Has anybody ever tried this?

[spannerman]

I'm approaching the finishing stage in my latest build and I fancied doing something different. I was wondering if I could put primer on the guitar and then paste newspaper over it (like paper maché) and finish with a few clear coats?

anybody tried anything like this? I had a look around and I can't find any pictures of it which makes me wonder if it's possible at all lol.

EDIT: found this, it's kinda what I was thinking but mine would be a little less organized looking

[spannerman]

P.S. i also wondered if there was any reason I couldn't paint it white and then scribble on it with a biro before clearcoating? Just had an idea to make it look like a songbook and scrawl some of my favourite lyrics on it

[Guitarnut]

In the craft world, this technique is called "decoupage". Try a search under that. I would think poly would go over newspaper just fine...test on scrap first. The decoupage process has coatings that are formulated for paper but I don't think they have much of a gloss...maybe that's not an issue if you're going for readability of the headlines.

Good luck and let us see your progress.

Peace,
Mark

[RodeoTex]

I did a Vanna White guitar body using photos from the Playboy issue. That was kind of cool.
I have also tried to repost newspaper clippings on wood and had some trouble with the glue getting to paper too saturated, thus the ink on the backside showing through.
I'm sure it can be done but just experiment with your glue technique a lot before actually working on the guitar.

[ehawley]

One of the coolest teles I ever saw was covered in vacation and travel bumper stickers! Very hap-hazard looking. I need to find a picture of it again and post it here for you. I think what you want to do would look great! I was at the guitar show in Philly this past week and there was a builder that used material pieces (paper and fabrics) on the bodies and covered them with poly. Looked great! Good luck!
Cheers
ED

[spannerman]

decoupage... can't believe i didn't think to google that -.-

glad everyone else seems to think this'll work too cos my ideas don't always go down that well lol. I think i'll have to experiment on some scrap wood, definitely a good call from RodeoTex on over doing it with the glue.

cheers guys :)

[Scooter91]

What about scanning your newspaper headlines, then printing them out on white waterslide paper? You could play with the background to make them look aged and like newsprint, then bury them in the finish of your choice.

[Guitarnut]

Originally Posted by Scooter91

What about scanning your newspaper headlines, then printing them out on white waterslide paper? You could play with the background to make them look aged and like newsprint, then bury them in the finish of your choice.

I would think the light source from the scanner would pass thru the newsprint showing the back side as well. Maybe a digital camera would work and then follow the process you mentioned.

Peace,
Mark