Finishing takes time - Simple!

Why Guitar Finishing Jobs Take Time – And Why It's Worth the Wait

At Foulds Guitars, we take pride in delivering the highest quality repairs and restoration work — especially when it comes to guitar finishing. But one question we occasionally get asked is: “Why does it take so long?”

The short answer? Because it has to.

The Art (and Science) of Guitar Finishing

Unlike a quick polish, finishing is a specialist process. Whether we're matching a small area of damage or refinishing an entire neck, every step must be done with precision and care. We're not just restoring a surface — we're preserving the instrument’s integrity, playability, and value.

It’s More Than Just Paint

Here’s what often goes into a typical finishing job:

• Assessing the damage: We inspect how deep the issue goes — many neck or body dings aren’t just surface-level. Sometimes damage reaches the bare wood, which means refinishing from scratch.

• Sanding and prep: The area must be gently sanded and prepped without affecting surrounding wood or finish. This often involves removing hardware like machine heads, nuts, and ferrules to properly isolate the repair.

• Colour matching: Matching an aged or worn finish isn’t easy. Colours fade over time and every guitar is slightly unique. We mix and test until it blends naturally — not just under workshop lights, but in daylight too.

• Layering specialist finishes: Whether it’s nitrocellulose, poly, or oil-based lacquer, each layer needs to be applied evenly and allowed to cure naturally — often over several days — before the next step begins.

• Final polishing: Once the finish has fully hardened (which can take weeks), we buff and polish it to restore the gloss and feel — aiming for a seamless transition between old and new.

Why We Don’t Rush It

Some finishes can feel dry to the touch after a few hours, but they’re not truly cured. Rushing this process risks:

• Clouding or dulling

• Peeling or cracking down the line

• Poor colour match

• Uneven feel under the fingers

A botched or rushed job costs more in the long run. We’d rather get it right first time.

Your Guitar Deserves Better Than a 5-Minute Fix

We understand the wait can be frustrating, especially if you're itching to get back to playing. But finishing is one of those jobs where patience pays off. You wouldn’t expect a vintage car respray to be done in a day — guitars are no different.

When your instrument is on our bench, it’s being looked after properly. We queue jobs fairly, communicate where possible, and always prioritise quality over speed.

Have Questions?

We're always happy to explain where your guitar is in the queue, what work is being done, and why it matters. Just give us a ring or pop in for an update.