Paint Stripping!

Hi, anyone here ever stripped the paint off of a guitar? Was wondering because I am thinking about restoring my 'jungle' themed Thunder 1A to its former glories. I was planning on leaving it as is, but thought that it would be a nice project as its a guitar I've had in my possession nearly 30 years. Any help would be appreciated, ie methods, is it safe to do etc. Thanks.

You didn't say what year (or version) you have Greg.
Have a look at our web site for more info HERE and dating info HERE (scroll down to "How Old is My Guitar?")

Many here have refinished their Westies (or perished in the attempt!). Matsumoku was famous for using a Catalyzed Polyethylene finish (Imron) and they are as tough as nails to remove.

It can be done but it's not for the faint of heart. If you're looking to remove the paint applied to that surface however, you might fare better. Just be aware that paint strippers will also damage the original finish. A light sanding may be a preferred way to go but wait for the refinishing experts here to weigh in. We have a few members who have a lot of experience with this.

Ok cheers Barry. It's something that I most probably won't carry out due to sentimental reasons more than anything. Just thought I'd put it out there and get suggestions from others that have tried and succeeded / failed etc.

Thanks Barry, it's a Thunder 1-A (1982).

Sand it off anyday for me, the coating isnt that tough. What happens next depends how you want to finish it after.

Cheers Grogg, I'm still undecided if I want to ahead with it at the moment but it sounds like you know what's best and I appreciate your input. I take it the chemical method is a bit risky? Cheers again.

A gentle going over with a heat gun and a plastic scraper would be my first port of call, failing that Grogg nailed it with sanding.

Thanks a lot Sgt.Vimes, much appreciated.

Greg, that's 13 posts, now lets see that funky jungle thunder boogie board!

Haha yeh I know, I'm trying to upload the damn photos but having no luck, maybe because I'm using the iPhone? I will have a go from my PC tomorrow. The only photo I've managed to load is the avatar one. That was easy for some reason!? Anyway I'm sure I've got some photos from 1985 somewhere in the loft when I was gigging with the band and playing the Westone, pretty sure I have a gig photo also of me and my old prestige 250 from 1984! It was our first gig infront of the band members families (slightly embarrassing..) cheers!

Shouldn't matter what you use to upload pix Greg.
Have a look here for some help: LINK

ok, managed to sort out the photos but now im being told that I cant add them to the forum because I haven't been here for 7 days!! Next week I promise as im off to Hamburg tomorrow for a stag do!

Sorry about the restrictions. They were designed to discourage fly by night sellers and generally scummy types.

Ok thanks, understand totally.

I've sanded down a couple.  I use something like a 120 grit to start with on an orbital sander to get through most of it, then use a higher grit for the rest of the flat spots and the corners and sharp curves to avoid going through too quick.  Last one I sanded I used a scraper for a lot of it and that worked great.  If you haven't tried it before, take your time on the corners and rounded spots.   Chemicals and heat gun stuff may be quicker, but is too messy for me to deal with.  And be sure to get a good filter mask so you don't breath this stuff in!

Cheers Sarcaster, still unsure if I'm going to go ahead with it. My head says yes and my heart says no! Thanks for the sound advice.

Your head says yes, your heart says no, I'm guessing ALL the forum members are saying YES...DO IT!

Just look how nice they are AuNatural
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If it only the paint you want to remove just use Lidl brush cleaner (thinners) and plenty of kitchen towels.

The original finish will be fine if it was good prior to painting.

Should take less than an hour.

Hoax

would White spirit be the same as "thinners" hoax?

Sgt. Vimes wrote:would White spirit be the same as "thinners" hoax?

No Sarge you need to use thinners that were once called cellulose thinners. Don't know what they are called now. They are basically automotive paint thinners but the Lidl brush cleaner is the same and is dirt cheap as it comes in a one litre tin for less than a fiver.

Halfords do paint thinners too but they are much dearer there.

Hoax

I agree that the natural finish looks truly amazing and how a Westone should look but my guitar and I have history, we go back a long way and I'm not sure of I can change that! Get the tissues...