Dings in Lacquer Finish

[learn'r]

I acquired a LaPatrie Classical - great deal but the previous owner did not appreciate the instrument - not even a case. So it has a three minor dings I would like to fill and polish back to at the least a better appearance.

 

Here is what the Godin Company says about the LaPatrie Collections finish.

 

Lacquer Finish

LaPatrie guitars are finished with a special lacquer formula. This finish is light enough to allow the wood to breath and vibrate freely. The tops resonating capacity actually improves as the guitar is played over an extended period of time. This gradual improvement in the response of the top is often referred to as "aging". Poly finishes inhibit top vibration and are therefore never used on LaPatrie guitars. Many other guitars use a thick plastic finish that smothers top vibration and prevents the benefits of aging.

 

 

Can you folks with the skills under the belt suggest what to do?

 

In the past I have read folks suggest super glue and shave with a razor ...... but I am not ready to act on that - I would like some more info. Any reference would be fantastic!

[Freeman Keller]

1st, make sure it is truely nitrocellulose lacquer (there are others)

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Finish/AcetoneFinishTest/acetonetest.html

If it is, you can drop fill it (also with nitro, which will "melt" into the old finish)

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Finish/Lacquer/DropFill/dropfill.html

I've heard of the superglue trick but never done it. I would assume it would work with non-nitro (like a catalyzed finish). I have also drop filled waterbased lacquer - it didn't melt into the old finish and left "witness marks".

[learn'r]

thanks Freeman - have a fantastic vacation!

[Dan Hall]

My OM05MT has a laquer filled dink in the face of the lower bout. It's darker than the surrounding finish. Dang.