Fixing a small chip in a guitar finish

Dan Erlewine demos three of his favorite finish repair tips: super glue drop fills, Frank Ford's razor blade trick and strip-sanding with fingertip pressure.
If you have questions, please contact us through our webpage www.stewmac.com... or visit our Facebook page / stewmac

[@mst646]

"It takes time. If you're too lazy to do it you won't get as good of results." -Dan Erlewine I believe these words can be applied on so many other aspects than "fixing a small chip in a guitar finish" perhaps in life!

[@Iazzaboyce]

What about 'sleeping'?

[@Shredder-KJ]

I wish the guitar tech that mest my guitar up heard this

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

I was too lazy to fix a chip on my first guitar and thirty years later it matched perfectly with the worn patina. But it did take some time.

[@perlawood8754]

That's one piece of advice worth millions on so many levels right there.

[@Ndlanding]

@@Shredder-KJ I wish you had heard it before spelling in English.

[@edgarlee2802]

You say it was years before you knew about soaking the sandpaper for twenty-four hours (3:21). You make a video less than five minutes long and now I know it as well (that and a lot more!). That's the beauty of KZbin! Thank you.

[@miaouew]

Just goes to show you the value of a master craftsman before the age of the internet. The world is so different now that anyone can instantaneously consult with the best and brightest minds in the whole world with the click of a button.

[@tommypetraglia4688]

@@miaouew Just goes to show wisdom comes with age but wisdom not shared is no wisdom at all and wisdom unheeded by the youth in the end is the same effect In ancient China elders wore straw hats so when the breeze blew through it spread their wisdom over the village

[@ljones2087]

a book with the same info is equally useful when transferring and applying knowledge.

[@user-lf3kr1nq2d]

@@miaouew True, but you have to compare and evaluate, because there is also a lot of bad advice and misinformation online. I'm glad to have found this channel. I haven't seen anyone else mention soaking the sand-paper, even though I specifically looked for people who were wet sanding.

[@bierce85]

"Hey, I'll reset the neck on your guitar for free if you'll also let me professionally repair these dings on the top for free."

[@noi5emaker]

To where can I ship my guitars? I'll get the box...

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

Free doesn't include materials, finders fees, tool rental, shop space, shipping & handling, the advertising you received when I mentioned your name, plus Stew & Mac get their cut so we'll just call it an even eleven grand. But remember, you owe me one since I did it for free!

[@OldSilkRoad]

Seein’ as how yer twistin’ my arm...

[@RamblinAround]

Dan is a true master craftsman.

[@wyattsdad8561]

I just tried this last night and I did everything he said to do and it really works. I'm so happy with my guitar now!

[@mermaidfeetxoxo_music]

Do you have any advice or tips from your experience?

[@marioguti9887]

@@mermaidfeetxoxo_music I guess not...

[@AedanBlackheart]

​@@marioguti9887lmao

[@JPMonstie]

I realise it’s 11 years later, but huge thanks for these excellent, no-nonsense, straight to the point ‘How to’ videos Stew Mac!

[@MaineVid]

You're one of the coolest cats. So many guys don't share their Professional tips, but for the guy like myself, to far to be a customer, too poor to hire the work out, but willing to invest the time into the artistry, you're just invaluable. Even, beyond that you give credit and respect to the guys you've picked up tips and techniques from. In doing so, you unknowing communicate that these techniques belong to craftsman / student, but should be carried forward in a tradition. In turn, I look for every opportunity to support guys like you when I'm looking for parts and such. Thank you so much!

[@soupalex]

Holy carp. I'm not entirely convinced that Dan didn't actually just switch out with a brand new guitar at some point... the transformation is just amazing!

[@JJLipton]

+soupalex You can't see the dent at all when he's done! I want to try this with my guitars!

[@robertpurdy4452]

He is the best! I love learning from Dan.

[@rjlchristie]

Actually, he didn't give viewers a decent close look at the end result at all. The final result was all presented very quickly and hurried past. I found that the failure to allow closer examination distracted from the validity of the video.

[@bryanharrison3889]

I've been doing these types of repairs for about 20 years, and they pretty much dissappear, but it also depends on the finish and the wood. Also, really deep dings, the super glu shrinks down over time a little and leaves a divet. It's still better than a ding and to somebody just looking at the guitar, they never notice it, even the more obvious ones and they're invisible on stage.

[@bryanharrison3889]

The best part, is if it does shrink a little, you can simply repeat the process, and the second time around it usually doesn't shrink enough to notice.

