OrangeChannel said:So I'm guessing you don't consider Tommy an experienced woodworker/ tech....hmm.
Don't try it with paint...anytime I have seen this done, the finish is removed, then spotted after the grain is raised...
Being an experienced guitar tech or refinisher does not necessarily make someone experienced with all matters of wood and refinishing. I am not slamming Tommy, certainly one of the best. But, the most experienced woodworkers and refinishers, who know nothing about guitars, know more about woods and their finishes than the most experienced guitar body techs I've come across.
While everytime you've seen this attempted, the finish has been removed, I've seen the finish remain flawless in at least half the times I've seen people attempt this. Otherwise, the finish ends up with waves where too much heat was applied and removed too quickly, allowing the finish to cool off too quickley. Only in the rarest of occasions have I seen the finish completely removed.
Again, no slam on Tommy, but this is a very difficult technique (another reason why you don't recommend it). Each ding is different, and, even the best might not be able to remove his ding without damaging his finish.
But, that shouldn't stop him from trying to find someone who's done this hundreds of time and to see if his guitar is repairable or not. If that's what he wants. While many would just live with it, he wants to see if his guitar can be repaired without any further damage. He should, at least, try to get what he wants.
