Guitars get bumped. A stand tips over, a strap button lets go, or a case latch pops open at the wrong moment. Now there’s a chip in the finish, maybe down to bare wood. Finish touch-up fixes those spots so the guitar looks better and the wood stays protected.
What we fix
- Chips on the edges of the body or headstock
- Dings and dents in the finish
- Scratches from belt buckles, picks, and stands
- Small spots where finish has flaked off
- Bare wood showing around strap buttons or the edge of the body
- Checking and small finish cracks near damage
How touch-up works
- Clean the damaged area so new finish will bond
- Fill chips and dings to bring them level with the surrounding finish
- Match the color as close as we can for your guitar
- Seal the spot so bare wood is protected
- Level and polish so it blends in
This is practical touch-up. The goal is a guitar that looks good from playing distance and is protected from further damage, at an affordable price.
Why not just leave it?
Small chips tend to grow. Once the finish is broken, moisture and sweat get into the wood, and edges of the chip can keep flaking off. Sealing it early stops the damage from spreading.
Pair it with a cleaning
Finish touch-up looks best on a clean guitar. Many customers combine it with cleaning and polishing. If the chip came from a strap button pulling out, we can fix that too with strap buttons and strap locks. And if the guitar has bigger problems than looks, see restoration to playable.
What to expect
Every finish is different. Gloss, satin, sunburst, and solid colors all take touch-up differently. We’ll look at the damage, tell you how close we can get it, and give you a price before we start.
Common causes we see
Most finish damage comes from everyday life: guitars sliding off a couch, leaning against an amp that gets bumped, or catching a doorframe on the way to a gig. Wall hangers and cheap stands can mark the finish too, and some rubber stand pads react with certain finishes and leave marks. If you know what caused it, tell us when you drop off and we can suggest ways to keep it from happening again.
Drop off in Redding
Finish work is done in the shop on Redcliff Drive in Redding. Most touch-ups take a few days to let the finish cure properly. We serve players throughout our service area.
Guitar Finish Touch-Up questions
Will the chip disappear completely?
Touch-up makes damage much less noticeable and seals it, but it won't always be invisible up close. We'll tell you what to expect before we start.
Do you refinish whole guitars?
This service is for spot repairs on chips, dings, and scratches. If the whole finish is worn out, we'll talk through your options.
Why does bare wood matter?
Exposed wood soaks up moisture and sweat, which can lead to more chipping, cracking, or staining. Sealing it protects the guitar.