Polishing Tips

[robtar]

Hello everyone. I have a es-333 that I have had for about a year. It has the satin blonde finish. I would really like to have a polished finish on it. Is this something I could do myself or would I have to take it to a guitar shop? Can anyone tell me what tools, polishing compounds, or any tips on doing this? I definately don't want to screw my guitar up, let me know if this is a bad idea. I also noticed that the binding on the body was sprayed over at the factory and the binding doesn't really stand out being on a natural colored guitar. Is there any way I could do any fine sanding to brighten up the binding on the body? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[jmjohnson]

I am no finishing expert, but have some info that might be helpful...I had emailed Gibson about finish care on a satin 335 - they said that while the gloss guitars are "about 8 mils thick", the satins are only "1 or 2 mils". Now I do not know what a mil is exactly, but it made me real wary of "over-polishing" the satin finish (especially with steel wool) cause it doesn't sound like there is a lot there to work with. Also, I read somewhere that the satin laquer has stuff added to it to make it satin, its not like the surface has been dulled by sanding or what-not. I think getting it 'shiny' wouldn't be too hard, but a nice gloss finish may be a lot of extra work or a refinish.(??)

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for the email and congrats on your new guitar!! The normal lacquered finish is about 8 mils thick while this finish is probably 1 to 2 mils thick. It will not age like the normal lacquer however any polish that is compatible with our lacquer should be fine. I would not recommend too much polishing as it will shine the satin finish and not have the desired look and feel. I would use 0000 steel wool going with the grain to even the satin look if it becomes shiny. Other than that there are no special instructions for the care of the finish. Thanks again for the email and have a great week!!

 

 

Gibson Customer Service

 

1-800-4GIBSON

 

service@gibson.com

[badbluesplayer]

I don't think that you can make the finish shiny by polishing it.

 

They use a blade at the factory to scrape the binding. You might be able to do that.

 

Be careful. One mistake and you could easily make it look worse.

[Hall]

jmg, doesn't that really feel to you like a refinish or most likely and to stay practical, a "be happy as is"? Sorry, robtar.

[robtar]

Thanks for the info guys. I could get a clear coat sprayed over what I have now, but that may change the tone of the guitar. I guess I'll just stick with what I have.

[jmjohnson]

I would stick with it...of course its personal taste, but for some reason I feel drawn to the satin finishes. My 1st guitar ever was a satin Martin 15e, and recently I started with a 335 Black satin that I had to return for a flaw...it was a good looking and sounding guitar. Now the shop just got in these new satin LP Studios that look pretty cool too!

 

You have to be happy though! Don't forget - you could always just pick up a nice glossy one too!

[robtar]

Yeah, I love the guitar either way. Where my arm rubs the body is already getting shiny, and around the volume pots. I thought maybe I could give it a more uniform look, but no big deal.