Marcus Chen
Fender Stratocasters are iconic guitars with a long history, and the paint finishes used on them have evolved over the years. From the early days of nitrocellulose lacquer to the modern era of polyurethane, the Stratocaster's finish has been a topic of interest for guitarists and collectors alike. With different finishes like sunburst, blonde, and custom colours, the Stratocaster has become a canvas for self-expression, with many opting to paint their own instruments. This has sparked a discussion on the best methods and paints to use, with considerations such as cost, durability, and the desired finish playing a role in the decision-making process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Nitrocellulose lacquer, acrylic enamel, polyurethane, polyester |
| Paint brand | Duco, Lucite, Reranch |
| Number of coats | Varies, but can include multiple coats of colour and clear |
| Application method | Spray gun, roller, airbrush |
| Drying time | Varies, but can be up to 3-6 months or longer |
| Surface preparation | Sanding, sealing, pore filling, undercoat |
| Finish | Glossy, matte, sunburst, custom colours |
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What You'll Learn
- Fender Stratocasters are painted using various methods, including rollers, spray paint, and airbrushes
- The type of paint used is typically lacquer, but other types such as acrylic and enamel are also used
- Nitrocellulose lacquer was commonly used in the 1950s, but it had issues with cracking and UV fading
- Polyester and polyurethane finishes were also adopted, but water-based paints were unsuccessful
- The guitar body is often sealed or filled before painting to prevent paint absorption and create a smooth finish
Fender Stratocasters are painted using various methods, including rollers, spray paint, and airbrushes
In the 1950s, Fender used a mixture of nitro and sand as a grain filler on the '54 Stratocasters, giving the guitars a three-dimensional aspect. They also used transparent sealers to fill the pores of the wood, preventing the paint from soaking in and saving colour paint and money. This process is still used on Ash bodies today.
In the 1950s, Fender also began using DuPont Duco (nitrocellulose) automotive lacquer, which was sprayed on. Fender Stratocasters were also hand-painted with sunburst finishes, creating vibrant, contrasting three-tone finishes known as "target" sunbursts.
Today, there are various methods and types of paint used to paint Fender Stratocasters. Some people use rollers, such as foam rollers, to achieve a similar look to the Fender custom shop finish. Others use spray paint, including rattle cans from auto shops, to paint their guitars. It is recommended to use a primer and several coats of colour and clear gloss, sanding between coats, to achieve a durable and glossy finish.
Some people also use airbrushes to paint their Fender Stratocasters. This method requires stripping the finish and sanding it flat before applying the new paint.
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The type of paint used is typically lacquer, but other types such as acrylic and enamel are also used
The type of paint used on a Fender Stratocaster varies and depends on the desired finish and the year of production. Typically, lacquer is used, but other types such as acrylic and enamel are also used.
In the 1950s, Fender used a mixture of nitro and sand as a grain filler on the Stratocasters. This was followed by a colour coat and a clear coat. Fender also used automotive lacquer, DuPont Duco (nitrocellulose), which was used routinely on the 'Blackguard' Telecasters from 1954. These guitars often yellowed over time, turning a butterscotch hue.
In the 1970s, Fender experimented with water-based finishes, but these were prone to cracking and did not work well. By the end of 1981, Fender had switched to a polyurethane clear coat for the Standard Stratocaster, known as the "Smith Strat".
Some people who paint their own Fender Stratocasters have used acrylic enamel, with a clear coat, wet sand, and buff. Others have used auto paint, such as Duco or Lucite lacquer. To achieve a glossy finish, some have used household spray paint with primer and several coats of colour and clear gloss.
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Nitrocellulose lacquer was commonly used in the 1950s, but it had issues with cracking and UV fading
In the 1950s, Fender Stratocasters were commonly painted with nitrocellulose lacquer, also known as DuPont Duco. This type of lacquer was widely used in automotive finishes at the time. Nitrocellulose lacquer is a fast-drying finish that forms a thin paint layer adhering to the surface of the guitar body.
