I need help removing polyurethane?

Question

im removing a 1mm thick coat of polyurethane off of a cheapo guitar so i can get down to the raw wood to refinish it. any advice on how to do it would help. i bought kleen striper. tonight i applied the first coat really thick.

Answer 1

The best way would have been a heat gun on a low heat,with a scraper

But if your using stripper,make certain you wear gloves,and take outside.then use a scraper..

Answer 2

1. Wear gloves and eye protection. That stuff is nasty.

2. Once it's sat for 15 minutes, check to see if the poly is moving. Wait a few minutes if it isn't.

3. Remove poly with a plastic scraper; follow up with fine steel wool. If you use a metal scraper you may gouge the wood.

4. Once most of it is off, get a fresh chunk of steel wool and dip it in mineral spirits. Go over the wood to remove any tiny bits left over.

If the poly coat is very thick or if there are multiple coats, you may have to reapply the Kleen-Strip.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Hate to say this but stripper is not what I would have used as it can effect the plastic frets and metal parts. The best and safest way is to hand sandpaper the guitar it may take time but the end result will be better.

Start by using a coarse sheet at the beginning and finish with a fine sheet to take out the creases.