How to Custom Paint an Electric Guitar

Getting a used or antique electric guitar is an incredible coup, but the guitar may require a new paint job before you are happy with your purchase. This shouldn't deter you from buying a guitar you can really appreciate, because the process of painting an electric guitar is a labor of love.

Instructions

1. Remove the frets and pick guard from your electric guitar before you begin the process of readying it for paint. You must remove the pick guard if you want to replace it. Use a screwdriver to remove the neck from the body of the guitar, and remove the knobs and string casings.

2. Strip off any old paint on an electric guitar, and sand it before you paint it. This may include first chipping off flaking paint, and adding paint stripper to get the excess off. Make sure you sand the guitar evenly.

3. Use a clean brush to apply the primer. Brush with the grain of the wood, and make sure to brush it on evenly. There are also quality spray-on primers that may make this process easier.

4. Paint the body of the electric guitar first. Choose the colors and designs you like, and cover every portion of the guitar evenly to avoid dripping or dark spots.

5. Apply a polyurethane clear coating to the body of the electric guitar. Allow the guitar to cure for a few days before touching or moving the guitar.

6. Reattach the knobs, string casings and the neck of the electric guitar after the paint drying process is complete.