Diagnostic Test For Finishes

[angry_jeremy]

Is there a way to test an unknown finish to tell what it is? I understand it's most likely to be poly or lacquer on a factory made guitar but if refinishing/touch-up were needed how could you tell?

:D

[rhoads56]

Remove a strap button or machinehead (so you arent doing it on the viewable surface), use a touchup brush with lacquer thinners to see if it dissolves or softens. Poly and nitro have totally different feel (texture), or you can also SEE by using the thickness as a guide. General rule: mass produced = poly.

[angry_jeremy]

So most run of the mill guitars (except maybe some vintage ones) would be poly?

[erikbojerik]

Contact the manufacturer...nitro vs poly is easy. But polyurethane vs polyester is not (although the repair options are pretty much the same).