How to Paint Flames on a Guitar

Flame guitar

A custom-painted guitar can cost a fortune and isn't easily accessible for most people. Yet, painting a custom design on your guitar is easier than you think. Regardless, if you want a skull, flames, or even your name, it can be done cheaply and easily by yourself. All you need is a few supplies, a little practice, and you will be ready to impress with your guitar design.

Things You'll Need

• Light sandpaper Tape Flame stencil Acrylic paint pens Clear glossy acrylic spray paint

Instructions

1. Lightly sand the area where you plan to apply the stencil. Use light pressure as you move over the area. You want it just rough enough that the paint will hold.

2. Tape the stencil onto the guitar where you want the flames. You may have to remove parts from your guitar if they are in the way. If you need to remove the strings, you will have to snap them off, and use a soldering iron to put them back on.

3. Select a paint pen in the desired outline color. Begin tracing the outline of the stencil. Use your hand to hold each area flat as you go. Gently remove the stencil. Allow the paint to dry.

4. Begin to fill in the flame outline with your color of choice. Allow the paint to dry. If you have a stencil that is multi-layered you will place the next stencil on top of the area you have painted so far. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 until you have all stencil layers applied.

5. Take your guitar to a well-ventilated area. Make sure that all the paint is dry. Hold the can of acrylic spray approximately 12 inches from the guitar. Spray the painted area. Allow the spray to dry, and reapply a second coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice painting the stencil on an old board or poster board. Go slowly and take your time.

• It is common to mess up your first few times designing a guitar. Perfection comes with practice. Try to find an old guitar at a resell shop to practice on.

Resources

• Paint pens
• Flame stencils