Paint question (Sully, Mike, are you there?!)

[neilli]

Based on what is known about Charvel's paint procedures, is it possible that one of the 'flat black' guitars (link below) could be 'polished' up or gloss laquered or something to make them a normal gloss black, or would it require a complete refinish?

http://www.themusiczoo.com/Charvel_USA_San_Dimas_Custom_FlatBlack_EVH_C7389.html

[kelly user]

if you buff the whole thing out it will shine up real good. i would be a deep clear coat shine though.

[sully]

quite possible; there's an additive put in the clear to make it satin, so you won't remove that, but you should be able to get a shine. perhaps not the deepest of shines, but yeah, it's possible.

[Bengal65]

If you want to go with a clear coat, I would recommend roughing the surface with 400 grit wet sanding paper, after wiping the body down with some Naptha to remove finger oils or waxes. Then you could use a catalyzed 2 part clear. I would recommend PPG OMNI clear, which is compatible with any Urethane and also is what JCMI uses as far as a brand on most finishes. It's mixed 1 part MH167 (catalyst) to 1 part MC161 (clear base) It's very easy to spray. I shoot it at 36-40 psi at the gun. Of course, you would need professional type spray equipment to do this. If you don't have this type of gear, a local body shop could shoot the body at the same time they were doing a car and could be done at a reasonable cost. Of course, Dupont, RM and others make similar clearcoat materials, so one brand is not mandatory
This is PPG OMNI clear coat straight over bare white Korina as an example. I did not fill the grain with grain filler, just straight clear. Yeah, it soaked it up for sure

[kelly user]

damn thats a nice looking guitar.

[Bengal65]

Thanks Mr. Kelly User! I had this one and a "old school" white Korina in oil finish I posted awhile ago on the forum. I built about 6 guitars last year. I've cooled it down since then.

[neilli]

I wouldn't be doing any clear coating myself - I don't have the facilites, tools, or ability!

If I wanted to try the buffing approach, what's the best way to do it, tools / products to use etc?

[toejam]

My faded (satin) Les Paul Studio is a little glossy in spots now just from having my arm rub on it while playing. I'm sure if I rub hard with a cloth and some guitar polish, that'll also do the trick. Its satin neck is pretty shiny from just normal playing as well.

[Learn Guitars]

It really depends on what they are using for their flat topcoat. If it is just a flattening agent, you may be able to buff it to some extent. But it probably wont get the shine that a nice new clear coat would get. Since all the filling work has been done with the poly undercoat, you could sand it down and clear it with an automotive based clear like Bengal mentioned. But some of these new fad flat blacks have a rubberized base to them. Make sure yours isnt one of them. I will check with Antonio to see what he is using on the blacks.

[kelly user]

no, joe it work work. i tried many a times on my EC-2005, never worked out. i think a composite wheel will do the trick, you have to buff it.