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Hand-painting a guitar.

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  • #1

    Hand-painting a guitar.



    Yeah, I know it's all been said and done before here and everywhere but if I start searching then I'll no doubt end up more confused so let's go over it one more time. Please?

    Let's say that I have a nice SG copy that I really like. Lets also say that the red finish has been chipping off around the control area to show quite nicely grained Mahogony and I'm completely addicted to picking at it, more and more and more and so on. Let's also say that I was at a gig a few nights ago and three guitarists were using red SGs. They're really far too common and I figure I can always get another red SG, right?

    So, if I wanted to do some custom artwork on it the old fashioned way with a brush and some paint what would I have to do? The existing finish should come off without a problem. I'd like to keep the natural grain of the wood showing but paint some sort of symbol or design or some such in a simple black-on-wood sort of thing. Would I need to seal the wood first? I'd like it clear-coated to protect the image but I don't want anything too thick as I'm really hoping that removing this finish will help it breathe and resonate a little better. What kind of paint should I use and what should I use to clearcoat over it?

    Sorry for the newest repetition of the whole refinishing theme but I honestly don't know anything about painting guitars. Thanks for any help you can offer.
    I remember calloused hands and paint-stained jeans, and I remember safe-as-houses self-belief.
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  • #2
    Re: Hand-painting a guitar.

    Oh yeah, some inspiration on what the **** to paint on there would be nice too.

    So I dunno, post pictures of your favourite custom paint jobs or something. Just to make the thread a bit more interesting maybe.
    I remember calloused hands and paint-stained jeans, and I remember safe-as-houses self-belief.

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    • #3
      Re: Hand-painting a guitar.

      well you would want to lightly seal the bare wood before the artwork lest it run
      then another coat of sealant when finished to protect said artwork

      might I suggest an artistic rendition of the back of Katy Perry's head
      EHD
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      • #4
        Re: Hand-painting a guitar.

        Use One Shot lettering paint. Needs no primer and no clear. Sign painters, pinstripers use it for all outdoor stuff. Takes a few days to dry real good, but it glosses off nice and self levels for no streaks....check out this seat i did for Watts...all One Shot over a flaked-n-cleared green. Have fun....

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        • #5
          Re: Hand-painting a guitar.

          Spraypaint "NICKELBACK" on it in big ****ing letters. It'll make sure that you have the most amount of time possible to spend with your guitars - nobody will want to be around you.
          Custom neck-thru strat
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          • #6
            Re: Hand-painting a guitar.

            Originally posted by ehdwuld View Post
            well you would want to lightly seal the bare wood before the artwork lest it run
            then another coat of sealant when finished to protect said artwork

            might I suggest an artistic rendition of the back of Katy Perry's head
            Yeah, with the crosshairs of a rifle scope aimed directly at the centre of it.

            Originally posted by butnut View Post
            Use One Shot lettering paint. Needs no primer and no clear. Sign painters, pinstripers use it for all outdoor stuff. Takes a few days to dry real good, but it glosses off nice and self levels for no streaks....check out this seat i did for Watts...all One Shot over a flaked-n-cleared green. Have fun....
            That looks awesome, dude. Thanks for the advice, I'll take a look at that One Shot stuff.

            Originally posted by Agileguy_101 View Post
            Spraypaint "NICKELBACK" on it in big ****ing letters. It'll make sure that you have the most amount of time possible to spend with your guitars - nobody will want to be around you.
            ...On second thoughts, maybe I will go with the back of Katy Perrys head
            I remember calloused hands and paint-stained jeans, and I remember safe-as-houses self-belief.

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            • #7
              Re: Hand-painting a guitar.

              Originally posted by Kam View Post
              Oh yeah, some inspiration on what the **** to paint on there would be nice too.

              So I dunno, post pictures of your favourite custom paint jobs or something. Just to make the thread a bit more interesting maybe.
              Atom Schmitt's Creston, hand-painted by Sarah Ryan.

              my vinyl record collection | updated 11 August 2015

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              • #8
                Re: Hand-painting a guitar.

                Originally posted by ImmortalSix View Post
                Atom Schmitt's Creston, hand-painted by Sarah Ryan.

                I could definitely rock with that. Cheers dude.

                EDIT: Actually, I had a look at the rest of her work and it set some little wheels of inspiration rolling. Seriously, thanks man, that stuff's pretty cool.

                By the way, does anyone else have any more advice on how to actually go about painting it?
                I remember calloused hands and paint-stained jeans, and I remember safe-as-houses self-belief.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: Hand-painting a guitar.

                  Originally posted by ImmortalSix View Post
                  Atom Schmitt's Creston, hand-painted by Sarah Ryan.

                  Nice job!
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