Painting a guitar body with spray cans

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of painting a guitar body using spray cans. We'll cover everything from preparing your workspace to applying colors and achieving a relic finish. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these steps will help you create a stunning guitar finish.

Chapter 1: Setting Up Your Paint Booth

• Clean Your Workspace: Ensure your workshop is tidy to avoid dust and debris contaminating your paint job.
• Build a Paint Booth:
  • Use cardboard or plastic sheets to create a contained area.
  • Ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Gather Supplies:
  • Old spray cans (clear glass, red, amber, black).
  • Hot water for warming up the spray cans.
  • Sandpaper (1200 grit).
  • Polishing compound for buffing.

Chapter 2: Testing Old Spray Cans

• Prepare the Paint:
  • Place the red spray can in hot water for a few minutes to improve flow.
• Check Functionality:
  • Test the spray can on a piece of scrap material to ensure it works.
• Choose a Finish Style:
  • Decide on a finish that allows wood grain to show through; a sunburst finish is suggested.

Chapter 3: Painting a Three-Tone Sunburst

• Apply Base Colors:
  • Start with the darker color (black or dark red) around the edges.
  • Gradually blend in a lighter color (amber or bright red) towards the center.
• Avoid Over-application:
  • Apply thin layers to prevent bubbles and runs.
  • If bubbles form, you can sand them out later.
• Let It Dry:
  • Allow the paint to dry completely before moving to the next step.

Chapter 4: Applying Olympic White

• Warm the New Paint:
  • Place the Olympic White spray can in hot water before use.
• Cover the Sunburst:
  • Spray a thin layer of Olympic White to cover the sunburst underneath.
  • Check the coverage; apply additional coats if necessary.
• Drying Time:
  • Allow the paint to dry for a few days for best results.

Chapter 5: Buffing and Polishing

• Buff the Nitro Finish:
  • Use a polishing compound to add gloss to the surface.
  • Buff gently to avoid damaging the finish.

Chapter 6: Creating a Relic Finish

• Assess the Guitar's Condition:
  • Identify existing imperfections that can enhance the relic look.
• Remove Paint from Marks:
  • Carefully sand or use a solvent to remove paint from areas that have natural wear.
• Experiment with Techniques:
  • Use compressed air or a hair dryer to crack the paint for an aged look.

Chapter 7: Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Avoid Thick Layers:
  • Too much paint can create bubbles and runs. Always apply thin layers.
• Take Your Time:
  • Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
• Practice on Scrap:
  • Test techniques on scrap wood to build confidence.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking paint job on your guitar. Remember to take your time, practice techniques, and don’t be afraid to experiment with finishes. Once you're satisfied with your work, you’ll have a unique guitar that showcases your creativity and effort. Happy painting!