Painting A Guitar: Keep It Intact, Make It Art

Painting a guitar is a fun and rewarding project that can give new life to an old instrument. It is a long process that requires patience and attention to detail, but it is possible to achieve a professional-quality finish without taking the guitar apart. Before beginning, it is important to gather the necessary materials, including paint, sealer, sandpaper, and a clear gloss coat. The first step is to remove the guitar strings and any other detachable parts, such as knobs and the pickguard. It is also crucial to protect the areas that cannot be removed with masking tape. Once the guitar is prepared, the old paint must be removed through sanding and heating. After the guitar is free of old paint and imperfections, a coat of sealer can be applied, followed by the base colour. Finally, a clear gloss coat will give the guitar a shiny, professional finish.

Characteristics of painting a guitar without taking it apart

Prepare the guitar: strip and sand the guitar body, and cover areas to keep paint-free

To prepare your guitar for painting without taking it apart, you must first strip and sand the guitar body and then cover the areas you want to keep paint-free.

Begin by removing the guitar strings. You can do this by pulling them free from the bridge and pegs and then snipping them away. If you plan to paint the neck of the guitar, you can also remove it by unscrewing it from the body using a Phillips-Head screwdriver. However, this step is not necessary if you intend to keep the neck as it is.

The next step is to remove the pickguard. First, remove any knobs and the selector cap. Then, carefully loosen the screws and gently lift away the pickguard. If there are electronics attached, unscrew any pickups and pots before lifting them away with the pickguard.

With the pickguard removed, you can now focus on stripping and sanding the guitar body. Use a heat gun or hairdryer on its lowest setting to heat up and soften the old paint. Hold it back and forth across the body for about five minutes, then use a putty knife to lift the paint. Alternatively, you can use your hands to strip the surface, but this method is more labour-intensive and may not achieve as smooth a finish. An orbital sander is a more efficient option, but if you don't have one, a backing block is better than using your fingers. For curves and crannies, a sanding sponge is your best tool. Continue sanding until the guitar body is relatively smooth.

Once you're satisfied with the smoothness, use a dry rag or microfiber cloth to wipe down the guitar body, ensuring no sawdust or debris remains, as these will get sealed into your new paint job.

Finally, use masking tape to cover any areas you want to keep paint-free. Ensure the tape is flush against the surface with no bubbles, as paint may bleed underneath.

Choose the right paint: select a paint suitable for guitars, such as polyester or polyurethane

When it comes to choosing the right paint for your guitar, polyester or polyurethane finishes are the most common types. These finishes are often referred to as "poly finishes", and they offer significant advantages over other types of paint.

Polyester finishes, for example, are known for their colour persistence, with very few signs of aging. The colours are typically bright and homogeneous, and the finish is highly resistant to scratches and other damage. Polyester is also more environmentally friendly than polyurethane, as it has a lower solvent evaporation rate. However, it requires more specialised equipment to apply due to its higher solids content.

On the other hand, polyurethane finishes have been widely used since the 1960s, and for good reason. They are more cost-effective, quicker to apply, and dry faster than other types of paint. Polyurethane finishes are also highly durable and resistant to scratches, water, and other liquids. They can be buffed to a gloss more easily and do not discolour over time.

Both polyester and polyurethane finishes are suitable for guitars and can be applied without taking the guitar apart. They are similar in many ways and will provide a protective layer to your guitar while allowing you to achieve the desired colour and visual impact.

When choosing between these two types of finishes, consider their respective advantages and your specific needs. Factors such as cost, application process, durability, and colour persistence should be taken into account to determine which finish is better suited to your guitar and your personal preferences.

Apply the paint: use a spray gun or can for an even coat, or a brush for a thicker coat

Painting a guitar is a long process that requires patience and know-how. It is important to prepare the guitar before painting it. This includes removing the guitar strings and any electrical components, as well as sanding the guitar body to ensure a smooth finish. Once you are happy with the smoothness of the guitar body, you can start applying the paint.

If you want an even coat, it is best to use a spray gun or a spray can. Hold the spray can 10 to 15 inches away from the guitar body and spray in a back-and-forth motion. Apply a few thin coats, allowing each coat to dry for about 15 minutes before applying the next. This will ensure a smooth and even finish. You can also use a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the finish and make it easier for the paint to adhere.

If you want a thicker coat, you can use a brush to apply the paint. This method will result in a less smooth finish, but it will provide more coverage. Make sure to use a brush specifically made for paint application, such as a foam brush or a natural bristle brush. Start by applying the paint in the direction of the wood grain, then go back over it in the opposite direction to ensure even coverage.

It is important to work in a well-ventilated area when using spray paint or paint thinners, and to wear a respirator to avoid inhaling any fumes. It is also crucial to allow the paint to dry completely between coats and before reassembling the guitar. The drying time will depend on the type of paint used and the humidity and temperature of the environment.

Once you have applied the desired number of coats and allowed the paint to dry, you can move on to the final steps of polishing and reassembling your guitar.

Finishing touches: sand between coats for a smooth finish, and apply a clear gloss for shine

When it comes to the finishing touches for your guitar, it's essential to take the time to ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish. Sanding between coats of paint is a crucial step in achieving this. Use fine-grit sandpaper, such as 800-grit or 1200 to 1500-grit sandpaper, to gently smooth out any imperfections or inconsistencies in the finish. Take your time and be patient—a quality finish can't be rushed, especially if you're doing it by hand. Remove any dust with a microfiber cloth or a clean rag, ensuring the surface is free of debris before applying the next coat of paint.

After you're happy with the base colour and have achieved a smooth finish, it's time to apply a clear gloss coat. This will add shine and protect your paint job. Choose a clear lacquer or polyurethane finish, and decide whether you want to apply it with a spray or manually. Spraying provides a thinner but more even coat, requiring multiple layers, while manual application results in a thicker coat but may be less smooth.

If you opt for spraying, hold the spray can or spray gun 10 to 15 inches away from the surface of the guitar and apply thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next, following the product's instructions for drying time. If you choose to apply the clear gloss manually, you can use the wipe-on or brush-on method with polyurethane.

Finally, let the clear gloss coat cure for several days before reassembling your guitar. Check labels and photographs to ensure you put everything back in its proper place. With the right care and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-quality finish on your guitar that you can be proud of.

Reassemble the guitar: put the guitar back together, checking labels and photos as a guide

Now that you've finished painting your guitar, it's time to put it back together. This process involves reversing the steps you took to disassemble it, being careful to refer to your labels and photos as a guide.

First, reattach the electrical components connecting the bridge and pickups. Solder the wires connecting the bridge and pickups, as you would have snipped them earlier during the disassembly process. Ensure that all electrical wiring is securely connected before moving on.

Next, reattach the neck of the guitar to the body using a Phillips-Head screwdriver. Tighten the screws securely, but be careful not to overtighten them, as this can damage the wood.

Replace the guitar strings. This is a good time to consider using a new set of strings, as recommended by some sources. If you're reusing the old strings, ensure they are in good condition and properly stretched to avoid any tuning issues.

Reattach any other hardware you removed during the disassembly process, such as the pickguard, knobs, and selector cap. Be sure to refer to your labels and photos to ensure that each piece is placed back in its correct position.

Finally, give your guitar a final inspection to ensure that all parts are securely attached and functioning properly. Pluck each string individually to check for any buzzing or uneven sounds, as this may indicate a problem with the setup. Adjust the truss rod and bridge saddles as needed to ensure proper string action and intonation.

With your guitar reassembled, you can now admire your new custom paint job and enjoy playing your instrument with a fresh look and feel.

Frequently asked questions