The ESP Guitar Company

I love this guitar, had it since it first came out in '05. I hate the finish. I was thinking of stripping it down (Body and back of the neck) and leaving the finish on the headstock, side and back of the body. Has anyone done this before? If so what did you use to get down to the wood on the top of the body. Like I said I love the way it sounds/plays and I'm not getting rid of it. Just want to make it my own without the crappy finish. Thanks!