However, nitrocellulose lacquer had some inherent issues. One of the main problems was its tendency to crack over time, a phenomenon known as "checking." This occurred because, when nitrocellulose lacquer dried, it lost its elasticity, becoming brittle and prone to cracking. Additionally, nitrocellulose lacquer was susceptible to UV fading. Certain pigments in the lacquer would fade when exposed to UV rays, and even the clear coat layer would yellow with minimal UV exposure, a phenomenon known as "yellowing."
To address these issues, Fender experimented with different finishes over the years. In the late 1970s, they tried water-based finishes, but these proved disastrous, as the paint was prone to cracking and would come off in sheets. By the early 1980s, Fender transitioned to a new type of polyurethane for the clear coat on the Standard Stratocaster, known as the "Smith Strat." However, they continued to use polyester as the undercoat.
The issues with nitrocellulose lacquer led to the exploration of alternative finishes, such as acrylic finishes, which offered improved UV resistance and elasticity, mitigating the problems of fading and checking.
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Polyester and polyurethane finishes were also adopted, but water-based paints were unsuccessful
In the 1950s, Fender used a mixture of nitro and sand on the Stratocasters of '54. Later, they used other insulating materials, such as Fullerplast, which was transparent, dried quickly, and could be applied thinly.
In 1957, Fender officially offered custom colours for Stratocasters, and throughout the 1950s, they occasionally obliged customer requests for unusual finishes. Fender's manufacturing techniques and materials have evolved over time, and there have been exceptions to the rules.
In 1979, Fender was asked by the Air Quality Management District and the Environmental Protection Agency to modify its spraying installation and find a less polluting finishing method. Fender then tried water-based finishes, but these were unsuccessful as they were prone to cracking and would come off in big sheets. As a result, Fender was forced to return to using polyester finishes.
Polyurethane finishes were also adopted, with a new type of polyurethane applied thinner than the previous polyester, beginning to replace it for the clear coat in the Standard Stratocaster, known as the "Smith Strat". However, polyester was kept as an undercoat.
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The guitar body is often sealed or filled before painting to prevent paint absorption and create a smooth finish
The Fender Stratocaster is a highly customisable electric guitar, with a variety of finishes available. The type of paint used on a Stratocaster depends on the desired finish and the year of production.
In the 1950s, Fender used a transparent sealer to fill the pores of the guitar body, creating a seal that prevented subsequent coats of paint from soaking into the wood. This method saved on paint costs and resulted in a thinner layer of paint. Fender also experimented with different materials, such as Fullerplast, which was transparent, quick-drying, and could be applied thinly.
Today, there are various methods and paints available for finishing a Stratocaster. Some common paints used include acrylic enamel, lacquer, and automotive paint. The choice of paint depends on the desired finish, cost, and durability. For example, acrylic paint is suitable for changing the colour of the guitar, while nitrocellulose lacquer is preferred for a more vintage look.
Additionally, the preparation and application techniques vary, such as using a primer, sanding, and applying multiple coats of paint and clear gloss. Some finishers also recommend using a roller or spray gun for a smoother finish.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single type of paint used on Fender Stratocasters. The type of paint used depends on the desired finish and the year of production. In the 1950s, Fender used a nitrocellulose lacquer, which was prone to cracking and fading. In the 1970s, Fender experimented with water-based finishes, but these were also prone to cracking. In the 1980s, Fender began using a polyurethane finish. Today, some Fender Stratocasters are painted with acrylic enamel.
A Fender Stratocaster typically has a clear coat finish, which can be either nitro or acrylic. The clear coat is applied over a coloured base coat, such as the standard sunburst or Olympic White.
Painting a Fender Stratocaster is not technically difficult, but it requires some preparation. First, you need to decide on the type of paint and finish you want. Then, you need to prepare the guitar by stripping any existing finish and sanding it down. Finally, you can apply the new paint, typically using a spray gun or roller.
There are many types of paint that can be used to refinish a Fender Stratocaster. Some people use cheap household spray paint, while others use auto paint or acrylic enamel. It is important to prepare the guitar properly before repainting, including using a primer and multiple coats of colour and clear gloss.
