mart3442 Posted December 17, 2017 Posted December 17, 2017 My '77 P Bass has a layer of orange(ish) varnish brush applied over the original headstock finish. Obviously the previous owners attempt to "relic" the headstock. Any ideas of the best way to remove this without damaging the original finish, and crucially, the factory decal and serial number? Cheers, Mart. Quote
3below Posted December 17, 2017 Posted December 17, 2017 The orange(ish) varnish will probably remove with thinners. The original finish and decal will also do the same. New decal, serial number and headstock refinish might be the order of the day. Quote
mart3442 Posted December 17, 2017 Author Posted December 17, 2017 Thats not an option for me. On the assumption that the original finish is polyester clearcoat, I'm wondering if theres something that could be used, that would affect the varnish only...... Quote
ikay Posted December 17, 2017 Posted December 17, 2017 A bit of googling suggests that acetone will remove laquer and apparently won't touch catalyzed polyester - but don't take my word for it! Quote
3below Posted December 17, 2017 Posted December 17, 2017 The polyester resists thinners well, the headstock surface and decal will not, I suspect they are fixed with nitro lacquer. If you find out how to deal with this situation I would like to know (having a similar situation to resolve). This looks useful https://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/2013/03/13/spraying-the-neck/ I am considering paying someone to sort mine out. Quote
mart3442 Posted December 17, 2017 Author Posted December 17, 2017 The decal is underneath the polyester. Just as It has been on every '70's Fender I've owned..The acetone solution could be the one. I''ll test it on a patch, it can't make it look worse than it already does. Quote
Manton Customs Posted December 18, 2017 Posted December 18, 2017 (edited) Yes, Acetone should be fine as long as the headstock isn't Nitro. I believe there was a period in the 70s when Fender were finishing their necks in Poly but using Nitro over the decal as it was more compatible with the decal than the poly at the time. Not entirely sure when that stopped but as yours is late 70s, it's probably just poly. Regardless though, as you said go carefully....start in an inconspicuous area with a tiny bit of acetone and see how it goes. Edited December 18, 2017 by Manton Customs Quote
mart3442 Posted December 18, 2017 Author Posted December 18, 2017 13 hours ago, Manton Customs said: I believe there was a period in the 70s when Fender were finishing their necks in Poly but using Nitro over the decal. That would explain why some '70's Fenders have that dirty orange headstock, whilst some are so clean, they could have been made yesterday... Thanks to everyone for the replies, I'll report back from the lab presently. Quote
mart3442 Posted December 29, 2017 Author Posted December 29, 2017 (edited) Heres an update, with pics to follow, I've used acetone nail varnish swabs to remove the offending varnish from all the headstock, bar where the decal is. I'm treating this area very carefully, with a light application, and no rubbing. I'm hoping I'll be able to remove most or all of the varnish without damaging the decal....... Edited December 30, 2017 by mart3442 Quote
ikay Posted December 29, 2017 Posted December 29, 2017 Good to hear that the acetone seems to be working, and good luck with the decal ... Quote
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