Removing the Laquer

[PRSPlayer]

I'm starting a guitar project and was curious if anyone knew of a good way to remove all the laquer from a Strat style maple neck.

Can I use some sort of thinner? If so, what kind?

I'm trying to avoid sanding the fretboard.

Thanks!

 

[OrangeChannel]

3 ought steel wool, followed by 4 ought. then use some Tru-Oil and Gunstock Wax.

 

[PurpleSport]

You can also use a good paint stripper if you don't have the patience to use the steel wool method (that's actually worth the trouble because you can wail away on it, just leaving the slightest hint of finish behind, and still get some protection out of it). If you want to go the the extreme and get down to the bare wood, read on...

Years ago, I used to use some thick, evil gel-like brush-on substance which I think was called "Cutter" or something like that. Ate thru paint like acid, stunk like the bejeezus, and ya had to be careful not to get it on ya or it'd start tenderizing your skin immediately (think about that scene in "Aliens" when the astronauts got some creature blood on them...not very comfy!).

After it did the deed, I'd scrape the liquified paint off carefully with a putty knife and/or a folded el-cheapo paper plate, rinse the part off with plenty of water, let it thoroughly, then lightly sand/steel wool to get any remaining dried goo off.

I understand today's strippers are as effective, but much safer, and some even come in a spray can. Here's a link on the basics of how to do it from Home Depot - you can probably find an effective stripper there, of course, or perhaps an autobody shop can recommend something since guitar and auto finishes are essentially the same (I used auto paint on all my projects):

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDU...ID=ccceadclmmjllhjcgelceffdfgidgkj.0&MID=9876

Of course, be sure to read the label and make sure you get a stripper that's strong enough to get thru polyester or acrylic lacquer, which are what most guitar finishes are made of. Might be a good idea also for you to cover the individual frets well with some masking tape - and most definitely wear a good pair of rubber gloves and work in a ventilated area!!

Good luck!