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Gunk behind the plastic on my finish.

papabear16

Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2020
Messages
38
I have a 20-some year old Epiphone Les Paul. I'm in the process of changing its appearance a bit, including removing the plastic plate around the switch (the circle reading "Rhythm" and "Treble"). I removed it, and man, was it gross back there. Long, thin strings of goo stretched from the finish to the ring as I pulled it away. Now there's a bunch of rough stuff that seems to be sitting on top of the finiish. I rubbed it a bit with a soft cloth, but to no avail. I don't want to damage the finish, but I figured I'd better clean that up before putting a new ring on (or skipping a ring altogether, which I'm considering).

What is this stuff, and how do you suggest that I safely clean it? Thank you for the advice.

(BTW, I have pictures, but apparently lack permission to attach them.)
 

somebodyelseuk

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 10, 2020
Messages
454
I have a 20-some year old Epiphone Les Paul. I'm in the process of changing its appearance a bit, including removing the plastic plate around the switch (the circle reading "Rhythm" and "Treble"). I removed it, and man, was it gross back there. Long, thin strings of goo stretched from the finish to the ring as I pulled it away. Now there's a bunch of rough stuff that seems to be sitting on top of the finiish. I rubbed it a bit with a soft cloth, but to no avail. I don't want to damage the finish, but I figured I'd better clean that up before putting a new ring on (or skipping a ring altogether, which I'm considering).

What is this stuff, and how do you suggest that I safely clean it? Thank you for the advice.

(BTW, I have pictures, but apparently lack permission to attach them.)
Epiphones use poly finish. That stuff is indestructable. The gunk is some kind of glue. Start with a cloth soaked and well wrung, of warm, soapy water.
A rag with a dab of solvent will probably work, if soapy water doesn't.
 

Don

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 1, 2001
Messages
5,732
The gunk could also be spilled drinks. I repaired a Fender Hotrod Deluxe that had had too many rum cokes spilled in it! Corrosive sticky gunk everywhere!
 

papabear16

Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2020
Messages
38
Epiphones use poly finish. That stuff is indestructable. The gunk is some kind of glue. Start with a cloth soaked and well wrung, of warm, soapy water.
A rag with a dab of solvent will probably work, if soapy water doesn't.

Terrific, I was hoping it was something indestructable! I'll scrub it down good.

The gunk could also be spilled drinks. I repaired a Fender Hotrod Deluxe that had had too many rum cokes spilled in it! Corrosive sticky gunk everywhere!

Ha! I can't even imagine some of what is found under guitar parts that were played live a bunch. This hasn't been, so I'm safe there.

Thanks to you both for the help!
 

LeonC

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 30, 2002
Messages
799
Do NOT remove gunk. Gunk = mojo!!!

:yah:spabout
 

papabear16

Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2020
Messages
38
Do NOT remove gunk. Gunk = mojo!!!

:yah:spabout

Well now I'm torn, because I'm trying to IMPROVE the mojo of this baby! (Especially since it isn't cool mojo, like dings acquired on stage or stains from long practice sessions.)
 

El Gringo

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
What I would try to use is Dawn Power clean and a soft cotton cloth /towel . Dawn removes grease and all kinds of other crap and is one of the best cleaners around . Be gentle and try a little at a time and see how it goes . Best wishes .
 

papabear16

Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2020
Messages
38
What I would try to use is Dawn Power clean and a soft cotton cloth /towel . Dawn removes grease and all kinds of other crap and is one of the best cleaners around . Be gentle and try a little at a time and see how it goes . Best wishes .

Excellent advice, thank you!
 

renderit

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
Be awful careful there.

I have some Dawn cleaning product ( can't think of the name off hand) in the garage which is the most effective PAINT REMOVER I have ever found.

Reports are it will even remove the ceramic finish on a stove if left there.
 

papabear16

Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2020
Messages
38
Be awful careful there.

I have some Dawn cleaning product ( can't think of the name off hand) in the garage which is the most effective PAINT REMOVER I have ever found.

Reports are it will even remove the ceramic finish on a stove if left there.

Yikes! Duly noted.
 
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