Lacquer killers

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Author Message   Talmanut Username: Talmanut Registered: 9-2007 Posted on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 7:11 pm:    I've refinished six or seven guitars in the last 30 years, always using nitrocellulose lacquer purchased from the local woodworkers supply or from Guitar ReRanch. I typically let these projects hang and harden for at least four months before the final rub-out, and play them sparingly for a few months after that. I had a rude shock years ago when I discovered the plastic backing on a guitar strap had lifted the lacquer in a few spots where it had pressed against the guitar inside the case. Has anybody had a similar problem? Is this limited to nitrocellulose finishes? I've noticed softened hang-marks at the neck/peghead join on a couple of (used) Ibanez 80's or 90's guitars I've looked at, which makes me wonder if those supposedly super-durable polyester finishes aren't softened by the plastic/rubber tubing they put on guitar stands. As a precaution, I put felt over the cushions on my guitar stands.   Gemberbier Username: Gemberbier Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 8:57 pm:    Welcome Talmanut, That's a good idea, felt. I didn't have any problems with them yet, but synthetics always contain chemicals, which I don't fully trust either. I think it's those weakeners that can harm the finish. They weaken any polyester including the finish of your guitar. Ginger   Talmanut Username: Talmanut Registered: 9-2007 Posted on Sunday, December 09, 2007 - 6:00 pm:    I just bought a used 2000 Guild Starfire 4 (made in Westerly), and page 6 of the owner's manual cautions: "Be careful when using vinyl, plastic or synthetic leather guitar straps. They may react with the finish of your instrument."   Gemberbier Username: Gemberbier Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Sunday, December 09, 2007 - 9:28 pm:    Yeah, so does tanned leather. Don't lay a Stephi strap on a spruce top with open pore finish, it absorbs the tan. So, what should we do then? Mount strap locks and take the strap off each time we've finish playing? Ginger   Spiro Username: Spiro Registered: 2-2001 Posted on Monday, December 10, 2007 - 2:45 am:    raw leather is best. or a fast dyed leather. have been using black leather for years without a problem

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