Sunyside

Well, I live in a rural area about two hours from the nearest city big enough to have a good luthier that I could trust. I read on www.frets.com to dip a cotton swab in acetone, blot it against a paper towel so it is barely moist, then touch it to the surface in an area where it';s easy to polish out. If it is nitrocellulose where you touched it the surface will soften and pit. If it doesn't then it is a modern poly finish in all likelihood. I am going to do the acetone test first, then decide on sanding before taking it to a luthier.. It might take me a while but I will report back when I try the sanding and acetone tests. Thanks

I believe it may have sat in a case for a long time because the frets are good, the fingerboard had a few fingernails divots that I was able to steam out except for one which I repaired with ebony filings and superglue. If I had to remove the clear finish would I use lacquer thinner? Kind of scary for a 35 year old guitar so if anyone else does have an alternate solution it would be appreciated. This is the best resource I have found and it is appreciated. I have asked a lot of other online resources to no avail. Thanks

Here's hoping. Can't thank you enough. This "old dog" might learn something but not sure why the destination instead of the picture is below.

If this is taking too much of your time just let me know. Thanks

First of all, thank you for responding. However, how can I post a photo to this message. I have tried copy/paste, dragging, and finally I am doing what no man likes to do, asking directions.

I have used Virtuoso cleaner and polish to no avail but I have not tried to sand and buff. I have sandpaper up to 3200 grit. I started to use lacquer thinner to remove the finish but was unsure whether or not the stain/color would be damaged. Once again, thanks for your help.

I have a 1979 Alvarez Yairi DY 45 and the back and sides have a milky looking finish in areas. I have been trying to find out what caused this and if I can repair it myself. Any help would be appreciated.