: What finish is this?

The stuff might come off easily....either with a chemical stripper or simply using an orbital sander.

Unless the finish is layered on like fender poly used to be done, I can't see it having any tonal effect at all.
As to a refin - well basswood is pretty dull looks wise. It would probably be ok to stain the body first then apply oil if you want something interesting. Otherwise you will be looking at a guitar with all the interest of MDF.

 

[Chris Pile]

Re: What finish is this?

That's what's called a **** job.

 

[akio]

Re: What finish is this?

I'm betting on latex house paint or plastidip, other paints don't stretch like that around the tuner bushings. If you're lucky it might just peel off.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: What finish is this?

Looks like latex house paint to me. The way it's stretching, looks like there's no primer, so you probably could just peel it off clean.

 

[blakejcan]

Re: What finish is this?

It's almost falling off on its own so I can't imagine stripping it would be hard

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: What finish is this?

A Gibson M2 is only $399

I'm so sorry, it should strip off easily
Try a putty knife followed by acetone (the clear version of PVC pipe primer)

MEK works too

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: What finish is this?

Do you hate it? If you like the color then feel free to leave it just the way it is. Like AlexR said, it should not have an effect on the sound of the guitar so the only reason to refinish is if you really don't like it.
And yes, I'd say you got a good deal. You could sell the parts for that much, or more.
If you want it to look spectacular then strip, sand, and have it finished by someone experienced.
I do think it would be worth repainting the headstock, though. That is a MUCH smaller, easier job.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: What finish is this?

Looks like latex house paint to me. The way it's stretching, looks like there's no primer, so you probably could just peel it off clean.

For $260, I'd consider it a Warmoth that needs to be stripped and refinished.

It sounds like a hassle, but as a bargain goes, it's par for the course.

I'd strip it and go for pelham blue, black, charcoal, or British racing green if I had my choice.

 

[brainiac]

Re: What finish is this?

The stuff might come off easily....either with a chemical stripper or simply using an orbital sander.

Unless the finish is layered on like fender poly used to be done, I can't see it having any tonal effect at all.
As to a refin - well basswood is pretty dull looks wise. It would probably be ok to stain the body first then apply oil if you want something interesting. Otherwise you will be looking at a guitar with all the interest of MDF.

Thanks! I'll have to look into how to strip and stain/finish. Feel free to suggest any resources

 

[brainiac]

Re: What finish is this?

I'm betting on latex house paint or plastidip, other paints don't stretch like that around the tuner bushings. If you're lucky it might just peel off.

Thanks! I wonder if the headstock was finished differently than the body.

 

[brainiac]

Re: What finish is this?

Looks like latex house paint to me. The way it's stretching, looks like there's no primer, so you probably could just peel it off clean.

Thanks! I'll try doing that. As I mentioned to Akio before, I wonder if the headstock finish is different than the body. The body feels rubbery and the headstock is more 'plasticky'. Sorry about the complete lack of knowledge to describe that better.

 

[brainiac]

Re: What finish is this?

A Gibson M2 is only $399

I'm so sorry, it should strip off easily
Try a putty knife followed by acetone (the clear version of PVC pipe primer)

MEK works too

Ah, I didn't know about the M2. Even then, I believe this guitar is pretty sweet with some nice appointments and I like the overall tone and feel. The paint/finish is a different story.

Will give the putty knife a shot. Absurdly, I haven't used it before so I might have to be careful to not scrape off the wood

 

[brainiac]

Re: What finish is this?

Do you hate it? If you like the color then feel free to leave it just the way it is. Like AlexR said, it should not have an effect on the sound of the guitar so the only reason to refinish is if you really don't like it.
And yes, I'd say you got a good deal. You could sell the parts for that much, or more.
If you want it to look spectacular then strip, sand, and have it finished by someone experienced.
I do think it would be worth repainting the headstock, though. That is a MUCH smaller, easier job.

Thanks Dave! I don't hate the color per se on the body, but the headstock though (specially the twirls) is not pleasing to the eyes. I wouldn't say I hate it overall. It's reassuring to hear it doesn't have an effect on the tone.
Any suggestions on where to look for more information/knowledge on how to remove and reapply finish? Particularly interested in giving the headstock a shot.

 

[brainiac]

Re: What finish is this?

For $260, I'd consider it a Warmoth that needs to be stripped and refinished.

It sounds like a hassle, but as a bargain goes, it's par for the course.

I'd strip it and go for pelham blue, black, charcoal, or British racing green if I had my choice.

Thanks! And I agree . British racing green is an interesting choice

 

[Mincer]

Re: What finish is this?

I think Warmoths are worth saving. Strip that thing, and make it a great looking instrument. I would assume the wood under the paint is pretty plain, so if you are going to do anything but a simple clear oil finish, have it done by someone who knows what they are doing, with the right equipment. It looks like it can be a really cool guitar.