Painting a Guitar - Suggestions and Stories

**MF5150** · 02.01.07, 09:53 AM

One day I plan to put together my own guitar from spare parts. but I am currently wondering... what kind of paint is best to use? I am looking for something affordable, something that looks good, and something fairly easy to find.

Sure I probably won't be able to get one of those but 2/3 would be great.

**OU812Bobby** · 02.01.07, 12:41 PM

I've painted several guitars and have found that auotomotive basecoat clearcoat finishes are 1 easy to find and 2 very easy to apply, but be careful the first guitar I every painted was for a friend that wanted me to paint his Strat like Eddie's black and white frankenstrat but he striipped it himself and I had to put on so much primer that when I put it back together it definitely changed the tone, he didn't seem to notice though so I guess it worked out okay

**Mikey Metalhead** · 02.01.07, 01:55 PM

I agree, the key to a great finish is wet sanding, and auto paint lends itself to that.

for primer and color, I used Krylon cans right from the hobby store for my first one, and it worked very well.
but it did not work well for clear coat.

AT · 02.02.07, 02:39 AM

Guys:

I started a thread nearly identical to this one just last week: http://www.vhlinks.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=35835

**ncbuckeye3** · 02.02.07, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by Mikey Metalhead

for primer and color, I used Krylon cans right from the hobby store for my first one, and it worked very well.
but it did not work well for clear coat.

I used Krylon for mine as well, even the clear coat. I was pretty happy with the results. One thing I did notice and then have read about afterwards is it takes a long, long, long time for the Krylon to totally dry. I waited about three weeks after the final coats to wetsand, and it looked beautiful. I then set it on the floor for about five minutes and when I picked it back up, there were imprints of the carpet in the clear coat where it was still a little soft.

It has been painted for about two years now and is definitely dry, I need to take the electronics out again and wetsand one last time, I just haven't taken the time to do this yet.

**Mikey Metalhead** · 02.02.07, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by ncbuckeye3

I used Krylon for mine as well, even the clear coat. I was pretty happy with the results. One thing I did notice and then have read about afterwards is it takes a long, long, long time for the Krylon to totally dry. I waited about three weeks after the final coats to wetsand, and it looked beautiful. I then set it on the floor for about five minutes and when I picked it back up, there were imprints of the carpet in the clear coat where it was still a little soft.

It has been painted for about two years now and is definitely dry, I need to take the electronics out again and wetsand one last time, I just haven't taken the time to do this yet.

That would probablyhelp mine also, a wet sand and polish. but I am not sure I put enough clear coat on to sand it again, so gonna leave it until the paint starts having issues, which I am sure it will since it was my first try.

**Otis5150** · 02.02.07, 08:46 AM

A few years ago, I just stripped all the hardware and electronics off my tele, sanded it and took it to a body shop. For $50 they painted it and clear coated it. It's cool because they used only a couple of thin coats of real nitro lacquer, so it didn't affect the tone. In fact, it sounds better than before!

Also, they had tons of colors to choose from. So now it's a gold top. That is the guitar they will have to pry out of my cold, dead hands or bury me with.

AT · 02.02.07, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Otis5150

A few years ago, I just stripped all the hardware and electronics off my tele, sanded it and took it to a body shop. For $50 they painted it and clear coated it. It's cool because they used only a couple of thin coats of real nitro lacquer, so it didn't affect the tone. In fact, it sounds better than before!

Also, they had tons of colors to choose from. So now it's a gold top. That is the guitar they will have to pry out of my cold, dead hands or bury me with.

The body shop idea is sounding quite appealing at this point. I'm thinking that might be better than fighting with Krylon in my kitchen covered with newspapers.

**Otis5150** · 02.02.07, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by AndrewThomas.net

The body shop idea is sounding quite appealing at this point. I'm thinking that might be better than fighting with Krylon in my kitchen covered with newspapers.

It worked out great for me. You just have to tell whoever you go to exactly how you want it done: a few, thin coats, etc. Because you have to keep in mind they're used to painting cars, not guitars. Plus they have every color imaginable.

**ncbuckeye3** · 02.02.07, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by AndrewThomas.net

The body shop idea is sounding quite appealing at this point. I'm thinking that might be better than fighting with Krylon in my kitchen covered with newspapers.

I bought a 2001 MIM Strat that I want to paint orange. I went by one body shop and they said they would do it, but not sure what to charge. I am waiting for spring, but I am going to do this, will update everyone when I do.

**Dino5150** · 02.05.07, 10:03 AM

For those who don't own spraygun equipment, I agree a bodyshop would be a MUCH better option as opposed to using spraycans.

Something to consider though ...
An autobody shop isn't likely to take the time to properly "prep' your guitar body before painting it.
Ask them about sealers and primers in advance, or do it yourself before giving them the guitar body.
If they just plan on shooting paint on bare wood, the paint will most likely just flake off in a short period of time.

Good luck ... and post pics when it's done!

**Mikey Metalhead** · 02.05.07, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by Dino5150

For those who don't own spraygun equipment, I agree a bodyshop would be a MUCH better option as opposed to using spraycans.

Something to consider though ...
An autobody shop isn't likely to take the time to properly "prep' your guitar body before painting it.
Ask them about sealers and primers in advance, or do it yourself before giving them the guitar body.
If they just plan on shooting paint on bare wood, the paint will most likely just flake off in a short period of time.

Good luck ... and post pics when it's done!

I agree, grain fill it, wet sand it down to like glass and seal it.
maybe even prime it and wet sand it yourself. The prep makes all the difference. taken it to a shop just makes it easy and they can do a good even thick coat.
if you do use paint cans, get one of those trigger things for them. you will kill your finger if you dont and will have a hard time spraying even.

**Otis5150** · 02.05.07, 12:30 PM

Yup. Like I said above, bodyshops are used to painting cars not guitars. If you go this route do your homework and be very specific when telling them what you want. This may include doing the prep work yourself for the best results.

**Otis5150** · 02.05.07, 12:32 PM

Yup. Like I said above, bodyshops are used to painting cars not guitars. If you go this route do your homework and be very specific when telling them what you want. This may include doing the prep work yourself for the best results.

**Otis5150** · 02.05.07, 12:32 PM

Yup. Like I said above, bodyshops are used to painting cars not guitars. If you go this route do your homework and be very specific when telling them what you want. This may include doing the prep work yourself for the best results.