Fixing a small chip in a guitar finish

Dan Erlewine demos three of his favorite finish repair tips: super glue drop fills, Frank Ford's razor blade trick and strip-sanding with fingertip pressure.

[mst]

"It takes time. If you're too lazy to do it you won't get as good of results."

-Dan Erlewine

I believe these words can be applied on so many other aspects than "fixing a small chip in a guitar finish" perhaps in life!

[bierce]

"Hey, I'll reset the neck on your guitar for free if you'll also let me professionally repair these dings on the top for free."

[edgarlee]

You say it was years before you knew about soaking the sandpaper for twenty-four hours (3:21). You make a video less than five minutes long and now I know it as well (that and a lot more!). That's the beauty of YouTube! Thank you.

[JPMonstie]

I realise it’s 11 years later, but huge thanks for these excellent, no-nonsense, straight to the point ‘How to’ videos Stew Mac!

[MaineVid]

You're one of the coolest cats. So many guys don't share their Professional tips, but for the guy like myself, to far to be a customer, too poor to hire the work out, but willing to invest the time into the artistry, you're just invaluable. Even, beyond that you give credit and respect to the guys you've picked up tips and techniques from. In doing so, you unknowing communicate that these techniques belong to craftsman / student, but should be carried forward in a tradition. In turn, I look for every opportunity to support guys like you when I'm looking for parts and such. Thank you so much!

[wyattsdad]

I just tried this last night and I did everything he said to do and it really works. I'm so happy with my guitar now!

[silencionomus]

Very few videos on youtube leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. This was very enjoyable to watch.

[grossi]

They don't make them like Dan anymore. Awesome stuff. I could watch him work all day.

[RobCabreraCh]

It's insane how that super fine sandpaper made the guitar look so shiny!
I once tried to sand a little chip on my guitar to get it to smooth out, I ended up making it way bigger, and really scuffing the area around the chip. Now I know that what I need to do is keep going with higher grit sandpaper!

[XimenaZhaoArchive]

He's so adorable. I want to watch all of his videos and learn good techniques.

[LooseSnake]

I've been watching these videos for days now, not even needing repairs, but I am amazed how skilled Dan is.

[diggie]

The razorblade trick is just pure gold! Thanks man!

[soupalex]

Holy carp. I'm not entirely convinced that Dan didn't actually just switch out with a brand new guitar at some point... the transformation is just amazing!

[spanky]

this guy is great! I ordered his book "how to make your electric guitar play great!" and it was personally signed by Dan. Awesome info and saved me a LOT of money learning how to do my own setups and repairs correctly. 

thanks Dan. I'll be a customer for life. 

[Zombie_x]

Wow. This guy always amazes me with his old timer skills and knowledge of guitars

[ces]

A video for those of us that don’t like and won’t buy “Relic” guitars!
Great vid!

[richardlindquist]

Wow! I am embarrassed to say that a year ago I did not know who Dan Erlewine was. OK, so now I know. We have pursued our crafts in different areas. And with what I know from fixing other "things" for many years, and seeing him at work, I offer my Deepest Respects and Thanks.

[Archtops]

Thank you once again Dan! I bought a little lap steel guitar that came with a chip in the finish. I thought I might send it back but instead I will repair it thanks to this super easy method of finish repair.

[Valerifon]

Man do I ever appreciate this! I have a quilted-top Les Paul that I got a small ding in the dish between the bridge and rear strap button. It didn't break the surface to where the color is gone, it just compressed it a bit. I filled it with a drop of super-glue that beaded up proud of the surface, and that's as far as I went with it because I didn't know anyone I would trust to finish the job and didn't know how to do that myself until now! I feel confident enough now to do this on a practice piece of wood before I do my Les Paul. Again, THANK YOU very much for this repair lesson!! Cheers - Luther

[xMilesxHighxClubx]

I have a 1960/70's DIA 12 string acoustic I want to repair, It was my dads guitar. This channel is giving me hope that it can be done & I will repair it one day thanks for the valuable insights that go into the various repairs.