Sofia Martinez
Painting an electric guitar is a great way to give your instrument a new lease of life. It's not as simple as just taking a brush to the body of the guitar, but with some careful preparation, it's possible to achieve a smooth, sleek, factory-fresh finish. The process includes disassembling the guitar, removing the existing paint, sanding, and then applying a new coat of paint. This can be done with spray paint or with a brush, but it's important to take your time to ensure a professional-looking result.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting a plastic guitar | Custom paint job |
| Why paint a guitar | To switch up the look of an old guitar |
| Disassembling the guitar | Remove strings, neck, and electrical wiring |
| Removing old paint | Use a hairdryer or heat gun on a low setting, then a putty knife |
| Filling divots | Use a filler like Bondo, spread with a plastic scraper, and sand until flush with the body |
| Sanding | Use 100-grit sandpaper, then wipe down with a microfiber cloth |
| Painting | Typical guitar paints include polyester, polyurethane, and nitrocellulose; spray paint is recommended |
| Distance from the guitar | Hold the spray can nozzle 12-18 inches from the body |
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What You'll Learn
Disassemble the guitar
Disassembling a guitar can be a complex process, especially if you are doing it for the first time. It is a fundamental step before painting or varnishing your guitar. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to disassemble a plastic guitar:
Firstly, ensure you have a clean and tidy workspace with good lighting. It is also important to have a large, clear area to work in, as disassembling a guitar involves many small parts and screws. You will need a screwdriver that fits the holes on the back of the guitar and possibly another for the smaller screws inside. It is a good idea to have a small organizer for the screws, as there can be nearly 40 of them, and they are not all universal.
Next, remove the tension from the strings. At this point, you can decide whether to remove the strings completely or cut them, especially if you plan to reuse them.
Then, unscrew the bolts at the back of the guitar's neck and remove the hardware from the front. This includes removing the tuning pegs by taking out all the screws from behind the headstock.
Now, you will need to separate the ferrules of the headstock from the front of the guitar's headstock. This can be done by using a tool with a larger diameter than the peg hole and gently tapping on the back to remove them.
Once you have completed these steps, your guitar will be completely disassembled into separate plastic pieces. Cover the neck pocket area with tape to prevent stains during the painting process. You can use masking tape and cut off any excess with a cutter.
Remember to keep your workspace organized and be careful not to lose any small parts or screws. With these steps, you will be well on your way to successfully disassembling your plastic guitar for painting.
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Remove old paint
To remove old paint from a plastic guitar, you can use a variety of methods, including a heat gun, chemical strippers, or paint thinners.
If you want to avoid the use of chemicals, a heat gun is a suitable option. First, remove all the electrical wiring from the guitar. Then, set your heat gun or hairdryer to the lowest setting and move it back and forth across the body of your guitar for about five minutes. The heat will soften the finish, making it easier to lift with a putty knife. Be careful not to hold the heat gun in one spot for too long, as it may burn the wood underneath the paint. Once the paint is soft, use a putty knife to gently lift and scrape off the old finish.
Another method is to use a chemical stripper. First, cover the face of the guitar with Saran wrap or plastic wrap, and apply the stripper. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Then, use a plastic scraper to lift and scrape off the paint, working in the same direction as the wood grain to avoid damaging the surface. Reapply the stripper as needed, and use a second scraper to remove any excess build-up from the first scraper. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and dispose of the stripper-soaked rags and paper towels properly.
Alternatively, you can use paint thinners and fine sandpaper (800-2000 grit) to remove the old paint. Dip a rag in thinner and wipe it over the paint you want to remove. Be sure to wear gloves and work in a ventilated area. After using the thinner, sand the guitar body with wet sandpaper, alternating directions with each grit to ensure effective removal. Finally, polish the surface using finer grades of sandpaper and buffing cream for a smooth finish.
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Sand the guitar
Before you begin sanding your guitar, it is important to disassemble the instrument and remove all the electrical wiring and hardware. This includes clipping off the strings and removing the neck of the guitar. It is also important to note that refinishing a guitar is more difficult than refinishing any other wood object, so be prepared to take your time. The process can take a couple of weeks or even a few months to complete.
Once the guitar is disassembled, you can start sanding the existing finish. You have two options: you can either completely sand away the finish or simply rough up the finish to apply a fresh coat of paint. If your guitar has divots, use a plastic scraper to fill them with an automotive filler. Let the filler dry for at least 20 minutes, then sand it with 100-grit sandpaper until it lies flush with the guitar's surface. Remember to sand the entire guitar, including the neck pocket, to ensure that the paint adheres properly.
Use long, sweeping motions with the sandpaper to achieve an even finish. It is important to be patient and gentle during this process to avoid damaging the wood underneath. Once you have finished sanding, use a dry rag or a microfiber cloth to wipe down the guitar and remove any sawdust or debris. Ensure that you dust the guitar thoroughly, as any remaining debris will get sealed into the paint job.
