Refinishing Guitar - Paint Question

Pete71 · #1 08-14-2006, 09:36 PM

Hi, I'm in the process of refinishing my RG7420. This is my second time doing this but my first time attempting to use a solid color as the finish.
I'm just curious what type of spray paint/brand I should be using. I plan on painting the body and headstock white and obviously using some type of clear coat.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm just about ready to begin the painting process.

Thanks!
-Pete

ibanezcollector · #2 08-14-2006, 09:50 PM

if your using rattle cans.. I prefer Laquer based.. And then a lot of laquer clear coat.

But laquer really never cures, it dries but it doesnt cure fully, so you will have to let it sit for a while before you buff it out.. The longer the better.

You can use Acrylic Enamel as well but I prefer laquer.

my 2 cents.

Aftershock · #3 08-14-2006, 09:53 PM

Take it to a pro and save yourself the headache. My $0.02

Pete71 · #4 08-14-2006, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibanezcollector

if your using rattle cans.. I prefer Laquer based.. And then a lot of laquer clear coat.

But laquer really never cures, it dries but it doesnt cure fully, so you will have to let it sit for a while before you buff it out.. The longer the better.

You can use Acrylic Enamel as well but I prefer laquer.

my 2 cents.

Great! I will be using rattle cans unfornately. I'll probably go with the laquer then. How long would you suggest I wait before buffing? A week....more?

Thanks! I really appreciate the help.

ibanezcollector · #5 08-14-2006, 09:57 PM

Well most say to wait at least a month

Now that wasnt a option for me, and it should of been..

I say at least 2 weeks at the minimum.

*AGAIN I AM NO AUTHORITY ON PAINTING, Going off what I read*

Pete71 · #6 08-14-2006, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aftershock

Take it to a pro and save yourself the headache. My $0.02

LOL... You're probably right. I actually had a good time with my last project I worked on, but I'm sure this project will be a bit more involved.

Pete71 · #7 08-14-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibanezcollector

Well most say to wait at least a month

Now that wasnt a option for me, and it should of been..

I say at least 2 weeks at the minimum.

*AGAIN I AM NO AUTHORITY ON PAINTING, Going off what I read*

Wow... that long huh? Oh well, I'm in no hurry. Hey, every little piece of information will help me. Thanks!

Flobanez · #8 08-14-2006, 10:19 PM

Nice. Dont forget to post pics.

**Ayrton** · #9 08-15-2006, 12:08 AM

I suggest you start here.

http://home.flash.net/~guitars/

Pete71 · #10 08-15-2006, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flobanez

Nice. Dont forget to post pics.

I will! I hope to start painting this weekend. I'll start posting some progress pics. Wish me luck!

Pete71 · #11 08-15-2006, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

I suggest you start here.

http://home.flash.net/~guitars/

Cool! Thanks. This will be a big help.

marianozz · #12 08-15-2006, 09:37 AM

Just by looking at the pics here, im pretty tempted to buy this book... its kinda a PITA tho, cause of shipping and all, since im not even in the US and i hate digital books... but still

http://www.paintyourownguitar.com/

mfergel · #13 08-15-2006, 10:20 AM

I bought the PYOG book. Some useful info. Not a lot that I didn't know from doing bodywork and scale modeling over the years. However, if you're new to it, it's quite useful. A lot of the same info gets repeated as it covers painting several different guitars and goes over the complete process for each guitar.

Here's a couple I am working on. Same process described in the ebook for the most part.

The maple with mahogony stripe guitar is now in the curing process awaiting buffing/polishing. The other is having the black basecoats applied. I've actually started a third, an RG570 that I am converting to a JEM style with an ash top. It looks great. I'll be selling the two above but the JEM conversion will be mine.

marianozz · #14 08-15-2006, 11:59 AM

Cool, someone who bought it

... what do you think, is it possible for someone that never painted a guitar (or anything significant) to have a good result with cans and that book?

mfergel · #15 08-15-2006, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marianozz

Cool, someone who bought it

... what do you think, is it possible for someone that never painted a guitar (or anything significant) to have a good result with cans and that book?

Yeah. Be aware, there will be some initial investment if you don't have some of the supplies, like sealer, sandpaper, paint, putty knife, etc.

My only comment, he hight recommends sanding or paint stripper. I've had less than great success with paint strippers on the poly finishes used on most new guitars. Sanding can cause waves, etc. in the body. Personally, I recommend using a heat gun to stip the old finish. Just do it outdoors because the fumes can get pretty bad.

I'd also read through the book a couple of times before you do it. Heck, may even be a good idea to find/buy a scrap guitar to practice on.