So does anyone like to paint guitars? Wanna paint mine?

[Blindog]

I'd like to get the Les Paul done up in a Tobacco burst like the 355. It's a '96, and I picked it up the way it is right now, no finish anywhere on the guitar. It's a Studio model, so I suspect it was maybe wine red or white at some point. It had black rings and knobs when I got it. I was thinking of a faux binding. I had a PRS Singlecut with faux binding and I liked it a lot.

So, if anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears!

Cheers,

Mark

[Structo]

If you have never finished a guitar then it can be a big learning curve.

If you don't feel up to it then start a thread in the Garage section and ask for someone to help you.

Personally, I have painted six guitars with nitrocellulose lacquer and wouldn't consider painting a guitar for less than $250 labor.
There is a lot of prep labor, work and hang time to finishing a guitar.
With a Les Paul you have to figure in the set neck vs. a bolt on neck also in the labor.

If you want to try and do it for yourself, then this is the place to look and learn.
Great source for information as well as the best nitro lacquer colors in the world.
The ReRanch 101 is the bible for (re)finishers.
The website is slow so I will warn you about that.
http://reranch.com/101.htm

Check that out to determine if you are up to the task.
Now there are cheaper alternatives using auto store acrylic lacquers but the results are not on par with using true nitro lacquer.

Here is the store front.
http://reranch.com/products.htm

Also they have a forum full of knowledgeable people.
The website is slow so I will warn you about that.
http://reranch.com/reranch

[Jana]

Yeah, it's a lot of work. It takes a lot of time putting masking tape on the pickups, around the tuners, the knobs, and the bridge. I have painted a few guitars--maybe I charge too much for it though--I've never had any repeat customers.

[Reeltarded]

Painting guitars is awesome!

Ahh.. Big Gulps!! Ok, see ya later!!

[Structo]

I think that Miles just volunteered to paint that guitar for no charge!

[Bob S]

AH HA !!!
It was you Jana.
Jana painted my mexi strat - a mustard kinda color.
Like mustard.
Sorta.
With overspray or brush on the pickups.
Think it was paint...

[Jana]

That was yellow ochre.

I use a brush. I get better coverage and don't have to worry about getting overspray on the kitchen counter.

[Jana]

In all seriousness, now that I have trashed the OP's thread, Reranch is the place to go to learn and get nitro paints. I've used their paints and it is good stuff.

[jeff12]

I paint guitars, fix um too.

[Reeltarded]

Hahaha THAT is my new facebook thing.

[Structo]

I paint guitars, fix um too.

Oh man, that was a very popular picture at ReRanch.\

OK, I admit it, I am a ReRancher.
It used to have power over my free will......

Although I ran out of project guitars and decided to make things that use electrons, I did complete six guitars using ReRanch products.

ReRanch is a great resource, many very smart folks there.
And the best quality clear nitro and nitro colors in the world!

[Blindog]

I paint guitars, fix um too.

Oh man, that was a very popular picture at ReRanch.\

OK, I admit it, I am a ReRancher.
It used to have power over my free will......

Although I ran out of project guitars and decided to make things that use electrons, I did complete six guitars using ReRanch products.

ReRanch is a great resource, many very smart folks there.
And the best quality clear nitro and nitro colors in the world!

I'd forgotten you were over there...as I recall you did some mighty fine work Tom!

Yup, I've read the 101 thread and lots of others @ ReRanch....I don't think I have the skill or patience to attempt it myself....that being said, I should have called this thread "Does anyone want to paint a guitar?!"

So...how 'bout it? Any takers?

Mark

[jestaudio]

I,ve done a few over the years, my personal favourite is spirit based stain and oil, the prep needs to be the absolute best possible but oil finish at least for me is the most tactile finish out there, I have a tame sprayer who does nitro finishs if I need it, spraying is not for everyone , I flaming useless at it lol

[Jana]

Jest,

Can you explain your stain and oil process so that a dumbass like me can understand it and eventually achieve awesome results? I've done nitro finishes before so I do know a little bit about finishing.

Thanks

[cbass]

Everyone always talks bout nitro.can anyone tell me why I should use it instead of catalyzed lacquer. Other than the nitro will eventually crack.guess it makes relicing easier cause its not nea r as hard.