Painting A Guitar: Small Area, Big Impact

Painting a guitar is a great way to revitalise an old instrument and make it feel like your own. It is not as simple as painting straight onto the existing surface of the guitar, as the existing layers need to be removed first. This can be done using heat, a paint scraper, and light sanding. Once the guitar's surface is smooth, you can apply a primer, which will help the paint adhere to the guitar and cover up any imperfections in the wood. After the primer is dry, you can apply the paint, either with a spray or a brush. When using spray paint, it is important to apply several thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Once the paint is dry, you can apply a clear coat, which will protect the paint and give the guitar a glossy finish.

Preparing the guitar surface

Remove Existing Finish and Hardware

First, you will need to remove the existing finish from the guitar. This can be done using a combination of heat and a paint scraper. If your guitar has any hardware, such as strings, knobs, or a pickguard, remove these as well. Be sure to also cover or remove any electronic components to protect them from paint.

Sanding

Once the existing finish is removed, it's time to sand the guitar's surface. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface and remove any remaining finish, dirt, or imperfections. Gradually work your way up to finer grits of sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Pay extra attention to the shiny areas of the sealer and use sandpaper to create a stable surface. This step is crucial in achieving a smooth finish, so take your time and ensure the surface is as even as possible.

Primer

After sanding, apply a primer to the guitar's surface. The primer acts as a base coat, helping the paint adhere better and covering any imperfections in the wood. You can use a spray or brush-on primer, following the manufacturer's instructions for drying time.

Filler (Optional)

If your guitar has a lot of grain, such as mahogany or ash, consider using a grain filler. Mix the pore filler with water until it becomes pasty, then apply it to the guitar and rub it with a cloth or spatula. This step can save you a few coats of primer. However, for woods with less grain, like alder or maple, this step may not be necessary.

Final Sanding

Before moving on to the painting step, it is important to do a final sanding to ensure a smooth surface. Use P800 sandpaper to eliminate any imperfections and create a smooth base for the paint.

Remember, preparing the guitar surface is a crucial step in the painting process. Taking your time and following these steps will help you achieve the best results when painting your guitar.

Choosing the right primer

When it comes to choosing the right primer for your guitar, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to determine the type of wood your guitar is made of, as this will influence the number of primer coats needed. Woods with a lot of grains, such as mahogany or ash, may require a grain filler to be applied before the primer, which will save you a few coats of primer. On the other hand, woods like alder or maple may not need a grain filler, and you can simply apply additional coats of primer.

The colour of your primer is also an important consideration. If you're planning to use a light final colour like white or yellow, it's recommended to use a white primer. For darker colours, a grey primer is more suitable. The primer will soak into the wood, providing a solid base coat and reducing the amount of your final colour paint needed.

It's also worth noting that some guitars, especially those with a poly finish, may not require a primer at all. For example, Krylon Spray Paint, specifically designed for plastics, can be used directly on poly guitars without the need for a primer. However, keep in mind that some people believe that coating the wood of your guitar with paint or primer can affect the sound and "clean playing".

When applying the primer, it's generally recommended to use thin coats and allow ample drying time between each coat. This helps create a smooth finish and prevents dust or other imperfections from getting trapped in the paint. Depending on your environment, you may need to adjust the number of coats and curing time.

Additionally, consider the application method of the primer. While some primers can be brushed on and then sanded level, others come in spray cans or aerosol cans. Spraying the primer may require specific techniques or equipment to hold the guitar, such as attaching it to the ceiling or using a paint spray gun.

Painting techniques

Preparation

Before painting, it is important to prepare the surface of the guitar. If there is any hardware on the guitar, such as strings, knobs, or a pickguard, remove it. If the guitar has an existing finish, you will need to remove it. This can be done using heat, a paint scraper, and light sanding. Use sandpaper with varying degrees of grit to smooth out the surface, starting with low grit and moving to higher grit sandpaper. This process will ensure that the new paint adheres properly and that the final product looks smooth and professional.

Priming

Once the surface is prepared, apply a primer to the guitar's surface. The primer acts as a base coat, helping the paint adhere better and covering any imperfections in the wood. You can use a spray or brush-on primer, applying it evenly and following the manufacturer's instructions for drying time.

