Paul M.
2 min read
Guitar binding is a decorative strip that covers the edge of the guitar's body, helping to protect it from damage and improving its appearance. Over time, the binding can become loose, cracked or damaged. If this happens, it's important to take action to repair the binding, otherwise it could lead to more serious problems.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of fixing the binding on your guitar using a heat gun. This is an advanced repair technique, so it's important to proceed with caution and follow the steps carefully to ensure that your guitar is repaired correctly.
💡 Recommended: Guitar Finishing Safety Tips To Follow
Courtesy of Mike M.
To fix the binding of a guitar using a heat gun.
Make sure the heat gun is set to a low temperature setting, between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Apply heat evenly and consistently to the binding, moving the heat gun along the length of the binding. When fixing the binding of a guitar using a heat gun, it's important to keep the heat gun at a safe distance from the guitar to prevent damage. As a general rule, it's recommended to keep the heat gun about 6 inches to 8 inches away from the binding. 
Use a plastic guitar binding tool/scraper to carefully press the binding back into place, taking care not to burn yourself or damage the guitar.
Repeat this process until the binding is securely in place.
Allow the guitar to cool down completely before playing it or making any other adjustments.
💡 Recommended: How to Perform a Complete Final Setup on Your Guitar
Note: This is an advanced repair technique and should be done with caution. If you are unsure about how to proceed, it's recommended to seek the assistance of a professional guitar repair technician.
The article provides a guide on how to repair loose or damaged guitar binding using a heat gun. Step 1 involves setting the heat gun to a low temperature (200-300°F). In step 2, heat is applied evenly and consistently to the binding while keeping the heat gun at a safe distance from the guitar. Step 3 involves using a plastic scraper to press the binding back into place. The process is repeated until the binding is secure. In step 4, the guitar is allowed to cool completely before playing or making any other adjustments. This is an advanced technique and caution should be taken, and it is recommended to seek professional help if unsure.
💡 Recommended: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building an Electric Guitar Kit
Bill Arico does not play bass, but he built his gigging daughter one that finally stopped diving, on an ash kit with a hand-rubbed oil finish. Here are the ultralight tuners that fixed the balance, the three parts that did not drop straight in, and what you can copy.
Finishing is the one guitar-building step you cannot undo. So Steve Madden practiced on six plywood bodies first, then gave his quilted maple kit five thin coats of Tru-Oil. Here is his method, and how he fixed the binding when it turned yellow.
Doug DeLuca and his sixteen year old son turned a bare quilted maple top into a deep blue burst, and the figure still reads through the darkest part of the rim. Here is the dye versus pigment decision that made it work, why the edges are the darkest part of the guitar, and what you can copy on your own figured top.
