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Step 9Painting
Volumes could be written regarding painting guitars (and have been written.) We'll keep it simple.
Use a mask when painting, especially indoors.
Painting
For my needs, a fast-drying acrylic from a spray can works fine. If this were a $10000 collector's item, then a compressor/gun/lacquer would be a must.
--First, hang the body from the hole drilled within the neck mounting section (that's why it's there.) Make sure the body is clean and free of dust.
--Spray successive coats of color, following the instructions for drying time between coats. Wet sand once some density is built-up. 4 or 5 coats should be enough.
--Follow the color with a couple coats of clear.
Finish sanding
When working at this stage, always lay the body on a few layers of cloth--old towels work well. It helps keep the work stationary, and prevents scratching the underside.
--Now wet sand, starting with 400 grit up through at least 800 grit paper. Wipe often with a clean damp rag and check your progress. Be especially careful on edges and corners, as it's easy to sand through the paint.
--If you do sand through, it's necessary to touch up the error by hand, wet sand, apply clear and sand again. But that's lots of extra time/work. Try a light touch on edges!
Rubbing out
Use a rubbing compound to restore the gloss which the wet sanding has dulled. There are many types, I used an automotive compound. 'Crest' toothpaste can be used as a finish compound.
Use a mask when painting, especially indoors.
Painting
For my needs, a fast-drying acrylic from a spray can works fine. If this were a $10000 collector's item, then a compressor/gun/lacquer would be a must.
--First, hang the body from the hole drilled within the neck mounting section (that's why it's there.) Make sure the body is clean and free of dust.
--Spray successive coats of color, following the instructions for drying time between coats. Wet sand once some density is built-up. 4 or 5 coats should be enough.
--Follow the color with a couple coats of clear.
Finish sanding
When working at this stage, always lay the body on a few layers of cloth--old towels work well. It helps keep the work stationary, and prevents scratching the underside.
--Now wet sand, starting with 400 grit up through at least 800 grit paper. Wipe often with a clean damp rag and check your progress. Be especially careful on edges and corners, as it's easy to sand through the paint.
--If you do sand through, it's necessary to touch up the error by hand, wet sand, apply clear and sand again. But that's lots of extra time/work. Try a light touch on edges!
Rubbing out
Use a rubbing compound to restore the gloss which the wet sanding has dulled. There are many types, I used an automotive compound. 'Crest' toothpaste can be used as a finish compound.
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Jun 2, 2009. 11:23 AMweloveclover
says:
any reason why black? cause i would have done a crazy custom skull job.
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10
Jun 2, 2009. 12:55 PMgmoon (author)
says:
Well, you should then. This was done as homage to Clapton's "Blackie," sort of. You're you, I'm me, and we both like it that way...
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Sep 24, 2007. 11:39 AMMicroscope
says:
Are you buffing it before adding the clear coat?
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10
Sep 24, 2007. 11:48 AMgmoon (author)
says:
I used several coats of color, and there was some orange-peeling. So I did wet sand before adding the clear. I've been working on another guitar, and have learned since this project that you can get lacquer in spray cans, and it's much easier to work with than acrylic...
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