Finishing questions

Brick · February 10th, 2008, 04:19 PM

For years I've been spraying bodies and necks with ReRanch products with good results. I've done about 15 bodies and double that amount of necks, and have often pondered getting a spray gun setup, primarily to do sunburst finishes. What do you sprayers use to achieve the control necessary to shade a burst. I have a friend who has an airbrush setup for artwork, and the control he has over his spray pattern is awesome. Too fine for guitar bodies really. Is there a small spraygun out there that can do this?

I've done several bursts with the Reranch system which came out pretty good. Just thinking of alternatives. How much of a pain is it to keep a gun clean and in good working order?

Also, I'm doing a coppercaster, and have only done one metallic, which was a shorline gold beater that came out OK. Am I correct in thinking you have to spray many more clearcoats over metallic to achieve a smooth surface?

jwells393 · February 10th, 2008, 05:01 PM

This was my first metallic paint guitar. The color really started looking better after I got several coats of clear on it.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/1098576-post88.html

Something in the Paasche H series airbrushes would probably work for sunbursting.

http://www.paascheairbrush.com/cgi-b...ion+Airbrushes

Another sunbursting alternative is to use the StewMac aerosols. They're cheaper.

eryque · February 10th, 2008, 06:32 PM

I've used airbrushes, but I feel like it takes forever for them to deliver enough paint to be worthwhile on a guitar.

I bought a cheap set of HVLP spray guns at the Pep Boys of all places. 2 guns for $50 when they go on sale. They've worked well for me and do a good job of delivering a fine spray pattern so I get good control over my bursts.

The downside of an HVLP gun is that you need to get one heck of a compressor. I managed to find one with a high capacity and large tank for $179 at Harbor Freight, but haven't found a deal that good since.

jwells393 · February 10th, 2008, 07:01 PM

The Paasche H Series is made for spraying heavier materials and can be bought with 3 oz bottles. It can give you a spray pattern similar to an aerosol depending on the tip you're using.

gtech · February 10th, 2008, 07:37 PM

+1 for the Paasche H

February 10th, 2008, 04:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Brick Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Jose Age: 58 Posts: 787	Finishing questions For years I've been spraying bodies and necks with ReRanch products with good results. I've done about 15 bodies and double that amount of necks, and have often pondered getting a spray gun setup, primarily to do sunburst finishes. What do you sprayers use to achieve the control necessary to shade a burst. I have a friend who has an airbrush setup for artwork, and the control he has over his spray pattern is awesome. Too fine for guitar bodies really. Is there a small spraygun out there that can do this? I've done several bursts with the Reranch system which came out pretty good. Just thinking of alternatives. How much of a pain is it to keep a gun clean and in good working order? Also, I'm doing a coppercaster, and have only done one metallic, which was a shorline gold beater that came out OK. Am I correct in thinking you have to spray many more clearcoats over metallic to achieve a smooth surface?

February 10th, 2008, 05:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,247 101 Photos	This was my first metallic paint guitar. The color really started looking better after I got several coats of clear on it. http://www.tdpri.com/forum/1098576-post88.html Something in the Paasche H series airbrushes would probably work for sunbursting. http://www.paascheairbrush.com/cgi-b...ion+Airbrushes Another sunbursting alternative is to use the StewMac aerosols. They're cheaper. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

February 10th, 2008, 06:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
eryque Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: albany, ny [not chicago] Posts: 7,126 44 Photos	I've used airbrushes, but I feel like it takes forever for them to deliver enough paint to be worthwhile on a guitar. I bought a cheap set of HVLP spray guns at the Pep Boys of all places. 2 guns for $50 when they go on sale. They've worked well for me and do a good job of delivering a fine spray pattern so I get good control over my bursts. The downside of an HVLP gun is that you need to get one heck of a compressor. I managed to find one with a high capacity and large tank for $179 at Harbor Freight, but haven't found a deal that good since. __________________ my blog: eryque.blogspot.com Updated 9.17.08! Subscribe_____________________

February 10th, 2008, 07:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,247 101 Photos	The Paasche H Series is made for spraying heavier materials and can be bought with 3 oz bottles. It can give you a spray pattern similar to an aerosol depending on the tip you're using. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

February 10th, 2008, 07:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
gtech Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Quebec, Canada Age: 59 Posts: 1,999 173 Photos	+1 for the Paasche H __________________ Back to practice now...to make my Teles sound good.