Can I paint a lasting guitar finish with car paint

[GreatOz]

So uh.... I have some car paint (urethane) that I don't foresee ever using on an actual car for different reasons. Is it safe for the guitar to use automotive paint on a guitar body for a solid finish?

Afaik, many finishes use urethane-based paints on guitars, so I don't think it would, but I'm not an expert in this regard.

Thanks

 

[Securb]

I have been using car paint since the 80s. It looks great and had no downside.

 

[GreatOz]

Well that answers my question, thanks!

 

[NegativeEase]

As long as its prepped and primered right..

Get some Sikkens paint that they use on BMWs and Porsches -those are the most durable paint jobs possible

 

[GreatOz]

As long as its prepped and primered right..

Get some Sikkens paint that they use on BMWs and Porsches -those are the most durable paint jobs possible

I don't think I have to worry about this. The leftover paint is a premixed spray can and turned out great on the car I used it on. I just have what's left from the car now. Even painted the car (was a quarter panel) outside with no issues.

 

[alex1fly]

Leo did it, right?

 

[Mincer]

Leo totally did, and it was the secret for his futuristic designs really taking off.

 

[ICTGoober]

Where do you think Fender got their DuPont colors all those years ago? Paint doesn't know what substrate it's being applied to, so the very name of "car paint" is ignorant. Guitar makers and repair guys like me bought their nitro and acrylic lacquers down at the local paint store - who supplied oil and latex for the building industry, lacquer and plastic finishes for the auto industry, and everything else - for everybody else. Enamel is another word that basically means nothing and everything at the same time..

 

[Aceman]

Sand it, prime it, spray it, and use the appropriate clear coat. Sand, 100, 200, 400, 800 wet maybe 1200 wet. Buff.

Be sure to use light coats, and let dry thoroughly in between.

More or less.

 

[Jacew]

As long as its prepped and primered right..

Get some Sikkens paint that they use on BMWs and Porsches -those are the most durable paint jobs possible

Sikkens is sort of standard I guess.

I've been using polish Troton these days. Due to suggestion by few pros. Have nothing bad to say about that either.

 

[NegativeEase]

Where do you think Fender got their DuPont colors all those years ago? Paint doesn't know what substrate it's being applied to, so the very name of "car paint" is ignorant. Guitar makers and repair guys like me bought their nitro and acrylic lacquers down at the local paint store - who supplied oil and latex for the building industry, lacquer and plastic finishes for the auto industry, and everything else - for everybody else. Enamel is another word that basically means nothing and everything at the same time..

There are several paint technologies, compositions, and techniques for application that were developed by the automotive industry or for the automotive industry.

Most automotive paints that have been any different than something at the paint store over the years (off the top of my head) have to do with UV degradation technology, additives to mitigate heat from the sun on metal, a paint thinner designed for aerosol automation robotics to apply the coat, and on performance cars streamlining textures etc etc

So it's not an "ignorant", car paint exists and has existed to varying degrees -the OP just didn't identify the type of urethane paint they planned to use enough to know if it was a specific paint for an automotive solution or general paint that is used by the automotive industry.

 

[Securb]

Chrysler green on a Tele

 

[GreatOz]

So it's not an "ignorant", car paint exists and has existed to varying degrees -the OP just didn't identify the type of urethane paint they planned to use enough to know if it was a specific paint for an automotive solution or general paint that is used by the automotive industry.

That's because I didn't know the type of urethane paint. I wanted to know if the paint (outside of dyes) mattered or if people could more or less use whatever paint they wanted.

 

[NegativeEase]

That's because I didn't know the type of urethane paint. I wanted to know if the paint (outside of dyes) mattered or if people could more or less use whatever paint they wanted.

Sure, I just don't see the point in that "ignorant" comment made -it's just picking at someone that isn't needed or valid.

It reads like "get off my lawn". -Someone can informatively answer a question with knowledge without trying to be demonstrative or insulting -especially when most people are not luthiers or paint specialists -thus the point of the thread.

 

[ICTGoober]

For all the whiners - ignorant doesn't mean stupid. It means you don't know. Not an insult, just a commentary (however pointed).

 

[NegativeEase]

For all the whiners - ignorant doesn't mean stupid. It means you don't know. Not an insult, just a commentary (however pointed).

First you are the one who is ignorant and incorrect in your original answer. -there is paint and primer designed for metal surfaced automobiles -especially because of heat dissipation. SO his question is not ignorant and is valid.

Second I understand perfectly what "ignorant" means -the difference is how YOU mean it -I see you insult most people on here who comes in here with an honest question that's beneath your luthier wizardry. Who you like me to provide examples of your unnecessary dramatics ? there are 100s in your post history of you beating on kids with insults.

I don't know why you can't just help someone with your knowledge without the dramatics.... if they are being an a**, ok unload as needed but if not.... just help

you have great info to offer people, no one disputes that. help.

 

[ICTGoober]

You say potato, I say potatoe....