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Hello, I have a blueridge parlor. I was sort of mad that a $1000 guitar does not have a headstock veneer.

Anger aside, I put on an ebony veneer, after sanding, and clamped, glued, cut and sanded. Came out 100%

Then, like an idiot, I used varnish with a sponge brush. I had ordered some nitro laquer from stew mac in a rattle can, but that has not arrived yet as it had to be shipped ground.

Now, I got this ugly coat of varnish, 6 hours old. Question, should I remove it? It's still tacky and 6 hours old. If I remove it, should I use turpentine or something else? I'd like to match the glossy finish of the rest of the guitar as much as I can. I should have waited, I'm an idiot.

Any help / guidance appreciated.

Kevin

Here is a pic of the butchery. Camera makes the woodwork look like crap, but it's 100%. It's the varnish that makes it look crappy.

http://www.fite-evil.com/br/a.JPG

Welcome to OLF, Knuckle. I responded to your post at the AccousticGuitarForum too. Turpentine is a thinner, not a remover. It'll take something much stronger than that to remove the varnish after it has begun to set. Someone else will probably chime in here with more expert information, but I would try Denatured Alcohol first. If that will not soften the varnish, then some kind of paint and varnish remover, being very careful to use it sparingly, and not let it run. If you can get a paste kind, that would be best. I know there are some out there. Otherwise, let the varnish dry completely, and sand it off. The area in question is very small, and it may take some paper getting gummed up a bit, but it will come off.

PS
Folks around here respond better if they can identify with a real name. It's fine to use a user name, but most will, at least, have a signature that gives a real first name or something like that. Also, there is a thread for introducing yourself. It's at the top of the Main Discussion Page. That would be very helpful in generating a personal relationship with the guys and gals here at OLF.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Thanks Waddy, I always reply with my real name.

Kevin

I think I would take a scraper to it if it is still soft. Remove as much of the finish as you can, then go at it with a thinner etc. When I mention scraper I mean an instrumet/cabinet scraper and not a putty knife style. Just in case it wasn't clear.

Joe

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Joe

I see Tim McKnight says that Mineral Spirits with OOOO steel wool will take the varnish off. Assuming he's right, I'd do what he says. I just know I have removed some varnishes with Denatured Alcohol on a couple of occasions. I didn't think Mineral Spirits would be strong enough, but, I guess, if you are also sanding with the steel wool at the same time, it breaks up the surface so the varnish will soften.

I see you now have several choices. It's up to you!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Thanks man. Funny, we all frequent the same forums

His advice seemed sound. Tim that is. Seems to know that he's doing eh?