Keep Your Guitar Standing While Painting: Tips And Tricks

Painting a guitar can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to keeping the guitar standing up while you work. There are a few methods that can be used to achieve this, such as using a stick or a screw to hold the guitar in place while you paint. Some people prefer to paint their guitars horizontally so they can easily spin the body to reach all sides, while others use a vertical pipe stand. It's important to consider the weight of the guitar when choosing a method, as well as the type of guitar and whether you want to paint horizontally or vertically.

Characteristics and their values for keeping a guitar standing up while painting:

Using a paint stick

Painting a guitar can be a tricky task, and one of the challenges is finding a way to keep the guitar standing up while you work. One method that some people have found useful is to use a paint stick. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a paint stick to keep your guitar standing up while painting:

Prepare the Paint Stick

First, you will need to cut a length of 1x2 wood to create a stick. Then, attach a piece of plywood to one end, cut slightly smaller than the neck pocket of the guitar. This will act as a spacer, making it easier to paint the edge of the body and preventing the stick from sticking to the fresh paint. You can also shave down the other end of the stick to fit into a length of PVC pipe, which can be useful for additional support.

Attaching the Paint Stick to the Guitar

There are a few different methods for attaching the paint stick to the guitar. One option is to use screws. You can run two long, narrow machine screws through the existing holes in the neck pocket, with nuts on the other side to secure them. Alternatively, you can use four sheet metal screws into the four neck holes. Make sure the screws are large enough to hold the weight of the guitar but not so big that they damage the wood.

Painting the Guitar

Once the paint stick is securely attached, you can begin painting. Hold the body of the guitar by the stick to paint the inside of the horns, then slip the stick over a vertical pipe stand to paint the rest of the guitar. You can also try holding the body by the stick, with the bottom edge up, and spraying across. This method can help reduce drips and runs in the paint.

Removing the Paint Stick

After the paint has dried, you can carefully remove the paint stick from the guitar. Be gentle and patient during this process to avoid damaging the fresh paint. Once the paint stick is removed, you can admire your handiwork and enjoy your newly painted guitar!

Drilling new holes

Preparing the Stick

First, cut a length of 1x2 wood to create a stick that will fit into the neck pocket of the guitar. Attach a piece of plywood, slightly smaller than the neck pocket, to one end of the stick. This will help to stabilize the guitar and prevent it from twisting or falling. You can also shave down the other end of the stick to fit into a PVC pipe, which can be useful for additional support during painting.

Drilling the Holes

Attaching the Stick

Insert screws through the neck pocket holes and into the stick. Use screws that are long enough to hold the body securely but not so long that they protrude too far and risk damaging the guitar. You can also use machine screws with nuts for added security. Ensure that the screws are tight enough to hold the weight of the guitar without causing any damage to the wood.

Painting the Guitar

Once the stick is securely attached to the guitar, you can begin painting. Hold the body of the guitar by the stick to paint the inside of the horns or any hard-to-reach areas. Then, slip the stick over a vertical pipe stand or insert it into the PVC pipe to paint the rest of the guitar. This allows for easy maneuverability and access to all sides of the guitar.

Final Thoughts

While drilling new holes and using a stick is a popular method for keeping a guitar standing up while painting, it is important to be cautious and careful during the process. Always ensure that the screws are the appropriate size and tightness to avoid damaging the guitar body or neck pocket. Additionally, consider the number and placement of the holes to ensure they are covered by the neck during final assembly.

Painting horizontally

Painting a guitar can be a tricky task, and it's important to find a setup that works for you. While there is no set way to best hold a guitar while painting it, some prefer to paint horizontally so they can spin the guitar body to reach all sides.

One way to do this is to use a "stick" or "post" that is placed into the neck pocket. The stick can be attached with screws that are big enough to hold the body but not so big that they fall out or damage the guitar. You can attach the stick to the neck pocket by matching it up with the neck holes in the body, drilling new holes, or screwing into the bottom or side of the pocket.

Another method is to use a paint stick, which can be attached with screws into the wood or sheet metal screws into the neck holes. One user prefers this method, as they once had the body twist off of two small screws and hit the cement.

A third option is to create a spacer by cutting a length of 1x2 and attaching a piece of plywood cut slightly smaller than the neck pocket. The spacer makes it easier to paint the edge of the body where it meets the neck, and it keeps the stick from sticking to the newly painted body.

When painting horizontally, it's important to be able to spin the guitar body to reach all sides. You can do this by holding the body by the stick while painting the inside of the horns, then slipping the stick over a vertical pipe stand.

Attaching a fake neck

Prepare the Materials

You will need a stick or a paint stick that is slightly smaller than the neck pocket of the guitar. This stick will serve as the temporary neck. It is recommended to use a stick made of wood or a similar material that can be securely attached to the guitar body. Additionally, you will need screws that are long enough to hold the guitar body securely without falling out. The screws should be just large enough to fit into the neck pocket holes without enlarging them.

Attach the Stick to the Guitar Body

Drill two to four screws through the neck pocket holes into the stick. The number of screws used depends on personal preference, but it is important to ensure a secure hold. Make sure the screws are tight enough to hold the weight of the guitar body. This will create a stable connection between the stick and the guitar body.

Create a Swivel Mechanism

To facilitate easy painting of all sides of the guitar, it is beneficial to attach the fake neck to a swivel mechanism. This can be achieved by using a television swivel base or creating a custom swivel setup. For example, you can insert the stick into a length of PVC pipe, allowing the guitar body to swivel for better access during painting.

Painting Process

Once the fake neck is securely attached, you can begin the painting process. Hold the guitar by the stick to paint the inside of the horns and other hard-to-reach areas. Then, slip the stick over a vertical pipe stand or rest it on a stable surface to paint the rest of the guitar body. Remember to follow the appropriate safety precautions when working with paint and always work in a well-ventilated area.

Remove the Fake Neck

After the paint has dried completely, carefully remove the screws attaching the fake neck to the guitar body. Ensure that the paint is fully cured before handling the guitar extensively to avoid any damage to the finish. Now, you can proceed to attach the actual neck of the guitar and continue with the assembly process.

Using a vertical pipe stand

To create the stick, you can cut a length of 1x2 wood and attach a piece of quarter-inch plywood, slightly smaller than the neck pocket. Shave down one end of the stick so that it fits snugly into the vertical pipe stand. You can also use a paint stick or a length of PVC pipe instead of wood.

Drill holes into the stick to attach it to the guitar. Some people prefer to drill into the neck pocket of the guitar, but others avoid this to prevent damage. You can also attach the stick to the guitar using screws or a spacer. The spacer will prevent the stick from sticking to the newly painted surface.

Once the stick is securely attached to the guitar, slip the other end into the vertical pipe stand. This will hold the guitar upright, allowing you to paint the body and horns easily. You can adjust the height of the pipe stand to get a comfortable painting position.

This method provides stability and makes it easy to access all sides of the guitar for painting. It is a versatile setup that can be adjusted to suit your needs. Remember to take the necessary precautions to protect your work area and surroundings from paint spills and overspray.

Frequently asked questions