[@RobCabreraCh]

It's insane how that super fine sandpaper made the guitar look so shiny! I once tried to sand a little chip on my guitar to get it to smooth out, I ended up making it way bigger, and really scuffing the area around the chip. Now I know that what I need to do is keep going with higher grit sandpaper!

[@spanky10940]

this guy is great! I ordered his book "how to make your electric guitar play great!" and it was personally signed by Dan. Awesome info and saved me a LOT of money learning how to do my own setups and repairs correctly. thanks Dan. I'll be a customer for life.

[@LooseSnake348]

I've been watching these videos for days now, not even needing repairs, but I am amazed how skilled Dan is.

[@silencionomus]

Very few videos on youtube leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. This was very enjoyable to watch.

[@stewmac]

Thank you!

[@digidgetnation]

THAT WAS AWESOME, DUDE!!! I'm not easily impressed, but you blew my mind! More power to you!!!

[@MarkMaysey]

digidgetnation His process and finished results blew my mind as well.

[@digidgetnation]

Mark Maysey What a cool dude! I don't understand how he could be certain he got the right shade of color. I mean, it wasn't off even a little!

[@NoyzyBoyZ3]

digidgetnation He has the experience of a lifetime of knowledge,and I'm blown away every time I see him.

[@digidgetnation]

NoyzyBoyZ3 I wish he would teach us how to match colors as exactly as he did!

[@NoyzyBoyZ3]

You witnessed a Master in action! I don't think that is something that can be taught,just years of experience.

[@Voxboy876]

I used to buy the video tapes way back when. This guy is legend.

[@grossi6330]

They don't make them like Dan anymore. Awesome stuff. I could watch him work all day.

[@MickLBrad]

Excellent! This 70 year old dog just learned a new trick! Thanks for sharing your video.

[@XimenaZhaoArchive]

He's so adorable. I want to watch all of his videos and learn good techniques.

[@markbausman]

I've been restoring antique furniture for the past 45 years. I was very impressed with you video. Thanks for showing and sharing your techniques and tips. Well done!

[@jameslouder]

Fifty years a woodworker, forty-five an instrument maker and there's always something new to learn. I could have gone to my grave without knowing this business of soaking your wet-and-dry paper--yet if I had all the money back I spent on that stuff over the years, I'd be a lot more comfortable when and if I ever retire!

[@Zombie_13x33]

Wow. This guy always amazes me with his old timer skills and knowledge of guitars

[@soupbonep]

This guy gives so much great information. I love the extra tips like soaking the sandpaper overnight and the double sided tape to attatch the sandpaper to the block! Thanks Dan! And the finished chip looks amazing too...

[@diggie9598]

The razorblade trick is just pure gold! Thanks man!

[@Archtops]

Thank you once again Dan! I bought a little lap steel guitar that came with a chip in the finish. I thought I might send it back but instead I will repair it thanks to this super easy method of finish repair.

[@tylermitchell2799]

When he started I totally thought he messed that guitar up; four minutes later I was proved wrong. Great work!

[@blingrunawey4117]

Yeah, same here.

[@blingrunawey4117]

Yeah, same here.

[@RickGuitarist94]

Not gonna lie I about starting biting my thumb nail when I saw the initial sanding after the glue. lol

[@Elimnio]

I saw a lot of his videos, so I initially knew that it would be really good in the end, althought it really didn't look like it

[@user-lf3kr1nq2d]

Me too. I had no faith and the more he sanded or scraped, the more I cringed. Then it turned out beautiful.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Mr. Dan is a True Master. I Love learning from him. Bought 2 of his Guitar Repair & Maintenance books. Highly recommend.

[@richardlindquist3599]

Wow! I am embarrassed to say that a year ago I did not know who Dan Erlewine was. OK, so now I know. We have pursued our crafts in different areas. And with what I know from fixing other "things" for many years, and seeing him at work, I offer my Deepest Respects and Thanks.

[@Valerifon1]

Man do I ever appreciate this! I have a quilted-top Les Paul that I got a small ding in the dish between the bridge and rear strap button. It didn't break the surface to where the color is gone, it just compressed it a bit. I filled it with a drop of super-glue that beaded up proud of the surface, and that's as far as I went with it because I didn't know anyone I would trust to finish the job and didn't know how to do that myself until now! I feel confident enough now to do this on a practice piece of wood before I do my Les Paul. Again, THANK YOU very much for this repair lesson!! Cheers - Luther

[@145inA]

I did this on a gnarly ukulele chip today and had amazing results! It’s like nothing was ever there! Thanks, Dan.

