(Log in to disable ads.)

Howdy guitar lovers!

I've been procrastinating on this refinish that I want to do on an Ibanez GAX 70... It's my first refinish and I'm thinking of doing a silver burst. However, before I even touch her with anything slightly resembling a tool (that sounds a bit dirty) I want to be sure that I'll be capable of getting everything I need. Firstly, where will I be able to get proper paint in aerosol cans (I don't have a compressor or spraygun) ???? And how much of what will I need for a silverburst????

Thanks in advance
    D-Man wrote: Howdy guitar lovers!

    I've been procrastinating on this refinish that I want to do on an Ibanez GAX 70... It's my first refinish and I'm thinking of doing a silver burst. However, before I even touch her with anything slightly resembling a tool (that sounds a bit dirty) I want to be sure that I'll be capable of getting everything I need. Firstly, where will I be able to get proper paint in aerosol cans (I don't have a compressor or spraygun) ???? And how much of what will I need for a silverburst????

    Thanks in advance
    Some art shops will have high quality spray paints - especially polyurethane clear, which normally is hard to find at hardware places.
      @ D-Man

      Like your approach of getting it all straight before you plunge. a Guitar shop should have the answers, but alternatively talk to guys who spray cars.
      I know it's a bit crude, but the painting and prep is the issue, not music. And you should - in those circles - be able to find out where to rent compressors etc.

      Anyway, have fun. (Can't remember who's building :-\, but I read about a Fender build on this forum somewhere, ask THAT guy)
        Compressor you can rent from Plant hire companies, just maybe buy a gravity feed spray gun and a good mask

        Go to panelbeaters and ask for a specific colour. Cool thing is they can mix a small amount of whatever colour you want.
          Hi D-Man

          I used straight aerosols for my gibson and it came out well (It is just a test run at this stage and not the final product). Here's the link to it.

          http://www.guitarforum.co.za/your-gear/my-toys/

          I used light blue can, a deep blue and then 2 cans of clear laquer.
          Spraying a burst is not that easy first time, so practice a couple of times on another piece of wood before you take to the guitar.

          The real stuff to use is nitrocellulose laquer (which is a mission to get and cant be found in aerosols in this country, at least I havent found it at this stage).
          Its also imperitive that you let each layer of spray set properly and completely before the next goes on. Thick layers tend to crack when they dry. The refinish process can take up to 2 weeks when done correctly, but it is well worth the wait if the guitar looks amazing!

          Here is a fantastic site on finishing guitars: http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/tutorial5.htm
            Well cash is an issue... I'm already looking at spending money on pickups for the guitar so there goes all my cash.
            JeremyE wrote: I used straight aerosols for my gibson and it came out well (It is just a test run at this stage and not the final product). Here's the link to it.
            That looks beautiful. Where did you get those aerosols? Is it something specific that I should look for?

            All in all its just a bit of fun modding that I'm doing. I mean the guitar itself cost me a few hundred bucks so I'm not going to spend too much money on a refinish.

            I'm pretty much sure that I can acquire some paint... Now taking the Plunge! after I settle the pickup deal of course. haha.
            The procrastination is killing me already!
              I got the aerosols at any old hardware store...but just a heads up, some of the aerosols do spray a little more consistently than the others (one of the better sprays I have used is plascon aerolak). Never spray with a can thats near empty as it sprays in blotches which is a nightmare! Also note, that if u get a drop, you cant try remove it, you will end up removing more paint than expected. If you find that after you have sprayed there are a few little areas that weren't covered (like little pin-prick kinda area's), let the paint dry first, then spray some paint onto a piece of paper, then use an earbud to take a little bit of paint off the paper and do a touchup like that. Its lots of fun refinishing gear!! I tend to customise everything, from my guitars to amps to the pedals I build for myself!

              Any other help you need, just shout!
                you know... if you just take the body to a autoshop they would more than likely spray it for you with pro guns and PPG clear for a low low cost as it uses almost no paint and will be interesting for them.
                  I had my warlock body done by an automotive paint shop. Internox is right, they see this (well most do) as something interesting. I did all the prep on the guitar and did the primer and guide coat myself (tin primer) and all the prep as well. I took it in, they rubbed it down and shot it. Did an awesome job and it's still looks brand new and it's about 20 odd years old now.

