How would you d this paint job?

VellaJ

I'm looking at possibly getting hold of an entry-level LP-style guitar to play around with, as a project and for messing around with slide guitar. But for that, the axe needs some mojo 8)

The Reverend Willy G. has a gold-top that he's got set up for slide, and I'm digging the patterns he's got going...

I'd like to put these designs on the guitar, but rather have a black guitar with gold detailing.

How would you do these designs? The masking with regular tape would be ridiculous, and I don't have the skill to paint something like this freehand. Suggestions anyone?

Neon-Gecko

The Rev. is an accomplished hot-rod pin-stripe artist in his own right. This is usually painted free-hand with specialised pin-striping brushes and takes years of practice to perfect.

For those of us mere mortals, I would suggest painting the pin-strip colour first, then masking off your pattern with pin-strip tape. Apply your final colour and remove the tape. A coat or two of clear will conceal any of the ridges caused by the tape.

VellaJ

Neon Gecko wrote: The Rev. is an accomplished hot-rod pin-stripe artist in his own right. This is usually painted free-hand with specialised pin-striping brushes and takes years of practice to perfect.

For those of us mere mortals, I would suggest painting the pin-strip colour first, then masking off your pattern with pin-strip tape. Apply your final colour and remove the tape. A coat or two of clear will conceal any of the ridges caused by the tape.

Thanks Wayne, I had a nasty feeling this was the case...

The pin-stripe masking tape, I'm assuming it's not some miracle tape that can bend into rounded designs as in the above pic? I'm guessing it behaves similarly to most other tapes, kinda straight-line point-to-point sorta thing? In other words, the masking may still not work out to be a flowing sort of design, unless many hours are taken?

Neon-Gecko

VellaJ wrote:
Neon Gecko wrote: The Rev. is an accomplished hot-rod pin-stripe artist in his own right. This is usually painted free-hand with specialised pin-striping brushes and takes years of practice to perfect.

For those of us mere mortals, I would suggest painting the pin-strip colour first, then masking off your pattern with pin-strip tape. Apply your final colour and remove the tape. A coat or two of clear will conceal any of the ridges caused by the tape.
Thanks Wayne, I had a nasty feeling this was the case...

The pin-stripe masking tape, I'm assuming it's not some miracle tape that can bend into rounded designs as in the above pic? I'm guessing it behaves similarly to most other tapes, kinda straight-line point-to-point sorta thing? In other words, the masking may still not work out to be a flowing sort of design, unless many hours are taken?

It is, haha... Well you get two different types.

The one is generally used to apply pin-striping to a car that's already been painted and comes in a wide range of colours and widths.

The other is very flexible can be twisted to just about any shape desired, even some of the wider types available. We typically use the flexible tape to mask faux binding and works really well around F-holes for instance.

The one that I use is blue in colour and is designed for pin-strip masking. Both should be readily available at most automotive refinishing outlets.

VellaJ

Ah I see, sounds like good stuff, I'll definitely check it out... Thanks! ?

I'm also just finding out from a branding company that I've had good dealings with in the past if they'd be able to cut the desired design from coloured adhesive PVC, and how much they'd charge to do it. They've been pretty well priced in the past, so I may end up going that route...

flatfourfan

Phoned a bud of mine who used to work for Custom Worx bikes in centurion who now has his own place reckons that a pin stripe job on a guitar like pictured would run around R500.

My advice would be to look around at the shops that do rods etc.

VellaJ

flatfourfan wrote: Phoned a bud of mine who used to work for Custom Worx bikes in centurion who now has his own place reckons that a pin stripe job on a guitar like pictured would run around R500.

My advice would be to look around at the shops that do rods etc.

Thanks man, will see if I can find something in my area. Maybe in Strijdom Park... ?

flatfourfan

There is a way to fake it. Go buy yourself a roll of 3m painters tape.

You get the 5mm one as well that is perfect for laying up detailed work. You can roll it out with one hand and then guide where you want it with your other. If it's not right, you lift up and lay it again. It doesn't leave gunk.

We've done a car this way.

Neon-Gecko

VellaJ wrote: Ah I see, sounds like good stuff, I'll definitely check it out... Thanks! ?

I'm also just finding out from a branding company that I've had good dealings with in the past if they'd be able to cut the desired design from coloured adhesive PVC, and how much they'd charge to do it. They've been pretty well priced in the past, so I may end up going that route...

PC cut self adhesive vinyl may be a better option, IMO. The problem with any tape is that you could spend hours trying to get design symmetrical. Also all tapes only come in a uniform width, so you'd have to cut the tape to get the lines to taper.

But I'd suggest using the vinyl as a mask, at least that way you wouldn't be limited with colour choices, so pearls, metallics and host of other colour options open up.

guidothepimmp

Those pinstripes would look epic on a double cut like an artist or .sg2000

Something about the symmetry of it all

Plus 1 for vinyl. Any signwriter could do it on a plotter

VellaJ

Joe Moore wrote:
Also , use a bit of soapy water on the guitar top when applying the decal. It allows you some time to place the decal exactly into its place and to remove any air bubbles . Once the water has dried , you just run your finger along the decal lines to make sure the glue is stuck properly and then clean the remaining soapy residue with a slightly damp cloth.

Another tip :

If you don't plan on applying a clear top-coat on top of the decal , try avoid sharp pointy ends in your design..... They tend to snag on clothing or cleaning cloths and will lift off in no time.......my 2c 8)

Both good advice, thanks. Honestly hadn't thought of either of those... :?

flatfourfan

+3 on vinyl.

so when you doing it? DIY thread please?

lol

VellaJ

flatfourfan wrote: +3 on vinyl.

so when you doing it? DIY thread please?

lol

Well first I have to get another LP lined up. There is a possibility of one at the moment, but I'm still waiting for my Vintage to arrive, don't particularly want to be distracted by too many guitars ?

Also, if I do have vinyl cut, it's not going to be the most interesting DIY thread in the world ?

Jacques_nasi

Having a design like that drawn and cut would be reall easy, the thing is a signage place will still charge you a bit for the time it takes them to actually "draw" the design.
If your'e in need of some help you can give me a shout if you want, I dont think i'm too bad at doing a design or two and have a vinyl cutter I used for my airbush work etc.