Painting

When the primer is dry, you can start painting. You can use spray paint or brush-on paint, depending on your preference. If using spray paint, apply several thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. With brush-on paint, apply it evenly and smoothly, avoiding any drips or brush marks. Hang the guitar securely in an area away from wind and debris to prevent any particles from sticking to the wet paint.

Clear Coat and Assembly

After the paint has dried completely, apply a clear coat to provide a protective layer and a glossy finish. Again, you can use either spray or brush-on clear coat, following the manufacturer's instructions. Once the clear coat is dry, reassemble the guitar by replacing the hardware you removed earlier. Be careful when restringing the guitar to avoid scratching the new paint.

Aging and Finishing Touches (Optional)

You can choose to age your guitar by mimicking battle scars and creating an aged effect. This can be done by lightly tapping the finish with a small tool to create artificial wounds. To crack the varnish, place the guitar in a freezer at -20 degrees Celsius for 12-24 hours, causing the wood to shrink and the paint to crack. Apply a water-based dye or bitumen of Judea with a cloth to enhance the cracks, then wipe away any excess. Finally, you can add any desired finishing touches, such as decals, stickers, or additional designs with a paintbrush.

Drying and sanding

Drying:

Before starting the drying process, it is important to prepare the guitar's surface. This includes removing any existing paint and sealing layers with heat and a paint scraper, followed by light sanding to smooth the area.

Once the guitar's surface is prepared, you can begin the painting process. After each coat of paint, allow for adequate drying time. For spray painting, let the paint dry for about 20 minutes in a well-ventilated area. Ignore any drips and let them dry as well. Repeat the spraying process until small particles no longer stick to the paint. This procedure should be done at least 3 to 5 times for a good primer coat.

After the final coat of paint, let the guitar dry for at least 3 days. If you plan to apply a clear coat, such as a nitrocellulose finish, wait for about a week to ensure the paint is completely dry. For a nitrocellulose or polyurethane finish, extend the waiting period to three to four weeks. In contrast, an oil-based finish requires only a few days to harden.

Sanding:

Sanding is essential to create a smooth surface and remove imperfections. It is typically done in two stages: before and after painting. When sanding before painting, use at least three grades of sandpaper: rough, medium, and fine. Start with a heavier grit, such as 120-grit sandpaper, to remove scratches, bumps, and dents. Then switch to finer grit sandpaper, like 220-grit, to address minor scratch marks. Remember to always sand with the grain, especially when dealing with curved edges.

When sanding after painting, use fine-grit sandpaper, such as 600-grit, to avoid damaging the paint. Sand lightly, as guitar paint is thick and challenging to remove. Use a sanding block for flat surfaces and drag the sandpaper with your fingers for tricky areas, such as the edges and neck of the guitar. This provides better control and a superior finish.

After sanding, ensure you remove all the dust and grit with a damp cloth, denatured alcohol, or a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. You can also use compressed air or a moistened cloth to wipe away the dust.

Finishing touches

Once the paint is dry, you can add the finishing touches to your guitar to make it truly unique. This might include adding decals, stickers, or designs with a paintbrush. Be sure to wait until the paint is completely dry before adding any additional details.

If you want to distress your guitar to give it an aged look, you can create "war wounds" by lightly tapping the finish with a small tool to simulate wear and create areas of different surface tension. This will direct any subsequent cracks towards these artificial marks, enhancing the aged effect.

To crack the varnish, place the guitar in a freezer at -20 degrees Celsius for 12-24 hours. The wood will shrink, causing the varnish to crack. Apply a water-based dye with a cloth to deepen and highlight the cracks, then wipe away any excess. Repeat the freezing process for additional cracks.

If you want to obtain a professional finish, you can perform a sanding and polishing process. Wait 21 days after the last application to sand and polish with the security that the nitrocellulose finish is completely dry. Sand with P800, P1200, P1500, and P2000 sandpaper, either dry or with some water and soap. The trick is to get a completely smooth and shaded final surface. Once the surface is completely matted, you can move on to the polishing process.

Frequently asked questions