Guitar Refinishing by Post: How to Send Your Guitar Body Safely
Found a guitar refinisher whose work you love, but they're not close enough to visit?
You may still be able to get the finish you want without travelling across the country.
At 81 Guitar Works, based in Suffolk, I can discuss refinishing projects with customers outside the local area. Depending on the instrument and the work required, it may be possible to send the relevant guitar body or components to the workshop.
The key is to agree the work and shipping arrangements before sending anything.
Step 1: Get in touch before shipping
Start by contacting 81 Guitar Works with a description of your project.
Tell me what guitar you have, what you want done and whether the instrument is currently assembled or already stripped down.
Don't worry if you don't know every technical detail. Clear photographs and a description of your plans are a good starting point.
Step 2: Take useful photographs
Photographs help establish the condition of the instrument and make it easier to discuss the work.
Where possible, include:
The front and back of the body.
Close-ups of scratches, dents, cracks or damaged areas.
The neck pocket, cavities and other relevant areas.
The existing finish, particularly if it has been modified previously.
Any reference photographs showing the colour or finish you want.
Photographs cannot always reveal everything, so the final scope may need to be confirmed after inspection.
Step 3: Agree the specification and quote
Before shipping, make sure you understand what work is included.
Discuss the desired finish, whether stripping is required, any known damage, the estimated cost and the expected timescale.
Also clarify whether the job involves the body alone or additional components, and who is responsible for dismantling and reassembly.
A clear agreement at this stage helps prevent misunderstandings later.
Step 4: Pack the guitar body carefully
Once the project has been agreed and the workshop has confirmed it is ready to receive the item, arrange suitable packaging.
Use a sturdy box, protect vulnerable edges and ensure the body cannot move around inside the package. Prevent hardware or loose components from scratching the finish or damaging the wood.
Choose a suitable tracked delivery service, check the carrier's packaging and insurance requirements, and retain photographs of the packed item and proof of postage.
Agree the delivery method with the workshop before sending.
Step 5: What happens when it arrives?
The next steps depend on the agreed job.
The condition can be checked against the information supplied, any uncertainties can be discussed, and the work can proceed according to the agreed specification.
If inspection reveals a problem that changes the scope, discuss it before carrying out additional chargeable work.
Step 6: Returning the completed work
Before the project begins, agree how the completed body will be packaged and returned, who arranges the return shipment and how the costs will be handled.
Allow for the time needed to complete the finish properly. The process and curing requirements depend on the finish system and the particular job, so a realistic timescale should be agreed individually.
Is refinishing by post right for your guitar?
For customers who live further away, shipping can make specialist refinishing accessible without a workshop visit.
The important thing is good communication, careful packaging and a clear agreement about the work.
If you have a guitar body that needs a new finish, send 81 Guitar Works a few photographs and an outline of your plans.
Get in touch before shipping, and let's discuss your project.
Email: 81guitarworks@gmail.com
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