Using the Blueprint

After downloading the blueprint template, print out the image. If you don't have access to a large format poster printer, you'll have to print the image "tiled" across multiple 8.5 x 11" pages on your desktop printer. Then tape the pages together to get the full scale template. Cut out the template as shown in the photos.

You'll notice that I've removed all hardware from the guitar and have placed a pickguard in place. The pickguard will be a point of reference when placing your paper template on the guitar. Use double stick tape to hold the template in place.

Removing the finish Method #1

Take a dry erase marker or a sharp edge tool to scribe a guide line around the template border. I used a Rotomatic with a sharp pointed tip to scribe the edge.

I then switched to a wider tip and began grinding through the finish, removing it little by little. This will require a great deal of patience.

More details on this technique will be available on the upcoming DVD.