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Our Process

Our process is detailed below. If all goes perfectly, it takes approximately 30 hours of work, which we perform completely by hand, plus a month of curing time, as well as shipping back and forth. Actual turn-around time depends on how many guitars are ahead of yours and the processes required for all guitars in the queue. To ensure our top-quality standard, we do not work on more than 10 instruments at any given time, although we may have more than the 10 in the queue. It is also very possible that a particular stage for one of the instruments in the queue will not go according to plan and it, and possibly other steps, may have to be repeated, which pushes back the timeline for everything after it in the queue. We try not to have that happen, but such is life. We share this because everyone wants to know when they'll be getting their instrument back and while we'd love to have a firm answer for you, we've learned that it's impossible to say with any certainty and we'd rather you know that before you send us your instrument than later. Each guitar or bass has a different process required; a top-only will take less time than a complete refinish, etc. Our answer is, honestly, it'll be done when it's done. What we can promise is that you will hear from us throughout your refinish and you'll have your web album to see your guitar's progress.

The steps below are those involved for dis-assembly, complete refinish with faux binding and re-assembly. Your project may not require all steps.

  • Remove Strings, Hardware, POTS, Pickups
  • Tape off fretboard & headstock
  • Strip existing finish
  • Re-tape fretboard & headstock
  • Sand & clean with mineral spirits
  • Apply Wood Grain Pore Filler
  • Remove tape, Sand guitar, clean with mineral spirits
  • Re-tape fretboard & headstock
  • Apply Sanding Sealer
  • Sand & clean with mineral spirits
  • Paint or Stain Back to desired color & transparency level
  • Tape off Faux Binding
  • Paint or Stain Sides to desired color & transparency level
  • Tape off Sides
  • Paint Top to desired color & transparency level
  • Remove tape & wet sand smooth
  • Re-tape fretboard & headstock
  • Apply 7 to 8 coats of High Gloss Nitro, wet sanding between each coat
  • 30 Day Cure Period
  • Final wet sand
  • Final Buff with Polishing Creams & Glazes
  • Reassemble Guitar & pack for shipping

Additionally, you will be given a link to access an online web album where you will be able to see pictures of your guitar's refinish throughout the process. When your refinish is complete, the album will be sent to you on a DVD with your guitar.

Click through the links at the top of the page to see more of our work.

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