Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi there

what is the best way to remove superglue from a ric?
I have some superglue removal gel but will it damage the conversion varnish?

Al

Oh, boy...this is tricky for a non-pro.

Superglue removers are basically acetone. Whether or not acetone does any harm to conversion varnish, depends solely upon how long you leave it in contact with the CV.

For instance, I don't know why anybody would do this, but wiping conversion varnish with acetone will do no harm, although it will remove the wax and reveal myriad tiny scratches.

But the gel requires that you leave it on for a few minutes. This will soften the CV and cause it to swell. You don't want that.

If it's a tiny area of superglue, I would scrape it gently with a new single-edged razor blade held perpendicularly to the surface. When the glue is gone, I would then carefully wet-sand the small area I just scraped, with #2000 wet or dry sandpaper. Then I'd go over the area with some fine compound or Scratch-X, and then wax again.

Thanks for your swift response Paul
Is 1/2" by 1/8" small enough for this approach?

Al

I'm almost afraid to ask - How did superglue get on the finish of your Rick?

Yes, Alistair. Scrape in the long direction (1/2") for best results. Very careful, now. You want to scrape the glue off trying not to touch the finish itself, if possible.

When you get it pretty much flat, it's time for the wet or dry sandpaper. Do not use anything coarser than #2000 grit, or you'll not be able to buff out the scratches.

If it's your fingerprint, you'd always be able to prove ownership!

Good idea John! No hang about, Paul's just told us how to remove superglue. Plan B I guess!