Repairing Guitar Scratches: A Step-By-Step Guide

Scratches on guitars are topical abrasions that don't penetrate the wood. They are often caused by everyday items like belt buckles, shirt buttons, and guitar picks. While scratches can quickly make a new guitar look worn, they are usually easy to repair. The repair method depends on the depth of the scratch, the guitar's finish, and the tools available. Deeper scratches may require wet sanding and buffing, while lighter scratches can be polished out with products like Novus #2 liquid polish or Meguiar's 205. Some people even use toothpaste to buff out scratches. For more extensive repairs, a skilled touchup artist can chemically treat the wood or repair to blend with the vintage guitar's surface.

Cleaning and polishing

The first step in fixing a paint scratch on a guitar is to clean the area. Use a soft cloth and some distilled water to gently wipe down the surface of the guitar, removing any dirt, dust, or debris that may be present. Once the area is clean, you can move on to the next step of polishing or filling in the scratch.

If the scratch is only superficial and does not penetrate the finish, you may be able to remove it by simply buffing the area with a soft cloth and some guitar polish or wax. Apply a small amount of polish or wax to the cloth and rub it into the scratch in a circular motion. You can use products like Novus #2 liquid polish, Nu Finish, or D'Addario's Restore Deep Cleaning Polish. If you want to try a home remedy, you can even use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, but be aware that it may leave the surface a little sticky, so use a damp towel to fix that.

For deeper scratches, you may need to use a touch-up pen or paint to fill in the scratch. Start by matching the colour of the paint to your guitar as closely as possible. Once you have the right colour, apply a small amount of paint to the scratch with a cotton swab, being careful to feather the edges so that it blends in with the surrounding area. Allow the paint to dry completely before buffing it out with a soft cloth.

If the scratch is quite deep and goes beyond the finish into the colour coat, one way to fix it is to do a spot refinish. This involves matching the colour and filling in the scratch. Scrape it flush when dry and then polish the area. However, many guitars have a clear coat over the colour, which can make any spot repair stand out due to the shadow it casts on the surrounding finish. A better way might be to fill the scratch with clear polish or wax. While this won't make the scratch disappear completely, it will level the surface and make the repair less prominent.

Another method for repairing deep scratches is to use wet sanding and buffing. Do the fingernail test first – if your fingernail doesn't catch on the scratch, try wet sanding and buffing on a small area to see if the scratch comes out. If it doesn't come out after a dozen strokes of sandpaper, the scratch is likely there for good. Get a tube of brush-in-cap or aerosol automotive touch-up paint in a colour that closely matches your guitar. Overfill the scratch slightly and then wet sand and buff after it is dry. Keep in mind that achieving perfect results is nearly impossible, even when using the original paint, as you cannot duplicate the dispersion of the metallic pigment.

Using toothpaste

If you have a scratch on your guitar, one possible solution is to use toothpaste. This method is recommended due to the abrasive content of toothpaste, and it can be used to remove shallow scratches and swirl marks. It's important to note that this method is only suitable for poly finishes and not nitro finishes.

To begin, ensure you have a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on hand. You can use cheap white toothpaste, such as Colgate or Crest, for this purpose. Apply the toothpaste to the scratch and begin to buff it with a cloth, working in a circular motion. Be patient, as this process may take some time.

After using toothpaste, you can use guitar polish to further treat the scratch. It's worth noting that toothpaste may leave a sticky residue, but this can be easily remedied by wiping the area with a damp towel.

While toothpaste is a viable option for minor scratches, deeper scratches may require alternative methods, such as spot refinishing or filling the scratch with clear coat. Additionally, some users have suggested using automotive products like Meguiar's or Turtle Wax, which are designed for car paint but can also be used on guitars with poly finishes.

It is always recommended to proceed with caution when attempting any repair on an expensive guitar. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a professional guitar technician for advice or services.

Waxing

When waxing your guitar, it is important to follow the correct procedure to ensure the best results. First, make sure the guitar is clean and free of any dust or particles. Use a soft brush to gently remove any debris from the surface of the guitar. Then, apply the wax with a clean, soft cloth, using a gentle buffing technique. This will help reduce the visibility of any scratches and protect the finish from further damage.

It is also important to keep your fingernails trimmed and be mindful of your playing technique. Long fingernails can scratch the finish of your guitar, as well as damage the fretboard. Avoid applying too much pressure or using aggressive motions that could cause scratches or wear on the surface. In addition to waxing, it is recommended to invest in a quality guitar stand or wall mount to protect your instrument from scratches and dents when it is not in use.

Some guitar owners have reported success using automotive waxes, such as Turtle Wax, to achieve showroom-level shine. However, it is important to be cautious when using automotive products, as some may contain silicone, which could damage the guitar's finish. Always read the labels and choose products specifically designed for guitars whenever possible.

Wet sanding

Start by assessing the scratch with the fingernail test. If your fingernail doesn't catch on the scratch, it is likely a good candidate for wet sanding and buffing.

Next, prepare your workspace. It is recommended to place the guitar on a carpet to prevent it from moving during the process. Ensure your work area is clear and protected, as any grit, screws, or metal shards on the carpet could scratch the guitar.

Before beginning the wet sanding process, gather the appropriate materials. You will need water, sandpaper of varying grits (starting with a lower number, heavier grit, such as 120 grit, and progressing to finer grits like 220), and a sanding block or simply your fingers for curved edges.

Now, you can begin the wet sanding process. The water acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and creating a finer, smoother surface. Use plenty of water to keep carrying away the sludge that builds up on the sandpaper. Start with the heavier grit sandpaper to remove scratches and blemishes, and then progress to the finer grits to remove the scratch marks left by the previous grit. It is important to keep the sandpaper clean and replace it when it becomes clogged with grit.

After wet sanding, you can move on to buffing the area to further smooth out the surface and achieve the desired finish.

Finally, clean the guitar with a damp cloth or denatured alcohol to remove any remaining sanding dust and grit.

Touch-up artists

A touch-up artist's work involves understanding the type of finish on the guitar. For instance, Fender's finishes vary in ease of repair, with polyester and nitrocellulose finishes requiring different approaches. Nitrocellulose finishes, commonly found on Martin guitars, are considered the most serviceable and common, making them easier to work with.

When addressing scratches, touch-up artists assess the depth of the scratch. For light scratches, they may use guitar polish or wax to fill and reduce the visibility of the scratch. They might also use a soft cloth with distilled water to clean the area, followed by applying a small amount of guitar polish in a circular motion and buffing until shiny.

For deeper scratches, touch-up artists may use a touch-up pen or paint. They carefully match the paint colour to the guitar, apply it with a cotton swab, and feather the edges for a seamless blend. If the scratch is more severe, wet sanding and buffing may be necessary before applying the paint.

Additionally, touch-up artists may employ creative techniques such as painting in grain lines or chemically ageing the wood to match the vintage character of the guitar. They may also address finish cracks, which are fractures in the finish film, by using capillary action to draw a repairing substance into the crack.

Frequently asked questions