Monday, May 27, 2013

How can I apply paint designs to my guitar?

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Nathan


I was thinking on painting some pin-stripes, or something like that, on my guitar. I was wondering if I would just be able to cover up spots with tape and spray it and let it dry, or is there more to it?

Also, I've heard that Duplicolor® is a good paint to use; is this true?



Answer
Hello there,

Just tape and spray? Nope. There is more to it than that. A lot more.

Duplicolor? Not on a guitar.

Since you are adding detail and not removing the old finish, you need to match the new paint with the present finish. Go check the manufactures specs to see what type of finish was used. If the finish is lacquer, then use lacquer. If the finish is urethane, use urethane. If you have a very cheap guitar, the finish might be poly.

Clean the areas to be painted. Lighter fluid usually works. Test it on a small spot on the back to make sure it does not damage the finish. Clean the body. Then do not handle the body after you have cleaned it. Wear gloves. An air brush is best for small detail work. Use whatever you have. Shoot on your color coats.

Now you are faced with the clear coat issue. If the detail area is small and only in one place, you might get by without clear coating the entire body. If you have detail work on many locations of the body, you are probably going to have to clear coat the entire body.

If you have to clear coat the entire body (everything will have to be removed -- everything). Shoot on the clear coats. Wet sand between coats with 400 grit paper. Shoot on many coats of clear. Than after the last clear coat let it cure. Then wet sand with progressively finer grit. From 600 up to 2000.

If you only put a small detail on, you may clear coat over it without redoing the entire body. Then sanding is on an as needed basis.

Later,



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