Metallic paint from a rattle can.......

martinedwards

Not actually car related......

I want to paint a guitar.

I would like a nice metallic finish.

so, primer, base coat(s), then clear coat(s). yes?

because of the size, I reckon one can of each is all i'd need.

so my main question, is paint just paint or do I need the same brand for each?

Paint is all water based now, right?

thanks in advance!

MetzgerMeister

If I were you I'd be looking for paint that's meant for wood, not metal. That makes a difference so I've learned from painting my house.

I'm not sure you'll get the smooth finish you're after as you'd see on factory-painted guitars.

Getting it wrapped might be a better option.

Esel

Would a number of coats of clear varnish be a good way to finish it?

martinedwards

not for a metallic finish!

its 20 years old and has had a few battle scars. I've had to fill a few places so sadly (the grain is actually quite nice) a clear finish isn't an option.

Gregor Samsa

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

If I were you I'd be looking for paint that's meant for wood, not metal. That makes a difference so I've learned from painting my house.

Vintage electric guitars were all painted in car paint. Fender originally used DuPont automotive paint. Once you have the primer coat down, car spray cans will be perfect. Guitars never use "wood paint".

OP, yes: primer, basecoat, clearcoat. They don't have to be the same brands, but don't mix nitrocellulose with polyurethane. Stick to one or the other (for your basecoat and clearcoat). Any cans you buy in car supply or hardware shops will be poly, but you can get nitro in specialist places (like here).


The secret is the preparation. Surfaces must be perfectly smooth and grease free. Any defects in the surface underneath will show - you can't "fill" with paint. A proper spray gun setup is the best thing to use, but you can do a decent job with rattle cans. Sanding and polishing will also be vital steps. Prepare to buy a lot of different grade wet sandpaper, and if you don't have a machine to polish and buff, a lot of elbow grease is needed too (for a factory finish).

Check out the Reranch forums. You can't buy their paint here, but those forums have the absolute world experts on rattle can guitar finishes.

Here's a strat I did in Halfords Volvo Dark Grey 228 cans. This guitar was originally a yucky shiny blue. I wanted a matt finish so I didn't use a top coat, and didn't have to polish. (it is beginning to wear a bit at the butt now, so I may actually respray and cover in a matt clearcoat). Took the shine off the original paint with some 800 grit paper, then sprayed the grey straight on. I did about 5 coats (2 cans used, I think).



this was the original guitar (obviously I changed the neck, pickups, pickguard and knobs too).



I would factor in 2 cans of both paint and clear coat for the body of a standard electric guitar (one extra of each if you're doing a matching headstock). I don't know how much primer you'll need, probably just one can, as you're just laying down a surface for the finish (although it will be more than one layer). You also really need to take your time, let things dry properly between coats, and spray methodically and evenly. Invest in a good mask, and make sure you're doing it in a well ventilated area. I did mine outside a few summers ago, but that won't be feasible in the autumn/winter as it will be too cold and damp.

68 lost souls

Here is a good link that you will use ehavily https://www.reranch.com/

There is a lot of info on there, there are some very useful tips for spraying with cans.