After sanding, you may want to apply a primer to the guitar to help the new paint adhere better. Choose a suitable primer for the type of paint you will be using, such as a wood primer or a plastic primer. Follow the instructions on the primer carefully and allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step, which is painting.
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Choose the right paint
Painting a plastic guitar is a great way to give your old guitar a new lease of life and a fresh, custom look. Choosing the right paint is critical to achieving a smooth, sleek, factory-like finish. Here are some things to consider when selecting the paint for your guitar:
Type of Paint
The type of paint you choose will impact the final look and feel of your guitar. Common types of paint used for guitars include polyester, polyurethane, and nitrocellulose. Polyester and polyurethane paints will give your guitar a harder, more plastic-like finish, while nitrocellulose will result in a lighter and thinner coat. If you're unsure, consider using a spray paint specifically designed for guitars, which will make it easier to achieve an even coat.
Colour and Finish
Consider the colour and finish you want for your guitar. Do you want a solid colour, or are you aiming for a more translucent finish that allows the wood grain to show through? You can also choose between a glossy or matte finish. Keep in mind that the finish you choose will impact the overall aesthetic and may require specific types of paint.
Compatibility
It is important to ensure that the paint you choose is compatible with the material of your guitar. Since you are painting a plastic guitar, make sure the paint you select adheres well to plastic surfaces. Additionally, consider the environmental conditions your guitar will be exposed to and choose a paint that can withstand temperature changes, humidity, and regular handling.
Preparation
Before you start painting, ensure you have prepared the guitar surface properly. Remove all hardware, fasteners, and electrical wiring. Sand the existing finish to create a rough surface for the new paint to adhere to, or completely sand away the old finish if you desire. Filler can be used to smooth out any divots or imperfections, and it's important to remove any dust or debris with a microfiber cloth before painting.
Drying and Curing Time
Consider the drying and curing time of the paint you choose. Some paints may take longer to dry and fully cure, so plan your project accordingly. The curing process is critical to ensuring the paint is durable and long-lasting, so follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific paint you select.
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Reassemble the guitar
Reassembling a guitar after painting can be a fun and rewarding process, allowing you to see the final result of your hard work. It is important to be patient and take your time to ensure that your newly painted guitar is fully functional and ready to play. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Reinstall the shielding and wires: Start by reinstalling the shielding in the electronics bay of your guitar. If you had to cut any wires during the disassembly process, now is the time to solder them back together. This is also a good opportunity to upgrade any factory components, such as potentiometers, and install a new pick guard if desired.
Reattach the hardware: Carefully screw or bolt together the hardware of the guitar, including the pickups, bridge, and tuners. Ensure that you use the correct screws and bolts for each piece and be cautious not to over-tighten them, as this can cause damage to the wood or the new finish.
Reattach the neck: If you removed the neck of the guitar before painting, it is now time to reattach it. Simply screw the neck back into place, being careful not to overtighten the screws.
Install new strings: Install a new set of strings on your freshly painted guitar. Make sure to tune the strings properly and stretch them out to prevent them from going out of tune too quickly.
Clean and polish: Once your guitar is reassembled, give it a good clean and shine using your usual guitar polish. You can also use car polish to add extra shine and protect the finish.
Final adjustments: After reassembling your guitar, you may need to make some final adjustments, such as readjusting the truss rod. Play your guitar and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it is comfortable and sounds its best.
Now, your guitar is ready to be enjoyed and shown off to your friends and fellow musicians! Remember to take care of your newly painted guitar with regular maintenance and cleaning to keep it looking its best for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
First, disassemble the guitar by clipping the strings and removing the neck. Then, remove all the electrical wiring and hardware. Set the hardware and fasteners aside in labelled plastic baggies. Next, heat the old paint with a hairdryer or heat gun on its lowest setting. Once the paint is soft, lift it off with a putty knife. Finally, sand the body of the guitar.
Typical guitar paints include polyester, polyurethane, and nitrocellulose. Polyester and polyurethane will result in a harder, more plastic-like finish, while nitrocellulose is lighter and thinner. You can also use acrylic paint or spray paint made specifically for guitars.
If you are using spray paint, position the nozzle 12 to 18 inches (30.48 to 45.72 cm) away from the guitar body. Press the button and move the can in long, sweeping motions across the body of the guitar. Make sure to cover the edges and use tape to mask off certain areas, such as the neck pocket, to prevent paint buildup.
Once you have applied your final coat of paint, let it dry completely. Then, sand the body of the guitar with 100-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Finally, wipe down the guitar with a microfiber cloth or a clean rag to remove any dust or debris.