                  Take the guitar underhand and go drive down Mitchell Street in Pretoria West one day, there must be about 100 panelbeaters and a lot of smaller shops.
                    JeremyE wrote: I got the aerosols at any old hardware store...but just a heads up, some of the aerosols do spray a little more consistently than the others (one of the better sprays I have used is plascon aerolak). Never spray with a can thats near empty as it sprays in blotches which is a nightmare! Also note, that if u get a drop, you cant try remove it, you will end up removing more paint than expected. If you find that after you have sprayed there are a few little areas that weren't covered (like little pin-prick kinda area's), let the paint dry first, then spray some paint onto a piece of paper, then use an earbud to take a little bit of paint off the paper and do a touchup like that. Its lots of fun refinishing gear!! I tend to customise everything, from my guitars to amps to the pedals I build for myself!

                    Any other help you need, just shout!
                    Dude, very nicely done on that Gibson, that finish looks fantastic ?
                      Automotive paint shop? I would never have thought of that... So I just need to do prep work? basically sanding it down then applying grain filler, sanding again then applying some sand and sealer? Or at least that's what I can remember from what I read
                        ? you mean sanding sealer, not sand and sealer ?
                          D-Man wrote: Automotive paint shop? I would never have thought of that... So I just need to do prep work? basically sanding it down then applying grain filler, sanding again then applying some sand and sealer? Or at least that's what I can remember from what I read
                          Basically yes........once shops like that do the prep work, the price shoots up. I called a automotoive spray painter yesterday and he said if I go to APC (auto paint centre) and by the paint that I want, they'll just rack it up and shoot it. Price?

                          R150.00 for the labour.
                            If they got good gear then theyll mix for you. I love their new machines, process is as follows:

                            Check out colour you want from any car in the world... check
                            Give them Car make and model + year... check
                            They type it in and the machine mixes 'x' amount of paint... check
                            Spray kick-butt colour onto prepped guitar!

                            Just imagine Lexus or Nissan Pearl White or even Honda Midnight Purple on your guitar!
                              The only sad thing about this is that they don't age at all. Might be to some people's liking though but natural wear on a guitar is a must for me ?
                                MikeM wrote: The only sad thing about this is that they don't age at all. Might be to some people's liking though but natural wear on a guitar is a must for me ?
                                That is a bit of a downside. My warlock looks just as good today as it did 20 years ago. The paint is rock f**king hard and doesn't mark or chip easily.
                                  Thing is some people dig that ? But to me there's nothing more beautiful than a plain black nitro finish with just a little wear ?
                                    MikeM wrote: Thing is some people dig that ? But to me there's nothing more beautiful than a plain black nitro finish with just a little wear ?
                                    That's why you have more than 1 guitar.............lol.
                                      Gearhead wrote: ? you mean sanding sealer, not sand and sealer ?
                                      Yes, yes,... Ridicule me now. I thought that was weird but I swear that's what I read on the website.
                                      flatfourfan wrote:
                                      D-Man wrote: Automotive paint shop? I would never have thought of that... So I just need to do prep work? basically sanding it down then applying grain filler, sanding again then applying some sand and sealer? Or at least that's what I can remember from what I read
                                      Basically yes........once shops like that do the prep work, the price shoots up. I called a automotoive spray painter yesterday and he said if I go to APC (auto paint centre) and by the paint that I want, they'll just rack it up and shoot it. Price?

                                      R150.00 for the labour.
                                      So It's R150 for labour but how much do you reckon the paint will cost?

                                      And will they be able to do a burst finish or just solid colours? Or maybe go a bit insane and spray a wicked design on it!!!!
                                        D-Man wrote:
                                        So It's R150 for labour but how much do you reckon the paint will cost?

                                        And will they be able to do a burst finish or just solid colours? Or maybe go a bit insane and spray a wicked design on it!!!!
                                        R150 labour was for a solid colour. I say if you're looking at doing a sunburst.............try it yourself. You can get really good paints for about R150 and then just play around a bit.

                                        I did a quick check on Saterday for my new guitar and paint was about R120 for what I needed........single colour 2 stage.
                                          Write a Reply...