laquer bubbling up

[Markelberry]

well the 96 Flatiron performer I have the laquer on the neck is bubbling up and popping off so I want to go ahead and remove the finish can someone tell me again the reccommended paper I need to use and I guess I just mask off where I dont want it removed? Thanks Mark

[Michael Lewis]

Lots to be aware of. You need a block to wrap the sand paper around, and sand only where there is finish and avoid the curved areas with the block. Otherwise you risk removing wood and making the surface uneven, and gouging the curved areas with the edges of the block. Probably 180 would be a good grit to start with. A sharp scraper can remove finish cleanly if you have the patience and skill to control it.

If your finish is bubbling you may not need to sand much, just peel it off. A heat gun can really speed things up, but stay away from the binding.