[@timothyoo7]

I dont do much work on guitars but I love your videos because you have lots of cool tricks that can be applied to all kinds of woodworking and or repairs.

[@brianboyd5024]

Dan your knowledge and skills are "over the top", thank you for sharing!

[@johnpick8336]

I have been following Dan's great repair advice since the early 80's and Dan has never steered me wrong. Stew Mac my be kinda expensive compared to some suppliers but I have always recieved top quality parts from Stew Mac which gave my builds and repairs quality results. Thank you Dan and Stew Mac for your years of quality service to the stringed instrument industry.

[@dogspitzen6027]

Thanks, Stewart. I do the all the detail and integral color plaster repairs in a company's new high end homes. Been doing it 20 years. Any piece of information like that is a real gift to me.

[@monmixer]

I love youtube and I appreciate every second a person takes from their life to share knowledge. I learned to play by ear like most did in the old days. I can't imagine how good of a cover guitarist I would have been and just better all the way around if I had this tool when I was learning. Since youtube I have learned every single note i played wrong for 30 years thanks to people like the gentleman that made this video and repaired a lot of appliances and vehicles that i may have thrown away and paid a crap load of money for new ones. the list doesn't end. Thank you all for taking the time to share your knowledge. Time is valuable and especially as we age.

[@Rectitude4U]

Can't tell you how much I appreciate your videos. Thank you!!!

[@xMilesxHighxClubx]

I have a 1960/70's DIA 12 string acoustic I want to repair, It was my dads guitar. This channel is giving me hope that it can be done & I will repair it one day thanks for the valuable insights that go into the various repairs.

[@slicked9778]

I don't even own an acoustic and I've been watching these repair vids for the past hour or so. kind of soothing

[@michaelkoss7387]

This is The BEST "how to video" I have seen on You Tube ever....Thanks for being so generous with your time and knowledge.

[@MarcusViggo]

I love guitars, the design, the magic, the story, the sound and the art of repair it ... Stewart is the best , how can we imagine make this fix this way? Amazing

[@havoc2431]

Legend. I've learned so much from this guy over the years.

[@jameswaterfield6187]

Fantastic video, & fantastic delivery! No showboating or waffle, just honest facts, tips & great results. Could definitely learn a lot from you 👍

[@DanOchiva]

MacDonald pulls a lot of good info together, explains it with a straightforward manner and includes ideas I can use elsewhere in my projects. Thanks!

[@kutulukutu]

I just did this repair to a guitar, and this popped up to play after I finished. Such a great trick, when you're in a pinch or don't want to replace the whole nut over one low slot

[@123spleege]

I am sure Dan heard this a million times but he is the real deal!!! He's a Jeff Beck a Jimmy Page or whoever is your legend. He is generous and kind and easy to understand. thank you Mr. Erlewine. I wonder if he has schools?

[@okflyer777]

Nice job and very good tips. One thing I've learned doing resto work on antique pinball machines: try wet sanding using naptha instead of water. The naptha works VERY nicely with the wet-sanding paper. Zero clogs, no problems & with swelling interaction with wood at all. Thanks - I'm subscribed now!

[@NoyzyBoyZ3]

I'm amazed at his abilities every time I see one of these videos! He's certainly correct when he says,if you're lazy,it's not going to come out right,it's tedious,time consuming,and even thought I would love to be able to do this on my guitars,I don't have the patience.

[@EmberEdgeDesigns]

I’m 17 and want to become a luthier as my profession and these videos are really helpful

[@eddiestclair-im5wm]

Thanks for taking the time to show your techniques on finish repair. Think I'll start with a cheap guitar that nobody cares about (although no guitar should be neglected) and try this out myself. Thanks again!

[@t-boog2173]

Love that razor blade & tape trick. I'm also gonna rem to long soak my sandpaper. And you're so right about laziness & rushing makes your results suffer. It seems like every time I rush or cut a corner, I almost immediately regret it and end up rushing again to try to fix that. I'm learning that patience, research, planning and always using the right tool for the job are the virtues of guitar repair. BTW, Your videos are gold, Thanks so much!

[@shano92107]

Good ol American craftsmanship right there, great video, thanks for posting.

[@007plus01]

I like people who show respect for their job. It was very useful advice, thank you!

[@3GreeneBJ]

That is one brilliant video Mr. I just love to see how people do stuff. It's usually a mixture of know-how, patience & equipment. Thank you very much.

[@bobfoglesong3079]

Fantastic tutorial. I just took a nice dent out of a bear up Epi G400 I picked up for cheap. Remarkably good result on my first attempt.

[@stewmac]

So glad to hear it!

