paint

[eyedell61]

does anyone have any experience using automotive paint for guitar bodies?
If so whats the right stuff. Steps?

[Cyrithicus]

I went to have mine sprayed when I lived in Austin, but the old man wanted $320 for the job, and lectured me on how expensive Automotive paint is, blah, blah, blah...

So I left it bare and have loved it for 7 years! lol

I went in on a couple freinds advice as they had done the same(at a different shop) for virtually nothing, and didnt care what color, just had them spray it with whatever color the car they were working on was.

One buddy had them clear coat it with the standard auto clear coat, and 2 guys left it with just the paint bare. I only keep in touch with one of those guys now, and the guitar wasnt clearcoated, and it seems to be ok, but he doesnt gig often.

For what its worth, I hope this helps!

[RodeoTex]

I did paint a body with some really expensive high tech polywhatever when I painted my Dad's horse trailer to match his pickup. Beautiful dark green metallic and all but took forever to dry, lots of bugs in the stickiness.
Yes, it is expensive ($300 per gallon) plus the reducer, etc.
I didn't have the heart and money to wet sand and do a final coat, especially after the clear ($90 per quart). I just left it as it was and it wasn't bad but for a lot less expense and a little more elbow grease I could have gone with nitro.
Course now remember, I was spraying the body in the same stages as the trailer so it didn't really cost me anything extra but still a mess.

[eyedell61]

well in that case what paint would you recommend?

[Tom52]

I don't understand the $300 per gallon automotive paint but you can go to Pep Boys and get a couple aerosol cans of Duplicolor automotive paint and the appropriate primer and clear. With proper prep work and by taking your time you can get a perfect result. I used Reranch products to get an original Lake Placid Blue color but Duplicolor has many colors to choose from.