Best source for shielding paint?

[BloodRose]

I know this has been discussed before, and YES, I did search and found a ton of stuff about can I mix my own? And all kinda stuff, but Im at work and cant sift through all 10 pages. Where is a good and cost effective source?? I remember Stew Mac, but does, but seems kinda pricey. $32 a small can:

http://www.stewmac.com/Pickups_and_Electronics/Shielding/Conductive_Shielding_Paint.html

Guitarfetish does too, but they have a small bottle thats $8.95. Is it as good? Im sure the stew mac can will cover ALOT more guitars...

http://www.guitarfetish.com/XGP-Flat-Black-Cavity-Shielding-paint-HIGHLY-conductive_p_18783.html


Any recommendations? suggestions?? Thanks

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

The price on the Stewmac stuff is not bad, relatively speaking. It's 8 ounces which will do a good number of guitars. Apparently it's a product called Electrodag, made in Germany. At any rate, the thing I would worry about is the paint drying out if you don't use it all within a reasonable amount of time. It's why I've never bought it. I bought a 2 ounce bottle of carbon based shielding paint on ebay a while back. It cost about as much as the GFS 1 ounce bottle. The carbon paint I bought worked great. It will chalk if you rub it with your finger when it's dry but it's not like there would be a reason to do that. I have some imports that came from the factory with the cavities painted with carbon based shielding paint, and they are still quiet years later so I think the stuff holds up well. I'd say if you are going to do several guitars in short order, grab the Stewmac stuff. If you are just going to do one or two, get the GFS stuff or find some on ebay. I did one guitar, 3 coats, with the 2oz. bottle and there was probably enough left over to do 2 more guitars. At least one more with a good amount of paint left in the bottle.

Couple other things. The Stew Mac paint isn't black from what I understand. I think it's a tan color so I would assume it's not a carbon based shielding paint. It may be a better product but my point was that quiet is quiet and the carbon stuff made my quitars quiet.
You are supposed to do more than one coat. At least two. 3 is better (with the carbon stuff anyway). You are also supposed to wait 24 hours before additional coats. I've done a few guitars with carbon based stuff. The first coat basically ends up being a primer if the wood is bare. I do the second coat a couple of hours after the first, then apply the 3rd coat after 24 hours. Then another 24 hours before you put the guitar back together. So, while it's not hard to work with, it does take some time. Cooper foil/tape is a PITA (and costs more) but the guitar gets done in one day.

 

[devastone]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

I've used the GFS stuff and like it, it's water based and doesn't have the really nasty smell some of the other shielding paints have. I would recommend it for it's ease of use if that is a concern.

 

[beezerboy]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

peel & stick copper foil tape is cheap on fleabay, I bought a 100' roll of 2" for about 20 bucks. from china of course but looks & works good

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

ive debated between foil and paint. Im assuming paint would be MUCH easier than trying to shape the foil to the cavity

 

[greekdude]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

I know this has been discussed before, and YES, I did search and found a ton of stuff about can I mix my own? And all kinda stuff, but Im at work and cant sift through all 10 pages. Where is a good and cost effective source?? I remember Stew Mac, but does, but seems kinda pricey. $32 a small can:

http://www.stewmac.com/Pickups_and_Electronics/Shielding/Conductive_Shielding_Paint.html

Guitarfetish does too, but they have a small bottle thats $8.95. Is it as good? Im sure the stew mac can will cover ALOT more guitars...

http://www.guitarfetish.com/XGP-Flat-Black-Cavity-Shielding-paint-HIGHLY-conductive_p_18783.html


Any recommendations? suggestions?? Thanks

I'd say save your money. If you can't resist the urge to do smth, then go for conductive-adhesive aluminium foil tape.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

ive debated between foil and paint. Im assuming paint would be MUCH easier than trying to shape the foil to the cavity

The foil tape isn't hard to form to the cavity. It's hard to do it perfectly (I didn't) and it's difficult to get into some areas, like wire channels. The paint really is much easier but again, it takes longer because of dry time. And, it's permanent. I don't think I would use the paint on a vintage classic or an expensive guitar where it may hurt re-sale.

 

[regan]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

You dont need paint or copper foil.
Take some UHU glue a spread it over all the cavity's surface. go to the kitchen & get your aluminium/tin cooking foil & stick that to the inside of the cavity.
Use a razor blade to cut slits in the parts that go into the sides & corners of the cavity to get a good fit, glue some foil to the cavity cover as well

 

[greekdude]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

ok... this means protect 40 cm of wire, while leaving the ...1KMeter long pup coil wire sensing all the hum.

 

[Jermo3178]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

I use the stew Mac stuff... I like it. Plenty to do several guitars. I believe I've done 4, and the level in the can has dropped like an inch. And it is black. I've had this can 3 or 4 years.

 

[Jacew]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

I have never used paint personally. But I've seen/heard number of guitars with shield-painted cavity, that have become noticeably quieter after a layer of shielding tape...

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

I use the stew Mac stuff... I like it. Plenty to do several guitars. I believe I've done 4, and the level in the can has dropped like an inch. And it is black. I've had this can 3 or 4 years.

Thanks for the info. I had read something different.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

Two advantages to the copper tape...It's quick and most effective.
Three advantages to aluminum foil...It's quick; very effective; and it's cheap.
Three disadvantages to the paint...You need at least three coats to get close to the effectiveness of the tape (or foil); with 3 or 4 coats, it's expensive; there's a very real danger of getting some on your guitar finish.
(OK, there's a fourth disadvantage to the paint but it's related to the second disadvantage...If you don't use it all in a reasonable amount of time, or if you leave the can open too long, or if you don't seal the can tightly enough, you will waste some of it, and that makes the cost per guitar very high).

 

[darthphineas]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

I dig the StewMac conductive shielding paint and have been using it for a few years now. having used tape for every application prior, I like the paint a lot. granted, tape would be the way to go on the bottom of pickguards and if you want to shield the cavity cover.

the paint process can offer a little catharsis, as it takes a little attention and is better when allowing a full day between coats. a real opportunity to have to step away from the project for a bit and fully thing about next steps or to have plenty of time to get knick-knacks assembled for when it's time to put it all back together.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Best source for shielding paint?

Good info all! Thanks!! The Charvel bass I bought came with Dimarzio pups in it and the prev owner shielded it with alum foil..

I have some copper foil I got from Carvin. I love the look when one is done that way.. But again, I worry about trying to mold it to fit some of the smaller details.