Maya Ellison
Painting a plastic pickguard is a simple and effective way to customise your guitar. It's a straightforward process that can be done at home with a few basic materials. The first step is to clean the pickguard with soap and water and wipe it down with alcohol. Next, sand the pickguard with fine-grit sandpaper, before applying a primer. Once the primer is dry, you can paint the pickguard with your chosen colour. Finally, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and add durability. There are a variety of paints and coatings available, including spray paints and dyes, which can be applied in multiple thin coats for the best results.
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparing the pickguard
To prepare your pickguard for painting, you must first clean it. Use soap and water, and wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. You can also use a detergent to ensure all the grease is removed. Next, sand the pickguard lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand the entire surface for around 10-15 minutes.
After sanding, you can apply a primer. It is recommended to use a paint primer designed for plastics, such as Dupli-Color. Once the primer is dry, sand it again with 400-grit sandpaper. This will ensure the surface is smooth and ready for painting. Take your time with this step, as a couple of thin coats are better than a single heavy coat.
If you want an extremely smooth or mirror finish, you can go up to 600-grit sandpaper and then buff the pickguard. However, be very careful when buffing plastic, as it is easy to burn through. Always use water when buffing, and do not use multiple compounds on a single pad.
Once you have finished sanding and priming, your pickguard is ready for painting. Remember to allow adequate drying time between coats, and be sure to follow the directions on your chosen paint for the best results.
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Choosing the right paint
When it comes to choosing the right paint for your pickguard, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a paint that is specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. This is because plastic can be a tricky surface to work with, and regular paint may not adhere properly, leading to peeling and scratching.
There are a variety of paints available that are suitable for plastic, and some popular options include Krylon Fusion, Rust-Oleum for plastics, and Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric Coating. These paints are designed to bond well with plastic and create a durable and long-lasting finish. It is also worth noting that some people have had success using generic spray paints from Walmart, which can be a more affordable option.
Another important consideration is the colour of the paint. If you are painting over an existing colour, it is important to choose a paint that will provide good coverage. For example, if you are painting a light colour over a dark one, you may need to use a primer or a base coat in a similar tone to the paint colour to ensure that the final coat is even and opaque. Additionally, if you are looking for a specific shade, it may be worth testing the paint on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that you are happy with the colour.
Finally, you may also want to consider using a clear coat or lacquer over your chosen paint colour. This can help to protect the paint and add an extra layer of durability, ensuring that your pickguard looks great and lasts for years to come.
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Painting techniques
Painting a plastic pickguard is a simple process, but it requires careful preparation and the right materials to ensure a durable finish. Here are some painting techniques to help you achieve a professional-looking result:
Surface Preparation:
Before painting, it is essential to prepare the plastic surface properly. Start by giving the pickguard a thorough cleaning with soap and water to remove any dirt, grease, or debris. Once it is clean, wipe down the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue. This step will help the paint adhere better to the plastic surface.
Sanding:
Lightly sand the entire surface of the pickguard with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher). Sanding creates a rough surface for the paint to grip, promoting better adhesion. Take your time and ensure that you sand evenly across the entire surface. A satin finish can be achieved with 400-grit sandpaper, while a gloss finish requires a finer grit of 600 or higher.
Priming:
Apply a thin coat of primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as Dupli-Color Primer or Krylon Fusion. The primer will help the paint adhere better and create a more durable finish. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Painting:
Select a paint that is suitable for plastic surfaces. Many people recommend Fusion for Plastic by Krylon, which can be sprayed on and is available in a variety of colours. You can also use generic spray paint or paint designed for automotive use, such as Dupli-Color. Apply two to three thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Take your time between coats to avoid drips and ensure a smooth finish.
Clear Coating:
After the final coat of paint has dried, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and add shine. A clear gloss lacquer or a clear satin nitro lacquer can be used, depending on your desired finish. Apply two to three thin coats of clear coat, allowing each coat to dry completely.
Curing:
Once you have finished painting and clear coating, allow the pickguard to cure for a full week before reattaching it. This curing period will ensure maximum durability and help prevent scratches and scuffs.
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Drying and curing
After applying the base coat, it is crucial to allow each layer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. The drying time can vary depending on the type of paint used. For example, some paints, like the Krylon Fusion-for-Plastic paint, dry super fast, while others might take a couple of hours or even days to dry. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow adequate drying time.
Once the base coat is completely dry, you can move on to the clear coat application. The clear coat is essential for adding durability and shine to your paint job. When applying the clear coat, use light coats and maintain a proper distance of about 10-12 inches from the surface. This will help ensure an even and smooth finish.
After applying the clear coat, allow it to dry undisturbed for optimal results. The curing time can vary depending on the product used. Some products might require a full week of curing time for maximum durability, while others might take up to 24 hours for a full cure. It is important to refer to the product instructions for specific curing times.
During the curing process, it is crucial to keep the pickguard in a clean, dust-free environment to avoid any contamination that could affect the finish. Additionally, avoid tightening the screws on the pickguard too tightly, as this can cause the paint to displace and create bubbles or wrinkles around the holes.
After the curing process is complete, your painted plastic pickguard will be ready to use. With proper care and maintenance, your custom-painted pickguard will enhance the appearance of your guitar and showcase your unique style.
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Finishing and maintenance
Once you've painted your pickguard, it's important to finish and maintain it properly to ensure its longevity. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
Finishing:
- After painting, it is recommended to wait for several days to allow the paint to dry completely.
- To achieve maximum durability, some suggest waiting a full week for the paint to cure before using the pickguard.
- You can apply a clear coat to protect the paint and add shine.
- A clear gloss lacquer is a popular choice for a durable finish.
- If you prefer a more subtle look, a flat or satin finish is recommended over high-gloss spray paint, which some consider "cheesy".
- For a mirror finish, use buffing pads with the proper compounds and spray water liberally while buffing. Be cautious, as it is easy to burn through plastic.
- If you're using a screw to attach the pickguard, be sure not to tighten it too hard, as this can displace the paint and cause bubbling or wrinkling.
Maintenance:
- With regular use, the clear coat may start to wear off over time, exposing the paint underneath.
- If you notice scratches or wear, you can sand the pickguard lightly and respray it with paint and/or clear coat.
- To avoid scratches, some opt for a vinyl wrap instead of painting directly onto the pickguard.
- If you choose to dye your pickguard instead of painting it, deep scratches may show the original colour, but the dye will not peel or flake off.
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Frequently asked questions
First, clean the pickguard with soap and water, and wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. Then, sand the pickguard with 220-grit sandpaper. Next, paint the pickguard with a primer and sand the primer. Finally, paint the pickguard with your chosen colour.
It is recommended to use paints such as Krylon Fusion, Dupli-Color, or Rust-Oleum for plastics as they are formulated to paint plastics.
It is recommended to use a couple of thin coats of paint rather than a single heavy coat. Two to three coats of paint should be enough.
It takes around a couple of hours for the paint to dry. However, it takes 7 days to achieve maximum strength.
