Priya Kapoor
There are several methods to strip paint from the side of a Les Paul guitar. Some of the most popular methods include using a heat gun and paint scraper, sandpaper, or a chemical paint stripper. When using a heat gun and paint scraper, it is important to be cautious and wear protective gear as the process can create poly dust. Sandpaper is a more labour-intensive method, but it yields good results when done carefully and slowly, starting with rough paper and gradually increasing the grit until the mahogany wood is visible. Chemical paint strippers are also effective, but they can be messy and require multiple applications. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves when using chemical strippers, and to always dispose of the newspaper and other materials used in the process safely.
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What You'll Learn
Using a heat gun and paint scraper
To strip paint from the side of a Les Paul using a heat gun and paint scraper, you should first prepare the area you'll be working in. Remove any flammable materials and clear any obstructions that could get in your way or cause you to trip and fall while working. Open windows for ventilation and use dust sheets to section off the area and prevent dust from spreading.
Before you start stripping the paint, check whether you have lead paint. Lead paint can be dangerous, especially to pregnant women and children. Heat guns can reach very high temperatures, so it's important to use them with care and always keep them away from flammable materials. Always wear protective eyewear and a suitable respirator face mask when using a heat gun.
Hold the heat gun at a 45-degree angle to the area you're focusing on. As you hold the heat gun over the paint, the moisture and air underneath will start to expand, causing the paint to bubble. Move the heat gun over the paint until bubbling occurs, then remove it and start scraping with a metal scraper or a decorator's scraper. Don't leave the heat gun in one area for more than a few seconds and don't allow it to burn the paint or wood. As the paint begins to bubble under the heat, move the gun and strip the softened paint with the scraper.
If you encounter any stubborn spots of paint, don't hold the heat gun over the paint until it burns. Instead, go back and sand those spots later. Your heat gun will have a number of different heat settings, so start on the lowest setting first, then work up to higher heats if required.
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Sanding with high-grit paper
To begin sanding, you should use a rough grit paper of around 400-600 to start removing the bulk of the paint. Go slowly and carefully to avoid removing the sanding sealer from the wood. You can then switch to a finer-grit glass paper, stopping often to check your progress. The higher the grit number, the smoother the sandpaper, and the finer the finish it will produce. Work your way up the grits until you reach 12,000-grit paper, which will produce a very fine finish.
It is important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when sanding, as the process can create a lot of dust. You should also be mindful of the direction of the wood grain and always sand with the grain, never against it. This will help to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Using sandpaper allows for greater control over the stripping process and can help to avoid damaging the guitar body or any logos or serial numbers. It is a good option for removing paint from detailed or curved areas of the guitar, such as the headstock, that may be more difficult to access with a heat gun or chemical stripper.
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Using a chemical stripper
It is also beneficial to pour the stripper into a container and brush it onto the guitar, working in sections to avoid contamination. After allowing the required time for the stripper to work, use a plastic scraper to lift the paint off the guitar body. It is important to work in the same direction as the grain of the wood and not against it. Metal scrapers should be avoided as they can gouge the wood.
Having two scrapers is useful, as the first can be cleaned with the second to remove any built-up residue. Once the majority of the paint has been removed, use a rag or paper towel to clear out the excess from the cavities. This step is crucial, as the combination of paint and stripper will harden and become difficult to remove.
After completing one side, flip the guitar over, replace the newspaper, and repeat the process. It is important to maintain a clean workspace throughout. While working on the sides, the stripper that has run over from previous applications will help loosen the paint. However, it is not necessary to push lots of stripper over the sides, as it will simply fall off and be wasted.
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Using naphtha
Naphtha is considered the only "safe" solvent to use on nitro lacquer, which is used on most Gibson guitars. It is highly flammable, but it is not a harsh compound. It is also known as VM&P Naptha, varnish makers' and paint, and is used to thin oil-based paint or varnish.
You can purchase naphtha from your local hardware store, such as Home Depot or Lowe's, in the paint aisle. It will be in the same aisle as other paint thinners and solvents. A quart will cost you around $8. You can also find it at grocery stores as Ronsonol or Zippo lighter fluid, but it will be more expensive.
To use naphtha to strip paint from your Les Paul, wipe it onto the surface with a cloth. Naphtha dries without leaving a film, but if there is residue, it is likely from the paint itself. In this case, wipe the surface down a few more times with naphtha. If this doesn't work, try putting some warm water in a bowl with a drop or two of dish soap, soak a towel in it, wring it out, and wipe down the guitar.
After using naphtha, you will need to refinish the guitar.
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Using paint stripper and sandpaper
To strip paint from the side of a Les Paul using paint stripper and sandpaper, you will need a multi-pack of sandpaper (400-800 grit), finishing-grade glass paper, newspaper, masking tape, and a small tin of 100% silicone lube spray. You will also need a chemical paint stripper of your choice, disposable brushes, plastic scrapers, and gloves.
Begin by tearing a hole in the newspaper that is big enough to fit over the headstock of your Les Paul. Slide it down and secure it to the bottom of the body with masking tape. This will protect the rest of the guitar from the paint stripper. Put on your gloves and lay the guitar on a stack of newspaper. Apply the chemical stripper to one side of the guitar at a time, painting it on with your brush in the direction of the grain of the wood.
Once the stripper has been given time to work, use a plastic scraper to lift the paint off the body. You may need to reapply the stripper in areas where it didn't come off. Use a rag or paper towel to clear out the excess from the cavities, as the combination of paint and stripper will harden and become difficult to remove. Flip the body over, replace the newspaper, and repeat the process on the other side.
Once you have removed the majority of the paint with the stripper, switch to sandpaper. Start with rough paper and go through the grades until you can see the mahogany. Then, switch to the glass paper and continue sanding, checking your progress often. Once you are satisfied, spray some silicone onto a rag and clean the guitar.
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Frequently asked questions
You can strip paint from your Les Paul using a chemical stripper, a heat gun, or sandpaper. If you are using a chemical stripper, you will also need gloves, newspapers, a disposable brush, and a plastic scraper. If you are using sandpaper, you will need a multipack of sandpaper (400-800 grit) and finishing-grade glass paper. If you are using a heat gun, you will also need a paint scraper.
The best method depends on your preferences and how much "elbow grease" you want to put in. Using a chemical stripper is a cheap, quiet, and relatively safe method, but it can be messy and time-consuming. Using a heat gun and paint scraper is a quick and easy method, but it requires more work than chemical strippers. Sandpaper yields the best results but requires the most effort.
If you want to avoid removing the sanding sealer, you should use rough paper to start and go through the grades until you start to see the mahogany. Then, switch to glass paper and stop often to check your progress. If you want to avoid damaging the wood, make sure to work in the same direction as the grain of the wood, never against it.