[@whasudr]

cheers Dan just did this on a few checks on my 55 Hofner 456, works a treat, she looks brand new.

[@Fooxbox]

Thanks so much! Repaired the paint on my Les Paul headstock following this video and it looks phenomenal again!

[@jewish_misteak3880]

Thanks, the kid next door threw a lego person at my guitar.

[@TheHollowBodiesBand]

Thisstatementisfalse "a lego person" hahahhaha

[@joensab]

My kids' have Lego pieces that are 'people' types...i.e. a worker, a Dr. etc. what's the haha about?

[@grisok]

I guess it's only fair that you throw your guitar at the kid ;D

[@Targoon_Music]

+Joe Heasley it's called minifigures

[@sweetswing1]

How do you think it got the chip?

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

I just finished my DYI Stratocaster! I purchased the two-piece solid Alder body from Warmouth Guitars here in Washington, bought a fender 50 Series Stratocaster neck that I just am so in love with! I shellacked it with Vinsser non waxed Amber and after about five coats, sand, repeat Etc it came out stunning! I wish there was a way I could upload a picture of it for you all to see! I installed Fender Eric Johnson single coils and I have to say after trying Lollar's, Lindy Fralin, you name it these Eric Johnson pickups blew my mind and they blew away the competition for sure l I took this guitar to the local Guitar Center and did a test against the Mexican Strat, an American Strat for around 1200, another American Strat for around $2,200 and finally a relic of a 1959 that was 4500. And I kid you not, hand to my heart, my guitar slaughtered every one of those Strats! I highly recommend doing one of your own! For the money spent which would have been about $800 you'll get something far better than you'll ever get off the rack. If you're interested in the parts that I bought hit me up and I'll give you a list! Oh and by the way, I'm a new subscriber to Stew Mac! ❤️💯🎸🔊🎶👍

[@stewmac]

That's awesome...we love stories like this! We'd love to check it too...post pics on Instagram and tag us!

[@Archtops]

Just what I needed! Thank you Dan, for the very clear and concise video on chip repair!

[@AV-cx7ob]

Dan is the man. Awesome.

[@MrPhilfridge]

The wet and dry strips are brilliant -and i did soak them overnight. I was repairing a small finishing blemish as opposed to a chip but whatever it worked , thanks !

[@shredder5214]

This guy is awesome , great work here .

[@bilbobaggins2083]

Simply the best. My go-to dude for any repair or upgrade.

[@fequalsma8428]

That was incredible.

[@WirelessDreamer]

Thanks for taking the time to make and post videos, along with your trade secrets new letter. Seeing repairs done helps reafirm that I'm doing things the right way.

[@justupostear3571]

This man is one of the millions of workers, engineers and craftsmen who built the US into a great nation. Too bad they don't often make men like this anymore. Thanks Mr. Erlewine, for your generosity, excellent video, shared knowledge and pure craftsmanship. Good luck, USA.

[@TheWolfbass]

+Justu Postear You Americans are soooo cute (:

[@Ibaneddie76]

Dang who knew Jeff Beck was a Globalist asshole? HAHAHAHAHAH

[@Ibaneddie76]

That's pretty silly (Jeff Beck) My whole life I've done whatever I wanted and not 1 Jewish person jailed me or cracked me with a whip. If this is slavery then ok!

[@jessiepalermo7234]

America! FUCK YEAH!!

[@ultrasometimes8908]

The USA is one of the most lazy nations on this planet

[@ooohlaa13]

You are a delite! Master craftsmen are disappearing in the hustle of this era and I am honored to watch your video and it helps me in my hobby of restoring things.

[@duiliomeglio3730]

This is the video I've been looking for. Thanks StewMac

[@xarabethbell9336]

You are so humble in your tutorials I just subscribed and I can't wait to see more I love it I put guitar going on 20 years and just picked up an old electric classical that needs a neck repair

[@1musicsearcher]

Great video. That's a terrific tip, curling the edge of the razor. It acts just like the iron in a plane. Thanks.

[@rockinrob2004]

Thanks for your EXPERT instruction for ALL these tricks and tips.

[@braydenwilliamsonmusic]

I remember this is my second ever stewmac video I've seen.... The first one is where Dan used superglue and bone dust/baking soda to fix a deep nut slot! I love the videos and I love and have high respect for Dan....

[@philbrown6787]

I have a small lacquer ding on the top of my otherwise like new '96 Guild X170. I think I'll practice on one of my old cheap guitars first but it looks like this is probably the best way to go. Glad I found this site

[@rodamacher7857]

Sir, you are such a knowledgeable professional. Thanks to you and Stew Mac for your educational videos.

