Hello,

I just recently changed the strings on this Strat that was covered with stickers (argh) and I had to remove some on the back because I needed to open the back plate. Now the back has some residue on it and I was wondering what would be safe to use to remove it without totally screwing up the finish. I tried some warm soapy water, but it really didn't do much. I thought about acetone, but I'm not sure if that would be safe. I thought I'd ask around here just to be sure.

Thanks for any help.

Paul

Goo Gone.

OK, Thanks. I'll try either one.

Eucalyptus oil is as cheap as chips and takes the sticky crap straight off, and it makes your guitar smell like a forest

I'll second the recommendation for Goo Gone. I bought a '56 NOS Custom Shop Strat last week that had been locked in a Guitar Center display case for four years. Removing the plastic film from the pick guard was a nightmare and all kinds of glue residue was left behind. Goo Gone and some Q-Tips got it all off fairly easily... before I had a nervous breakdown.

John

Furniture spray polish - never fails. But if it's silicone based, make sure you wipe it off carefully afterwards.

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Fender Highway & Classic 60s Strats, Fender Toronado, Telecaster, Gretsch Projet, Charvel 3, PRS SE Soapbar II & Custom 24, Burns Batwing and many others!

I'll go one better... if it's silicon based, don't ever let it anywhere your guitar.

The best, quickest and safest adhesive removers are natural oils. I use a citrus oil "pen" that cuts through everything except wood finishes, won't dull plastics and smells wonderful.

Another vote for goo-gone stuff works great and will also take tar off of your car!

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Use regular lighter fluid (aka naphta). FYI, all Goo-Gone is, is scented naphta. You'll save significantly by buying a bottle or can of Zippo or Ronson lighter fluid instead. It is handy for MANY things other than gunked up guitars too. (Works great in my Fender cigarette lighter as well!)

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You dig?

And there you have it!!!

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You dig?

+1

Heh, I thought about that yesterday. I could take a beltsander to it, call it vintage, and sell it for $4000 on eBay Anyway, thanks for the advice, everyone.

I would use lighter fluid and skip the Magic Eraser. I love the ME but I think it could be a bit too abrasive for this application.

this may sound a bit insane, but i've found that rubbing peanut butter into the gunk removes it fairly easy. just wipe off with a wet rag or something like that. PLUS! it smells awesome

That's interesting. It must have something to do with the oils, perhaps. Of course, you could add some jelly and have a sandwhich, but it wouldn't probably taste too good and be hard to chew. Heh.