How can i fix or remove scratches from an Epiphone sg-400 goth electric guitar?
I want to know what i can use or purchase in order to remove scratches or in order to restore the guitar's original condition...thnx
If the finish on your guitar is actually scratched, then short of refinishing the piece, all you can do, is to minimize the appearance of the scratch/scrape, by treating the finish with a product like, "Howard Restore A Finish". It is available at Home Depot. A pint will cost under $10, apply as directed on the package, and follow instructions. The product will not remove the scratches, but will add protection to help prevent future damages, and will make the existing marrs less noticable. If you are intent on "restoring" the appearance to its original conditions, you will have to either, 1. Remove the strings, nut and bridge if removable. 2. Using a product called "liquid sandpaper" available at home depot, wash the case with the product to remove any existing polish/wax and hand soils. 3. Using 220 grit followed by 300 grit wet/dry sandpaper, gently sand the scratches (with the grain of the wood), down to the point, where they virtually disappear. 4. Take a "Tackrag", available at any paint store, and remove any and all dust created by sanding. 5. Next, carefully apply a uniformally applied coat of a clear spray sanding sealer and allow to dry over night. 6. Once the sealer coat has dried, using 300 grit wet/dry sandpaper, again lightly sand with the grain, the newly sealed surfaces. 7. Once sanded, again use a tackrag to again remove any and all dust created. 8. Now, apply a coat of spray Clear Coat finish in the sheen level you desire. and allow to dry over night. 9. You may want to do this step a couple times, to get the depth of finish you may be looking for. 10. Once all coats have dried, and you are happy with the results, allow the guitar to sit for several days to ensure drying/setting of the newly sprayed finish. 11. You may now, apply a good grade furniture/guitar polish to help protect your newly refinished guitar. If these steps do not provide you the resolution to your problems of scratches, you may have to strip the guitar body, with chemical strippers again available at Home Depot, and once stripped of it's original finish, you can then re-stain the guitar to suit your taste, and then follow all of the previously suggested steps to restore your guitar. Now!, all of this will probably cost you at least $60 in supplies not to account for your time in labor. My 1st suggestion, is to take it to a professional luthier (at your local music shop) and have him do it for you. The cost will probably exceed $400 to $800 to have it done professionally, but it will be perfect. My 2nd suggestion, is to live with the scratches/scrapes, because they give the guitar an "experienced" look about it. You can help protect it, with the "Howard..." product and it will give you years of life. Using the "Howard..." product will be the least expensive.
