[DeGecko]

Hey guys,

I hav this '82 Victory Standard with a Victory Custom neck (to be seen at http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/phpBB/ ... php?t=1936 ), but really don't like the refinish the former owner had done.

I'd like to refisnish it myself and was thinking about using nitrocellulose spraycans like the ones here: http://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/l ... ransparent

I want to completely strip the body so I can have the tech at work check the electronics and in the meanwhile I can free the bridge of rust and dirt... When it's stripped I want to check the look of the wood and if it's a nice piece I want to use a clear lacquer, if not I'll have to use a colour that covers... If a clear colour is posible I was thinking White Blonde or Clear Red, if not I was thinking aged Pelham Blue or Sherwood Green Metallic.





Now what I want to know from you: What lours would you use? How would you guys work? and especially: Where can I get good nitro cellulose lacquer for a reasonable price?

Any tips & hints are welcome as this would be my first 'big' guitar job

[DeGecko]

I may have forgotten the most important question: What's the best way to remove the paint that's on it right now? It appears to be a pretty thick layer or multiple layers of average hardware store spraypaint...

[jules]

I've never done a refin myself, but I have also been looking at those cans - if you proceed with this, i'd be really keen to see the result.

What colour are you going for?

[DeGecko]

Hehe, like I said I'm in doubt:

If a clear colour is posible I was thinking White Blonde or Clear Red, if not I was thinking aged Pelham Blue or Sherwood Green Metallic.

What would you go for? Maybe I missed an option :p

[anyfour]

Well, I dont know where you can get the paint from. Only sources I know are in US.

As far as stripping, I would use a chemical stripper, and opposed to all sandpaper. With sandpaper, you have a tendency to round sharp edges and destroy the lines of a guitar. A good chemical stripper in a couple passes should get rid of most of your color. A light pass with sandpaper of a fine grit could be used to remove anything the chemical doesnt get.

Of course you will want to do a nice final sand with very fine paper before you spray a new finish.

Check out Stew mac.com

They have tutorials under some of their finish items for sale.

[eb2]

Color is such a subjective thing, and a Victory is the kind of bass that lends itself to a lot of different looks. If the wood looks nice, natural or cherry look nice to me. I could see a nice vibrant Fiesta red as well. Opaque colors would need a base coat of white primer to give a nice base as well. You would be well-served to check out the ReRanch forum as well. There are always guys from the UK and everywhere else swapping tips and sourcing info. It is probably the most informative place to go for finishing. Good luck!

[Redbird]

Sea foam green would look great.

You don't have to strip all the old finish off if you are going to do a solid color.

[jules]

Originally Posted by Redbird

You don't have to strip all the old finish off if you are going to do a solid color.

No, that's true.

I think I like black best for Victories. Victory pickguards look so cool, just the white edging on a black on black bass. Plus I think, as a first attempt you'll get an easier go of it, and therefore (hopefully) a better result.

These tins are for sale in the UK - the only source i've seen for them so far (reranch don't ship overseas)

[DeGecko]

I was thinking of a translucent red, kind of like the SG Reïssue, if the wood's nice. Otherwise one of the original colours like the silver on the front of the manual?

Jules (or anyone that knos...), what exactly were the original colours? I only know the silver, black and candy apple red I think...

BTW: Stripping advise is more than welcome too here ;)

[Redbird]

they also had a sunburst, black and confederate flag one.
http://www.flyguitars.com/gibson/bass/Victory.php