Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Actually, the Scotchbrite works best when the surface is dry, burnishing it into incredible smoothness. The Scotchbrite also gives a particularly nice, visually aesthetic appearance (without the steel wool shreds clinging to the pickups).

However, for the ultimate smoothness on the back of the neck, I use 1500 or 1800 sandpaper. The finish turns dull looking but it's up to the proverbial baby's butt smoothness. Actually, I do this on my gloss finish guitars as well, but the appearance might not be to everyone's taste. In any case, the gloss can be restored through buffing if you change your mind.

Great, thanks for your thoughtful reply. I appreciate the help.

Mr. Hall,

Thanks for the information on "All about oil-based varnish."

Actually, it was the part about polyurethane that was interesting rather than the varnish. However, the home page from which this is linked has quite a bit of interesting info about refinishing, even if it is oriented toward furniture:

Antique Restorers

It's basic enough to be readable, yet a fairly nice wealth of info.