Epiphone AJ-220SCE Acoustic | Cosmetic Repairs

Preamble

This Epiphone AJ-220SCE acoustic suffered a bad fall, and had the scars to show for it. The first was cracked and chipped finish on the edge of the lower bout, with raw wood exposed. The second, meanwhile, was a missing chunk of wood on the lower right side of the headstock. Repairs began in late February, and the first coat of Minwax Antique Oil Finish was applied earlier today. Though it's taken quite a while, that's how it has to be. Remember, one should never rush repairs of this nature.

Epiphone AJ-220SCE Soundhole Label

Repairing the Cracked Finish

We'll start with the finish repair then. I opted to retain the largest loose finish chip, as it could be glued back in place quite easily. But first of all, the exposed wood needed to be stained to match the surrounding finish. Here's where sumi ink came in real handy. It's black, and more importantly, water-based. So, no worries about it reacting with any solvents.

Cracked Finish

Exposed Wood Stained Black

Next came gluing. The loose finish chip was glued in place with Titebond Genuine Hide Glue, as I needed a glue that was thin enough to fill every nook and cranny. The glued chip was then clamped in place overnight. After the clamp was removed, a razor blade, abrasive paper, and steel wool were used to clean things up somewhat. 

Loose Finish Chip Reglued

Clamp Applied

Clamped Overnight

Glue Has Cured

Scraping and Cleanup

Then, with the surface to be repaired relatively level, the first drops of super glue were applied. The aim was to drop fill any voids, and gradually build up a hard surface that could be sanded flat. Once the super glue buildup was slightly proud of the surrounding finish, it was time to wet sand. I worked my way slowly through the grits, from 400 all the way up to 3000.

Drop-Filling in Progress

Wet Sanding Has Begun

Protective Tape Removed

After Further Wet Sanding

Even More Wet Sanding

After the final round of wet sanding, I was pleased to see that the repaired surface was sufficiently smooth and level for the next step, which was refinishing. As mentioned earlier, my finish coat of choice was Minwax Antique Oil Finish; and I just applied the first coat today. Once I'm done with the finish coat, all that will be left is a little polishing; which I shall not be covering.

Wet Sanding Concluded

First Coat of Minwax Antique Oil Finish

Repairing the Headstock

Right then, let's look at the damaged headstock. There's a fair bit missing, but nothing some super glue and rosewood dust can't fix. Seriously, this concoction will dry as hard as the wood itself. And so, successive layers of this mixture were applied until buildup was sufficient. 

Close-Up of Damaged Area

Super Glue and Rosewood Dust Applied

Following this was, you guessed it, sanding; albeit dry. The next step was staining the affected area with successive applications of ColorTone Liquid Stain, Medium Brown I think it was. Now, you didn't think I'd get away without any wet sanding, did you? In any case, I won't rehash the process as it's already been covered. Finally, with the surface nice and smooth, I was able to begin applying the finish coat. And so, folks, I humbly conclude my account of the cosmetic repairs carried out on this Epiphone AJ-220SCE Acoustic.

Dry Sanding in Progress

Surface Sufficiently Level and Smooth

ColorTone Liquid Stain Applied

Wet Sanding in Progress

First Coat of Minwax Antique Oil Finish