Official Luthiers Forum!

I got a new Martin a few months ago that had one of the infamous "pixelated" dot matrix pickguards, which I removed immediately. The lacquer must have been pretty fresh when the guard was put on because it's all wavy where the pickguard was. I'd like to put a smaller size guard on which would not cover all of the original footprint. So I'm wondering if there's enough lacquer thickness to allow for leveling and re-buffing out, and need some advice on technique. I've taken my own new finishes to a high gloss but haven't attemted repair on someone else's. My mental sketch of the process is basically: start with a small hard block with maybe 1000 grit. After it's flat refining with micro-mesh. Then hit the whole top with buffing compound to blend the gloss. I don't have a stationary buffer so I'm not sure the best compound to use. I'd either use my handheld, automotive style buffer or buff by hand. I'm hoping not to have to add more lacquer (and wait for it to cure), but really don't want to burn through to wood.

Critique, comments, advice all welcome. Nay, requested! Thanks!

Peace,
Sanaka

p.s. Cross posted this at the UMGF.

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