Can you get the finish off?

[Ozzmike]

i have a old Squier its chipped.. can u take all the finish off(if thats what its called) and have it just be wood? and if you can how? my brother was talking about this and i was wondering if you can?

[Whiskey]

Here is a good article for you to read on this subject. Then you can decide for yourself.

http://www.pjguitar.com/repair03.htm

[msh]

Yes you can, but i wouldn't recommend it if it's a cheap guitar.
It's better to do on more expensive guitars like Gibsons, Fenders etc.
but yes.
It's possible to remove the finish and then give your guitar some new paint..
But if you really wan't too you shouldn't do it yourself unless that you have some experience with it, or knows someone who does. :)

[Whiskey]

Remember that the finish on a guitar can and will affect the tone of a guitar. Chemicals can also affect the density of the wood and change the tone too.

[Blewbyou]

some of the less expensive guitars are plywood. If you do strip it and find its plywood or a less than desireable wood you can always refinish it.

[Orphan John]

if the guitar is painted then it can easily be stripped down and re-painted.

I wouldn't advise doing it if you are wanting to varnish it instead of painting because the primer that gets used as a base coat on wood is designed to sink into the grain and is difficult to remove it all to say the least.