How To Repaint Your Guitar (Restain, Refinish): Best Spray Paints

Playing guitar is a passion for many people, and owning a guitar that looks and feels great can make all the difference in their playing experience. However, over time, a guitar’s finish can become worn or faded, which can be a turn-off for some guitar enthusiasts. That’s where repainting comes in. Repainting a guitar can not only restore its appearance but also allow you to personalize it to your liking.

There are a few different types of paint that can be used to paint a guitar, including nitrocellulose, acrylic lacquer, and polyurethane. The best type of paint to use will depend on personal preference, the desired finish, and the type of wood the guitar is made from.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of repainting a guitar and provide tips on how to do it effectively. Whether you’re looking to restore a vintage guitar or give a new one a unique twist, this guide will help you achieve the perfect finish.

How To Repaint, Restain, or Refinish a Guitar

Here are the general steps to repaint, restain, or refinish a guitar:

Remove the strings: Before you can start painting your guitar, you’ll need to remove the strings and any other hardware that may get in the way. This includes the pickups, bridge, and tuners.
Sand the surface: Sand the surface of the guitar to remove any old finish or paint and to create a smooth surface for the new finish. Use a fine-grit sandpaper and be careful not to sand too deeply or damage the wood.
Apply a wood conditioner (if staining): If you’re planning to stain the guitar, apply a wood conditioner to the surface to help the wood absorb the stain more evenly.
Stain the wood (if desired): Apply the stain to the surface of the guitar using a brush or a rag. Make sure to apply the stain in thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.
Apply a sealer coat (if painting): If you’re planning to paint the guitar, apply a sealer coat to the surface before painting. This will help the paint adhere better to the surface and create a smoother finish.
Apply the paint: Apply the paint to the surface of the guitar using a brush or a spray gun. Make sure to apply the paint in thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.
Apply a clear coat: Apply a clear coat to the surface of the guitar to protect the paint and provide a durable, long-lasting finish. Use a brush or a spray gun to apply the clear coat in thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.
Reassemble the guitar: Once the paint and clear coat have dried completely, reassemble the guitar by reattaching the hardware and electronics and installing new strings.
Play your newly finished guitar: With your guitar fully reassembled and tuned up, it’s time to enjoy the new finish. Show it off to your friends and fellow musicians and be proud of your new custom guitar.

These are the general steps to repaint, restain, or refinish a guitar. However, it’s important to note that the specific steps may vary depending on the type of guitar and the type of finish you’re planning to apply. It’s always a good idea to do your research and consult with a professional guitar technician or painter if you’re unsure about any of the steps or techniques involved.

1. Repainting Guitar: Preparation

Before beginning the process of repainting a guitar, it’s important to properly prepare the instrument. Here are the steps you should take:

Gather the necessary materials: You will need sandpaper (in various grits), masking tape, primer, paint, clear coat, and a paint respirator.
Remove hardware: Before you begin sanding, remove all hardware from the guitar, including the strings, pickguard, and any other components that can be taken off. This will ensure that the paint covers the entire surface evenly.
Sanding: Use sandpaper in various grits to remove the old finish and create a smooth surface for the new paint. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper to remove the old finish, then move on to a finer grit to smooth out the surface. Be sure to sand evenly and avoid applying too much pressure, as this can damage the wood.
Masking: Use masking tape to protect areas of the guitar that should not be painted, such as the fretboard or pickups. This will help ensure a clean and even paint job.

By taking these steps to properly prepare your guitar, you’ll be setting yourself up for success when it comes to painting. A smooth surface and properly protected areas will make for a more even, professional-looking finish.

In addition to the steps outlined above, it’s important to make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area and wearing a paint respirator. Sanding and painting can create a lot of dust and fumes, which can be harmful if inhaled. A respirator will help protect your lungs and ensure that you’re breathing clean air.

When it comes to sandpaper, you’ll want to use a range of grits depending on the condition of your guitar’s finish. A coarse grit, such as 80 or 120, is best for removing an old finish or rough spots. A finer grit, such as 220 or 320, is best for smoothing out the surface and preparing it for painting.

Masking tape is an important tool to use when repainting a guitar. It will help protect areas of the guitar that you don’t want to paint, such as the fretboard or pickups. Be sure to apply the tape carefully and make sure it’s pressed down firmly to avoid any paint bleeding through.

Finally, it’s important to take your time with the preparation process. Rushing through sanding or masking can result in an uneven or messy paint job. Properly preparing your guitar will ensure that you have a smooth surface to work with and protect any areas that should not be painted.

By following these steps for preparation, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a professional-looking finish for your guitar.

2. Repainting Guitar: Staining

If you want to change the color of your guitar or enhance the natural wood grain, staining is an optional step that can be done before painting. Here’s how to do it:

Choose the right stain: There are many different stains available, each with its own characteristics and colors. Make sure to choose a stain that will work well with the type of wood your guitar is made from and the color you want to achieve.
Apply the stain: Apply the stain to the guitar using a brush or rag. Make sure to work the stain into the wood and cover the entire surface evenly. Allow the stain to dry completely before moving on to painting.
Seal the stain: Once the stain is dry, you’ll want to seal it to prevent it from bleeding into the paint. You can use a clear coat or sanding sealer for this. Apply the sealer in thin, even coats and allow it to dry completely before moving on to painting.

