Priya Kapoor
Fender guitars have a distinctive look, and the finish on a guitar is a major part of the statement that guitarists make about themselves. Nitrocellulose lacquer (nitro) was the finish most often used on Fender guitars during the company's original 1950s and '60s golden age, although acrylic lacquers were also used. Today, Fender uses a variety of finish types, from the original nitrocellulose lacquer finishes to more modern urethane and polyester finishes. If you want to paint a small design on your Fender guitar, you can do it yourself, but be warned that it is a complex and lengthy process. You'll need to disassemble the guitar, remove the old paint, sand the body, and then apply a coat of sealer, base colour, and clear gloss coat. Alternatively, you can take your guitar to a professional, but this could cost around $500.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting a design on a guitar | Possible |
| Fender custom colors | Offered for a small upcharge |
| Fender custom colors | Increase the desirability and future value of a guitar |
| Fender custom colors | Include Lake Placid Blue Metallic, Daphne Blue, Sonic Blue, Shoreline Gold Metallic, Olympic White, Burgundy Mist Metallic, Black, Sherwood Green Metallic, Foam Green, Surf Green, Inca Silver Metallic, Fiesta Red, Dakota Red, and Shell Pink |
| Fender custom colors | Introduced in the late 1950s and 1960s |
| Fender custom colors | Introduced around the same time as the Jazzmaster |
| Painting a guitar | Requires removing old paint |
| Painting a guitar | Requires a coat of sealer, base color, and a clear gloss coat |
| Painting a guitar | Requires sanding |
| Painting a guitar | Requires a clear or suitable undercoat |
| Painting a guitar | Requires a clear lacquer |
| Painting a guitar | Requires car polish |
| Painting a guitar | Requires specialist guitar paints such as polyester, polyurethane, or nitrocellulose |
| Painting a guitar | Can be done with acrylic paint for cheaper guitars |
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What You'll Learn
Painting over old paint
Next, you will need to sand down the body of the guitar. Use medium-grit sandpaper (100-120 grit) and sand over the surface of the guitar body in the direction of the grain. You can then move to a finer grit sandpaper (200-220 grit) to sand out smaller irregularities and smooth the body of the guitar. After sanding, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove most of the dust, and then a can of compressed air or a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust. If you are working with mahogany or other porous woods, you will need to apply grain filler to the guitar's body to create an even surface for painting.
Before painting, consider practising on a scrap piece of wood to get a feel for the process and sharpen your technique. You may also want to apply a mist coat of primer to help the new paint adhere better and cover any underlying colours. Choose a suitable paint for electric guitars, such as polyester, polyurethane, or nitrocellulose. Spray a base coat onto the guitar and let it dry before applying additional coats as needed. Let the guitar sit for a couple of days before sanding and applying a clear lacquer. Finally, wait at least three weeks before polishing the body with car polish.
It is important to note that a thick coat of paint or finish can tonally diminish your instrument. Additionally, be sure to consider the compatibility of the new finish with the old one, as incompatible finishes may start peeling off or bubbling. If you are unsure about the process or are working with a valuable guitar, it is best to seek advice from a professional or someone experienced in painting guitars.
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Removing old paint
Painting a design on a Fender guitar is possible, but it requires careful preparation and execution. Before painting a design on a guitar, it is essential to remove the old paint. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing old paint from a guitar:
- Disassemble the guitar: Remove the strings, hardware, and electronics (if possible). Cover any remaining parts with masking tape or painter's tape, especially the pickups, to protect them from paint strippers and sandpaper.
- Choose a paint removal method: There are several ways to remove paint from a guitar, including sanding, using paint thinners or chemical strippers, and applying heat. The chosen method will depend on the type of paint and finish on the guitar, as well as the condition of the wood underneath.
- Sanding: If the paint is already chipped or flaking off, sanding can be an effective method for removing the remaining paint. Start with a lower grit sandpaper, such as 800-grit, and sand in different directions to remove the paint. Progressively use finer grades of sandpaper, up to 2000-grit, to smooth out the surface. Ensure that all scratches from the previous grit are removed before moving to the next finer grade.
- Paint thinners: Paint thinners or chemical strippers can be effective in removing paint. Soak a rag in paint thinner and wipe it over the painted surface. Alternatively, apply a thick coat of a chemical stripper like Kwik Strip, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit. Use a card scraper to push away the softened paint, working in the direction of the grain. Be cautious, as chemical strippers can be messy and may require multiple applications.
- Heat method: For more stubborn paints, using a heat gun or hairdryer can help soften the paint for easier removal. Set the heat gun or hairdryer to the lowest setting and move it back and forth across the guitar body. Do not hold it in one spot for too long to avoid burning the wood. Once the paint is softened, use a putty knife to lift and scrape it off. If the paint is difficult to remove, reapply heat as needed.
- Refinishing: Once all the old paint is removed, you can choose to refinish the guitar. This may involve additional sanding to smooth the surface, applying a clear coat or sealer, and polishing the body with car polish after the recommended drying time.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area when using paint thinners or chemical strippers, and always wear gloves and protective gear to ensure safety during the paint removal process.
