Cosmo black finish wearing off Original Edge. Will refinishing work?

Stygian · #1 02-10-2008, 04:41 AM

I've read a few threads about the troubles with Ibanez's cosmo black finish, how it seems to wear much faster than gloss black. I'm having the same trouble with a used S540, which has the worst wear is on the low E side of the bridge, and wear on the metal pickup rings.

I'm wondering, how easy or hard is it to refinish metal hardware that gets a lot of usage (like tuners, or a bridge)? Is spraycan paint going to leave a weak finish? I'm willing to put in the time and effort, take the Edge trem apart, scuff all pieces with fine grit sandpaper or steel wool and try refinishing it myself. I just need to know what supplies would work best. It doesn't have to be shiny black chrome again, but just gloss black will be fine. I might even redo all the hardware. So, does anybody have any ideas?

The Original Edge looks like this now:

brothersnowgone · #2 02-10-2008, 05:35 AM

How old is this guitar? Just curious as to how long it took for the cosmo finish to get to this point? I've had edges from as early as 89', all of them the normal black finish and they all looked or look pretty much new compared to yours.

Stygian · #3 02-10-2008, 06:38 PM

I believe it's from 1991 or 1992, but I actually don't have it yet so I can't check the serial number. I just have the pictures of the guitar, it's being shipped now. I also have an '87 RG560 with gloss black hardware and the finish is only worn on the side of a few of the bridge saddles, certainly not as much wear as the Edge on this one. So, there's just something about cosmo black finish, I hear.

Anybody know if some spraycan auto paint would do the trick? How many coats? Do I need to clearcoat it too? etc. I'm a refinishing dummy.

Crazy_Guitar · #4 02-11-2008, 06:39 AM

That is the reason why I always keep a cloth in every guitar case.

albee1952 · #5 02-11-2008, 12:44 PM

Any kind of paint will wear off fast and probably look worse. I once sanblasted one down to the raw metal which was gray and then shot some clear (www.eastwood.com) sealer on it and it looked cool. But I sold it and have no idea how it held up. The best solution (beyond replacement) would likely be to disassemble and glass-bead blast(sand is too coarse) down to bare metal and then powder-coat the parts. Or have a plating shop re-plate in nickel.

XcitR · #6 02-11-2008, 05:50 PM

Had similar pitting on an 03 Powder Cosmo Edge Pro, bought off *bay. I found that unfortunately, in my case, it was cheaper to buy a new trem than to have the Ibanez potmetal refinished. You can get an orrig. Edge "fairly" cheap.

Jaden · #7 02-11-2008, 05:59 PM

ive had an original edge in black since '92 - its still looking new... a lo-pro in cosmo I bought 18 months ago is worn through to the metal at every contact area..
im not complaining though... the trem still does the job.

Dee · #8 02-12-2008, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brothersnowgone

How old is this guitar? Just curious as to how long it took for the cosmo finish to get to this point? I've had edges from as early as 89', all of them the normal black finish and they all looked or look pretty much new compared to yours.

Hehe. You should see the one from my RG750 then.

pera_a777 · #9 02-12-2008, 06:47 AM

Hallo..
i had the same problem with my rg550exgk, from 2000.
Being cosmo black+i am sweating like a pig, it looked horrible after only few months of use..actually, the same problem i had with rg7620gn, from 2000..but, it was very short in my posesion, so there was no much damage..but, for like only 4 months, it already started to show some wear at the right hand, above low B string..nothing major, but still, it was very brief period..who knows how that would look like after few years..

Anyway, i have GOOD news!!!
I took that rg550exgk to the luthier (Rasha), and for very cheap, he had painted it in gloss black, removed the rust from the all screws and pickups..and it was like new..and it was for like 20-30euros..!!!
and, NO, after that, there was no wear..
i will try to reach him and ask about what paint did he used..i guess nothing special!
so, don't worry!