[@robphillips8351]

In the middle of doing a drop fill right now, loctite super glue seems to have a good bonding ability to poly finish.. again 1000 thank you's, it's a very nice experience to do your own repairs when possible, and I'll be purchasing a lot of your guys building repair supplies as well as a z file leveling beam and the 3sided file, made my own by grinding and smoothing edges but just not as nice as the one at stew Mac..

[@RangerSteeve]

Great video. I used 3M wet/dry 800, 1000, 2000 and 3000 grit then polished out with Maguire's rubbing compound and got outstanding results. I'd advise to use a low raking light to help you see when you've completely flattened out the lump of CA glue. It made my heart sink every time I saw the ding on my Steve Patience fatboy, now I am happy again!

[@Gabriel21733]

You are a master ! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! It is a pleasure watching someone like you work and express himself.

[@johnwriterpoet1783]

Dan you are so good, thank you.

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

Amazing. I remember reading his column in Guitar Player magazine back in the 80's- just a wealth of knowledge. Thank you sir!

[@SamB-fv6su]

Dan sure knows what he’s doing and shucks he makes it look soooo easy ! Bravo Dan !

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

“I’m fixing a hole where the rain gets in...” awesome work sir. Nicely done.

[@stevespokaneguitar35]

Thanks Dan! Excellent, descriptive video. I was wondering how to fix a chip in the finish.

[@stevespokaneguitar35]

And I might add it took just 2 days and the chip (which was about 3/4 of a dime in diameter has now disappeared entirely. Buffed it down with your fine polish and then some scratch remover. The shine matches the rest of my Taylor 510. I only wish I took the time for a before and after photo. The results are impressive!

[@stewmac]

So glad to hear it!

[@ces69]

A video for those of us that don’t like and won’t buy “Relic” guitars! Great vid!

[@type4066]

The maestro at work, thanks for the video Dan.

[@hcnilsson]

Well explained 👏 Always cosy to learn about guitar fixes, thanks for a great video 🎸👍

[@niptodstan]

This is the best drop repair video on KZbin.

[@markjackson3746]

What an amazing video, I appreciate each and every one of them. Very concise and perfectly done, I agree take the time to build the tools of the trade. Enjoyed the strip sanding, the filling acetone liquid color stain, and of course the superglue.

[@ARTSPRAYUK]

Being in the automotive refinishing trade I was taught this trick many years ago to rectify fisheyes in clear coat ,you can also pull of an almost invisible repair to a cracked light cluster with CA glue and I suspect it would work for repairing cracked or chipped windscreens .It is also something I use to fill stonechips prior to repainting panels

[@MatthJenks]

This video wins for the most amount of useful information packed into a mere 4 minutes.

[@TommyMondayz]

Very good vid, thanks for sharing. My ex's grandfather used to refinish pianos. He would use cigar ashes mixed with a bit of lemon oil for a final polish before wax.

[@SillyMoustache]

I'm a Brit and I love your accent! Such great info always, you , Frank Ford and bryan Kimsey ! What a gang! Thanks !

[@DaveBluesManFaulkner]

Tried this with quite a bad ding on a cheap acoustic guitar. Had already coloured in the finish with a felt tip pen (actually a good match). I found the razor blade created a fairly smooth finish so I went straight from that to a buffing wheel on my electric drill. I finished off with car body cut compound and finally auto-glym resin polish. The latter btw is the best cleaner I've found for perspex (e.g safety goggles etc). I'd just say that for a deep ding you need to let the layers dry well - I was a bit hasty and had to re-do more slowly as the glue hadn't really hardened enough for scraping. Great tips and I'm well pleased with the results.

[@LeDoctoer]

Outstanding! Very useful technique. Thank you for sharing Mr Erlewine.

[@Valdormar]

It has been said more times than he could count, Dan is the man..

[@philcose5388]

now that is the work of a real craftsman

[@sickcianci]

thanks for all Dan, you are the number one

[@Tom-wo9uu]

This guy is a master craftsman - he should be very proud of himself!

[@grahamday3326]

Thank you so much, simple and straightforward

[@20gilbert20]

Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!! Just amazing technique. I am so happy to learn something valuable here, that I will use. And you better believe I will practice on junk, before fixing spots on my 1952 Martin 000-18.

[@TheKlickitat]

Thank you for taking the time to share!!!!

[@sickonfriday]

Nicely done Mr. Dan E.

[@ricklogan3328]

What a wonderful learning experience watching all your videos! Thank you sir!