It’s important to note that staining is an optional step and may not be necessary for everyone. If you’re happy with the color of your guitar as is, or if you plan on painting over the existing finish, you can skip this step.

If you do choose to stain your guitar, make sure to choose a high-quality stain and take your time with the application process. With the right stain and technique, you can achieve a beautiful, custom color for your guitar.

Staining is a great way to change the color of your guitar or enhance the natural wood grain. One of the benefits of staining is that it can provide a unique look that sets your guitar apart from others. It’s also an option that can be less expensive and time-consuming than painting, as you don’t need as many materials and you can achieve great results with just a few coats of stain.

When choosing a stain, make sure to take into account the type of wood your guitar is made from. Some woods, such as maple or poplar, may not take stain as well as others. It’s a good idea to test the stain on a small, inconspicuous area of the guitar before applying it to the entire surface.

When applying the stain, it’s important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves to avoid staining your hands. You can use a brush or rag to apply the stain, depending on your preference. Make sure to apply the stain in thin, even coats and work it into the wood to avoid any blotchy or uneven areas.

After the stain has dried completely, it’s important to seal it with a clear coat or sanding sealer. This will prevent the stain from bleeding into the paint and ensure a clean, even finish. Make sure to follow the instructions on the sealer and apply it in thin, even coats.

Staining is a great way to customize your guitar and create a unique look that suits your style. Whether you’re looking to enhance the natural beauty of your guitar or change its color completely, staining is a great option to consider.

3. Repainting Guitar: Painting

Once your guitar is properly prepared and, if desired, stained, it’s time to start painting. Here’s how to do it:

Choose the right paint: There are many different types of paint available for painting guitars, including nitrocellulose, acrylic lacquer, and polyurethane. Each type of paint has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to choose the one that will work best for your needs.
Apply thin, even coats: When applying paint, it’s important to use thin, even coats to avoid drips or bubbles. You can use a spray gun or a brush to apply the paint, depending on your preference. If using a spray gun, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator to avoid inhaling fumes.
Allow each coat to dry completely: After applying each coat of paint, allow it to dry completely before applying the next coat. This will help ensure a smooth, even finish. Depending on the type of paint you’re using, you may need to wait anywhere from a few hours to a few days before applying the next coat.
Sand between coats: Once the paint has dried, you’ll want to sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper before applying the next coat. This will help the next coat adhere better and create a smoother finish.
Apply multiple coats: Depending on the desired finish, you may need to apply multiple coats of paint. For a solid color, you’ll typically need 2-3 coats of paint, while for a metallic or pearl finish, you may need 4-5 coats.
Allow the final coat to dry completely: After applying the final coat of paint, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This will help ensure that the paint has fully cured and will provide a durable, long-lasting finish.

Painting your guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to take your time and use the right materials and techniques. By choosing the right type of paint, applying thin, even coats, and allowing each coat to dry completely, you can achieve a beautiful, professional-looking finish for your guitar.

When it comes to choosing the right paint for your guitar, there are a few factors to consider. Nitrocellulose paint, for example, is a popular choice among guitarists for its vintage look and ease of use. It’s also known for its thin, delicate finish that allows the wood grain to show through. Acrylic lacquer is another option that provides a durable, glossy finish that’s resistant to scratches and chips. Polyurethane paint is also a popular choice for its durability and resistance to chemicals and solvents.

When applying paint, it’s important to use thin, even coats to avoid drips or bubbles. This can be achieved with a spray gun or a brush, depending on your preference. If using a spray gun, it’s important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator to avoid inhaling fumes. It’s also important to choose the right nozzle size for your spray gun, as this can affect the amount of paint that’s applied and the texture of the finish.

Allowing each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next coat is essential for achieving a smooth, even finish. Depending on the type of paint you’re using, you may need to wait anywhere from a few hours to a few days before applying the next coat. Sanding between coats is also important, as it helps the next coat adhere better and creates a smoother finish.

Finally, applying multiple coats of paint can help achieve the desired finish. For a solid color, 2-3 coats of paint are typically needed, while for a metallic or pearl finish, 4-5 coats may be necessary. Applying a clear coat after the final coat of paint can also help protect the finish and provide a glossy, professional look.

By taking your time and using the right materials and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful, professional-looking paint job for your guitar.

4. Repainting Guitar: Finishing

After the paint has dried completely, it’s time to apply the final finish to your guitar. Here’s how to do it:

Choose the right finish: There are many different types of finishes available, including matte, satin, and high-gloss. Each type of finish has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to choose the one that will work best for your needs.
Apply the finish in thin, even coats: When applying the finish, it’s important to use thin, even coats to avoid drips or bubbles. You can use a brush or a spray gun to apply the finish, depending on your preference.
Allow each coat to dry completely: After applying each coat of finish, allow it to dry completely before applying the next coat. Depending on the type of finish you’re using, you may need to wait anywhere from a few hours to a few days before applying the next coat.
Sand between coats: Once the finish has dried, you’ll want to sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper before applying the next coat. This will help the next coat adhere better and create a smoother finish.
Apply multiple coats: Depending on the desired finish, you may need to apply multiple coats of finish. For a matte or satin finish, 2-3 coats are typically needed, while for a high-gloss finish, 4-5 coats may be necessary.
Buff the finish: Once the final coat of finish has dried completely, you can buff the surface lightly with a polishing compound to remove any imperfections and create a smooth, glossy finish.