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Choosing the right paint
First, determine the type of guitar you have. Is it an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar? Electric guitars, for example, are typically made of solid wood and can be painted with a variety of paints, including polyester, polyurethane, or nitrocellulose. These paints are durable and enhance the guitar's sound. Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, may have a hollow body and may require different types of paint.
Next, consider the finish you want to achieve. Do you prefer a glossy finish or a matte finish? Glossy finishes can be achieved by using a clear gloss coat on top of your paint. If you're looking for a more natural look, an oil finish may be a better option. Oil finishes leave the wood with a soft satin feel and bring out the natural beauty of the grain. However, they may not offer the same colour options as paint.
Your budget is also an important factor when choosing the right paint. Specialist guitar paints, such as lacquer paints, can be more expensive but will provide a higher-quality finish. If you're on a tighter budget, acrylic paint can be a more affordable option, especially for cheaper guitars. However, for more valuable guitars, it's recommended to use specialist guitar paints or seek advice from a professional.
Additionally, the application process should be considered. Some paints, like spray paints, may require a spray gun setup, while others can be applied with a brush or a rag. If you're using a spray paint, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and work in a well-ventilated area. Before applying any paint, it's important to prepare the surface by removing the old paint and sanding the surface to create a smooth base for the new paint.
Finally, take into account the drying and curing time of the paint. Some paints may require longer curing times, such as nitrocellulose lacquer, which can take up to three months or more. This will impact how soon you can play your guitar after painting it.
Remember, when choosing the right paint for your Fender guitar, consider the type of guitar, your desired finish, budget, application process, and drying time. With the right paint and careful preparation, you can achieve a customised look and enhance the sound of your guitar.
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Painting techniques
Painting a design on a Fender guitar is possible, but it requires careful preparation and technique. Firstly, it is important to remove the old paint. This can be done by heating the old paint with a hairdryer or heat gun on its lowest setting, being careful not to hold it in one spot for too long to avoid burning the wood. Once the paint is softened, use a putty knife to lift it off. Next, it is crucial to sand the guitar body. Wet sanding is recommended, starting with a fine grit (400) and progressing to a rougher grit (up to 2000). Ensure all scratches and swirls are addressed, as they will be impossible to fix later.
Before painting, practice on a scrap piece of wood to refine your technique. When ready, apply shielding tape to areas you don't want to paint to ensure clean lines. For the paint itself, specialist guitar paints are recommended for valuable guitars, such as lacquer paints made from polyester, polyurethane, or nitrocellulose, as they continue to cure over time, enhancing the guitar's sound. However, for cheaper guitars, acrylic paint can be used, but it should be applied thinly with a proper finish. Spray guns can also be used for easier application.
After painting, let the guitar sit for a couple of days before sanding and applying a clear lacquer. Wait at least three weeks before polishing the body with car polish. Finally, screw or bolt the guitar's hardware back together, and solder any wires that were cut during disassembly.
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Fender's custom colours
Fenders are known for their custom colours and paint jobs. While it is possible to paint a design on a Fender guitar, it is not a simple task and requires careful preparation. Before painting, the old finish must be removed by heating it with a hairdryer or heat gun and then scraping it off with a putty knife. Once the old paint is removed, the body of the guitar should be scuffed with sandpaper to provide a better surface for the new paint to adhere to.
When choosing a paint, it is important to consider the value of the guitar. For cheaper guitars, acrylic paint can be used, but for more valuable instruments, it is recommended to use specialist guitar paints like lacquer paints made from polyester, polyurethane, or nitrocellulose. These paints are harder, more durable, and enhance the guitar's sound. It is also important to apply the paint thinly and add a proper finish, such as a poly or nitrocellulose finish.
Fender guitars have offered various custom colour options over the years, including the popular Candy Apple Red Metallic, which was commonly ordered for Jaguars and Jazzmasters. Another rare colour is the Black 1964 Fender Jaguar, which is a factory-finished super rare colour. Lake Placid Blue Metallic is also a unique colour offered by Fender, but it is known to fade significantly to a green colour over time due to the clear coat applied over the paint.
When painting a Fender guitar, it is essential to follow the proper steps to ensure a high-quality finish. After applying the base colour, a clear gloss coat can be added to make the finish shiny. It is recommended to let the guitar sit for two days before sanding and applying a clear lacquer, and then waiting three weeks before polishing the body with car polish. With the right techniques and materials, a custom paint job can revitalise the look of an old Fender guitar.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can paint a design on your Fender guitar, but it is not as simple as just applying paint to the surface. Before painting, you will need to remove the old paint using a heat gun or hairdryer and a putty knife. You can then apply a coat of sealer, your chosen paint colour, and a clear gloss coat.
The usual types of paint for guitars are polyester, polyurethane, or nitrocellulose. For cheaper guitars, acrylic paint can also be used, but for more valuable guitars, it is recommended to use specialist guitar paints.
First, remove the old paint from the guitar body. Then, scuff up the existing finish with sandpaper so that the new paint has something to adhere to. You can then apply a coat of sealer, followed by your chosen paint colour. Finally, apply a clear gloss coat and let the guitar sit for several weeks before polishing.
