cheapest way to finish a guitar

andrew96

New member
Hi I'm repainting my first guitar its already repainted white. I need to know whats the cheapest way to finish a guitar? Right now I'm leaning towards half pint of poly its only 6.88. But i'm a broke mofo only income is returning bottles. I've used it before it gives it a good shine, but is there something cheaper? Or something around the same price that works better? Thanks ahead of time.-Andrew
 
Re: cheapest way to finish a guitar

If you want a cheap finish, I don't see how you can go wrong with spray cans. There's more than enough paint in one can to do a guitar.

You're going to remove the old finish though, right?
 
Re: cheapest way to finish a guitar

i already removed it and painted it white it was black then last it was black white and red my failed attempt at van hallens paint job i just need to decide a finish what i mean by finish is clear coat, poly, or something like that and the poly paint on is cheaper than the poly spray on which paint on goes on thicker
 
Re: cheapest way to finish a guitar

I know Stew-Mac has one coat cans, but I can't remember the price. Also the forum member with the hood on over a skull (forgive me-can't remember off top of my head) has much experience with this. Hopefully he will jump in. If not, I'll get his name for next time I check in. He has done good work with many guitars at bargain prices. Kramersteen might be a good guy to ask also.
SJ
 
Re: cheapest way to finish a guitar

I prefer lacquer paints. You can read the instructions on the can to find out if they're lacquer or enamel.

"Recoat anytime" = lacquer
"Recoat within xx hours or after xx days" = enamel

Granted, if you've already painted it, mixing enamels and lacquers is a BAD idea. If you want a decent finish, you need to start from scratch and use the same type of paints throughout the entire process. The polyurethane clear coats are *usually* compatible with everything.
 
Re: cheapest way to finish a guitar

thanks every one i dicided i'm going to go with poly my cousin works at lowes so after his discount it will be 6.19
 
Re: cheapest way to finish a guitar

Everything I've read has suggested that spraying poly is best left to the big boys. For them, it's easier. For home DIYers, it's supposedly very, very difficult. *Most* people say acrylic is the easiest to work with at home. I'm in the testing stage with some nitro right now and it's not really that bad, though it's fairly pricey. Like, the fact that you know the price of the poly down to the CENT suggests that nitro would probably be a poor fit for your needs.
 
Re: cheapest way to finish a guitar

Thanks Dominus,
Sorry I forgot your forum name. I did remember it when I woke up but I like to read the Forums at bedtime, in my case that makes it midnight till 1:am.
SJ
 
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