Sunbathe

[mooboo]

When I first found the opportunity to buy a Les Paul for the price I did, I almost couldn't handle myself. I bought it without trial, which was stupid but worked out for the best. I love my Les Paul faded maple. However, I found it's color and lack of figure to be somewhat off-putting. So I decided I'd fade the finish...

After about a week of 5-8 hour daily sun sessions I can honestly say that the red has toned down a LOT and seems to let more maple figure show through (what small amount there is). The red now seems to slowly turn to a yellowish hue towards the center. Instead of looking like a cheap knockoff, the color now exemplifies a road worn, old school Les Paul. I am very happy with how the color is turning out and will continue to fade until it's perfect!

Just thought I'd share my little victory story I was thinking about trading it in for an SG or LP VM.. Wouldn't dare get rid of it now!

[swleary]

Pics would be nice

[FennRx]

pics or it didnt happen

[mooboo]

Sorry the new pics are a little grainy, it's the phone.. You get the idea tho.

Before:

 

After:

 

 

 

[Gator Slim]

Wow, sun even bleached the plastic bits and volume/tone knobs eh?

[mooboo]

Hah! Those black trimmings were tacky! Now I just need to find what temp/sun bathing combo will put binding on the body.

[BigKahune]

Nice move on the cream plastic and gold hats.

 

That alone really softens the hard edge of the finish colors.

 

The sun bathing looks to have worked out great.

 

Nice job!

[bucketbot]

Full sized after pic of the whole guitar would be good!?

[mooboo]

Full sized after pic of the whole guitar would be good!?

Better lighting too..

[Andre S]

Hah! Those black trimmings were tacky! Now I just need to find what temp/sun bathing combo will put binding on the body.

 

Les Paul Studio Wine Red.

One like this:

 

 

Sorry for the out of focus pic.

[mooboo]

Totally! How'd you get the binding on there? Do it yourself?

[bucketbot]

Better lighting too..

 

Yep! Much better.

 

That really shows off the difference from the first pic that the effect has produced.

[Andre S]

Totally! How'd you get the binding on there? Do it yourself?

 

 

taped off just below the maple cap on the sides and evenly on the top going right around,

 

then I used sand paper and removed the bulk of the finish in the binding area.

 

then I used a dremel sanding attachment to clean it up although it can be hard at times because if the tool jumps at all it removes some wood.

 

I cleaned up as close as possible to the edge of the maple cap using the sand paper

 

the next step is to refinish the area with either rubbing lacquer from stewmac or rub the area with tru oil just to protect the wood.

 

If you really want to do it, get some strong tape to protect the sides that won't wear out under sandpaper, thats how I got a couple scratches on the top and sides, but you can't see them unless you are very close.

 

Also google: les paul vm faux binding.

 

If you do decide to do this, make sure you have every step planned out, don't jump right into it especially if refinishing the guitar completely is not an option.

 

Anything else?

[mooboo]

Did you use Tru oil or rubbing laquer? Would either option produce an odd shine compared to my satin finish?

[Andre S]

Did you use Tru oil or rubbing laquer? Would either option produce an odd shine compared to my satin finish?

 

 

Actually I didn't do that step yet, I'm still neating up and making sure everywhere is as even as I can get it...

 

I most likely will use Stewmac's rubbing lacquer because I am not sure if the tru oil will colour the wood.

 

I am not sure about the satin finish, but check Stewmac I know they have lacquer options for a satin finish.

 

Remember to as you play because of the sweat from your arms, parts of the guitar will become shiny.

[mooboo]

Could you post or PM me some up close pics of the binding?

[Andre S]

Could you post or PM me some up close pics of the binding?

 

 

Sure...I just need to charge my camera batteries....give me a coupla hours.

[ASkrivan]

That looks amazing!

[mooboo]

That looks amazing!

Thank you! Like I said I really think it took it from being a cheap looking guitar, to a decent standard alternative. Now I just need to think about my binding situation...

[Andre S]

Thank you! Like I said I really think it took it from being a cheap looking guitar' date=' to a decent standard alternative. Now I just need to think about my binding situation...[/quote']

 

In the meantime check this out if you haven't done so already:

 

http://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157105

 

His was a VM so he couldn't see where the maple cap would be ( as there is none on that model) but I think his binding came out a little thick on the sides.

[mooboo]

I did see that.. I have no problem tapin and carefully sanding the faux binding.. The only problem is clear coating the finish without affecting the satin look and color of the surrounding areas.. Still thinking on it.

[Andre S]

I did see that.. I have no problem tapin and carefully sanding the faux binding.. The only problem is clear coating the finish without affecting the satin look and color of the surrounding areas.. Still thinking on it.

 

 

Kool, I'll check around for some alternatives, when I put up the pics I'll tell you what I find.

[mooboo]

What do you think about using a 2 in one automotive paint and just painting it on? Would it readily rub off?

[Andre S]

What do you think about using a 2 in one automotive paint and just painting it on? Would it readily rub off?

 

Don't do that..

 

Whatever you should do should as much as possible preserve the finish.

[mooboo]

Hah.. just a thought

I think I'll keep it the way it is.. Sort of has the same mojo as a "junior".. I like the stripped down style. I'm even thinking of putting a P94 in the neck position for an even more junior feel. Thoughts?