What kind of paint should I use for a body?

[Coyote]

Do I use spray paint or just your basic kind of paint and use a spray gun? and should I put on a clear coat over it? I have never painted any guitars before and kind of won't so info.

Thanks,

[Bengal65]

Mark's Sticky on paint is missing? I don't know why it is gone? It was an excellent set of guidelines for painting.

Anyway, you have to ask yourself do I want a Pro job or a home job. I recommend reading Dan Erlewine's books and going to websites like http://www.guitarrefinishing.com/ and Project Guitar http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/tutorial5.htm

There is prep work to do depending on the wood condition. Then you have really only two good choices Nitro Lacquer or Polyurethane. The later should be professionally applied due to the equipment needed. I myself and others do not recommend acrylic lacquer or any other "spray can type" material due to the length of time to "dry" or cure. Nitro will work well in a spray can however, but has a long cure time.
Then, you need to evaluate when you want to put the guitar together.

Dry curing times: (Prior to buff out)

Spray can automotive lacquer, 6 months
Nitro lacquer, 6-12 months (the longer the better)
Poly (Urethane), 1 week

This is just a quick look, but reading up is the way to go.

[ihocky2]

In addition, the polyurethane he is refering to is the 2-part automotive polyurethane. Not the Minwax stuff at the hardware store. The 2 part dries like a rock in a mater of a day or two. The harware stuff can stay soft and takes a month or two to cure. The automotive type will run $75 a gallon or more, plus the hardener, plus the thinner. Until you are done it is $150 or more just for the clear coat. Do not use any type of house paint. Another website to check out is www.reranch.com

[Bengal65]

In addition, the polyurethane he is refering to is the 2-part automotive polyurethane. Not the Minwax stuff at the hardware store. The 2 part dries like a rock in a mater of a day or two. The harware stuff can stay soft and takes a month or two to cure. The automotive type will run $75 a gallon or more, plus the hardener, plus the thinner. Until you are done it is $150 or more just for the clear coat. Do not use any type of house paint. Another website to check out is www.reranch.com

Yes, that's why I have gallons and gallons of paint left over from all the guitars I painted over the years. The stuff is expensive and with all the stuff I have around I worry as its fire hazard at least fuel for a fire. The equipment is costly and to do it right you really need a "down draft" booth. Something, I never purchased because they are so expensive.

The Reranch site will also link you to the guitar refinishing site. I've retired from painting, so I ship guitars off to refinishers.

[z1n]

Here is a forum that has a DIY paint booth. If you decide to paint it yourself you might want to make one of these. http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ead.php?t=5282

[jackson1]

Mark's Sticky on paint is missing? I don't know why it is gone? It was an excellent set of guidelines for painting.

It ain't missing. It is just hidden inside the one big sticky which holds ALL previous stickies.

Admins: see what this does to us people? We're confused ;-)

Anyways, here's Marks comments:

http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=678833&postcount=20

[z1n]

It ain't missing. It is just hidden inside the one big sticky which holds ALL previous stickies.

Admins: see what this does to us people? We're confused ;-)

Anyways, here's Marks comments:
http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/show...3&postcount=20

Thank You! Very good thread!