Just laid down my first coat of paint on my LNG clone

[Paul1983]

This is my first time doing anything like this, so if you got any tips please pass them along.

What do you guys think?

[Stealthtastic]

Is it just the light or are there dark/black splotches on it?

[Paul1983]

That's just areas where more paint landed. I'm doing this with spray paint, the light areas are where the base coat is showing through. It'll be much more uniform once a few more coats go on.

[Stealthtastic]

Ah ok thats what I had figured, Ive done refinishes before but never using spray paint as I have access to an autoshop.

[AlaskaBat]

Originally Posted by Paul1983

That's just areas where more paint landed. I'm doing this with spray paint, the light areas are where the base coat is showing through. It'll be much more uniform once a few more coats go on.

You don't need many coats, and it sounds like you spread too wet.
More coats won't make it uniform--it will just "look" better. You'll have more sending to do.

Here goes:

Spray light primer evenly.

Sand even.

Spray base coat--just dusting coats--x4-5.

Spray base coat--wet--x2.

Sand even.

Clear--light dust coats.

Clear--spray wet--x10-15 depending on type of clear.

Cure--months.

Sand and buff.

[silverctr]

So what brand/color of paint are you using?

[Stealthtastic]

Wait you let paint cure for MONTHS?!?!

[AlaskaBat]

Originally Posted by Stealthtastic

Wait you let paint cure for MONTHS?!?!

No--the clear.
You have to--it will still be soft for a long time.
If you don't let it cure and try to put the hardware on--you'll push the clear up into ridges.

You can accelerate the curing with heat, but be very careful not to overheat.

[Paul1983]

Originally Posted by silverctr

So what brand/color of paint are you using?

Rustoleum Neon Green & Neon Pink

[Stealthtastic]

Originally Posted by AlaskaBat

No--the clear.
You have to--it will still be soft for a long time.
If you don't let it cure and try to put the hardware on--you'll push the clear up into ridges.

You can accelerate the curing with heat, but be very careful not to overheat.

When I cleared my guitar I did not let it cure for nearly that long and it seems like most luthiers dont either? Are you talking about regular spray paint method or??

Im so confused haha

[Paul1983]

I plan on letting mine cure for a few weeks.

[silverctr]

Originally Posted by Stealthtastic

When I cleared my guitar I did not let it cure for nearly that long and it seems like most luthiers dont either? Are you talking about regular spray paint method or??

Im so confused haha

I think it depends on what type of clear is used i.e. polyurethane, nitro, etc.

[TAorama]

If you use an automotive grade clear, which is made for this kind of thing, instead of clears intended for furniture, you don't have to wait as long. I shoot a Dupont auto poly that's cured in 24 hrs and ready to wetsand/polish. This waiting months for stuff to cure is ridiculous.

[AlaskaBat]

Originally Posted by silverctr

I think it depends on what type of clear is used i.e. polyurethane, nitro, etc.

Exactly!

If using spray can Krylon or Rustoleum--be prepared to let it cure a long time.
If you use higher grade "specialty" finishes--it will cure faster.

[Paul1983]

Originally Posted by AlaskaBat

Exactly!

If using spray can Krylon or Rustoleum--be prepared to let it cure a long time.
If you use higher grade "specialty" finishes--it will cure faster.

I'm using the spray Rustoleum Clear. I had intended to let it cure for a while before I do any sanding anyways.