Painting guitar! Desperate need help!!?

Question:Ok I've detached the body removed the scratch plate... and Also sanded the shiny finish off of the body
I'm getting my car paint pretty soon do i need anything else other then the colour of choice?
I've looked everywhere on the net but nothing goes into detail. Do I need to primer? blah... sand between coats?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Ok I've detached the body removed the scratch plate... and Also sanded the shiny finish off of the body
I'm getting my car paint pretty soon do i need anything else other then the colour of choice?
I've looked everywhere on the net but nothing goes into detail. Do I need to primer? blah... sand between coats?

hi came across these re painted guitars,might give you some inspiration xxx
http://www.paintyourownguitar.com/

this is a step by step guide..looks good...
http://www.bradsucks.net/archives/2006/0...

You DO know that it's going to have a lousy sound, I suppose. Much of the tone in ANY musical instrument is from the VARNISH used for the finish... by screwing with the finish on your guitar, it will really sound bad... no matter how pretty it is on your wall... it will no longer be playable.

If your guitar was a cheaper one- like a Squire or something like that you will have to do a LOT more preparation because the finish on it is usually an epoxy finish... by the way, epoxy is almost impossible to remove.

1) It will be important that the surface is sanded with 400 grit or 600 grit silicon carbide (black) or aluminum oxide paper (white)... NOT garnet, and NOT the coated stuff (usually green, red, or yellow). Use the paper wrapped around a wood block for the flat surfaces or "waves" will show up in the finish.

**Always follow the directions on the paint cans!

2) You will need sandable primer. Duplicolor makes the best stuff. Apply according to the instructions, one BIG can of the stuff should be enough. Allow to dry at least 2 days.

3) Sand dry primer with 600 grit, Because your old finish is epoxy it is important not to sand through the primer... if you do, touch it up, allow to dry, and resand. Wipe the body down with a clean lint free cloth. Hang the body so you can reach all surfaces.

4) Apply the color and clear coats. No need to put it on heavily- just make sure that all surfaces are covered. Wait 15 minutes between coats. After applying the last color coat, wait 15 minutes and start applying clear. Do NOT sand the color coat first. One coat every 15 minutes until you have emptied 3 or 4 BIG cans. Yes, this takes some time and effort.

5) WAIT. Once you have applied all the clear, wait at least 7 days... don't touch, don't take it down from the hanging area. Just leave it alone. After 7 days, get up close and personal and smell it. If it still smells like paint, the finish is not yet cured. Check every 2 days or so until the smell is gone.

6) Using a sanding block, wet sand the entire body with 800 grit paper. White slurry will develop- wipe it away. Once you think you are done allow the body to dry. If it is completely flat and has no shiny spots on it, you are ready for the next step. If not, repeat sanding with 800 grit.

7) Wet sand again with 1000 grit.

8) Wet sand again with 1500 grit.

9) Get some Maguires "Swirl Remover" and apply according to instructions.

10) Get some Maguires "X" polish and complete the job.

Rock on!

EDIT: Garrison... your theory applies only to acoustic guitars. Lacquer and french polish are used on guitars, varnish is used on instruments such as violins. Less expensive guitars use urethane or epoxy finishes which kill the tone from new so there will probably be no change from what has already been experienced..