What prep required for a refinish?

[Rob J]

I have a sunburst Strat body that I'd like to refinish in Fiesta Red. Whether I try to paint it myself or have it done is still under debate but IF I were to undertake this project, can I just sand the existing finish well and then paint over it? OR, would it be necessary to completely strip the old finish - something that I'd really like to avoid. This is an original factory finish and does not need any filling or repair. What is recommended?

 

[eallen]

If you are going with an opaque finish rather than see through then yes, you can scuff sand and paint overtop.

You would want to scuff with 320 grit, prime to fully cover burst, paint. There may be a specific primer color for that is better for fiesta red such as white verses gray so you might want to check that.

Reranch is often a good resourse for colors especially if you dont have a spray rig. Enjoy and post pics!

Eric

 

[Rob J]

Apologies. If anyone has anything useful to contribute, feel free to comment but I am guilty of neglecting to do my "Google research" before posting this question and have found LOTS of info pertaining to my question.

 

[Rob J]

Thanks, eallen.

 

[Silverface]

I have a sunburst Strat body that I'd like to refinish in Fiesta Red.

Thanks for mentioning Google, which is exactly what I was going to suggest you do.

One tip - how you prepare the surface depends on 1) what specific coating it currently has on it, 2) what coatings system you plan to use and 3) your experience level.

There are a ton of variables involved. For first time finishers I recommend NOT attempting a recoat. It involves learning exponentially more processes than coating a piece of bare wood where you can use a piece of scrap to practice on (which shouldALWAYS be done the first time you use any product - and I mean doing a practice piece with the entire system including buffing, even if you only change one component.).

I suggest keeping your existing body as a spare and either buying or coating one in the desired finish. Unless you have previous coating experience the variables involved with recoat prep are just too complicated. There's not one "do this" system - there are multiple ones and sometimes you need to change methods mid-job. But you need to know when and why, whichjust isn't possible for the first-timer.