Painting a bass

[nofxrules]

How would you go about repainting a bass guitar? My bass I want to paint is white at the moment. I want to try to do this on my own so I don't have to worry about paying someone. I want a mint green on the body and headstock of the bass. Any tips/help would be great

[Kibuddy]

How would you go about repainting a bass guitar? My bass I want to paint is white at the moment. I want to try to do this on my own so I don't have to worry about paying someone. I want a mint green on the body and headstock of the bass. Any tips/help would be great


Sand off all of the paint, prime it, then paint it. I've heard automobile paint works pretty well.

DON'T brush the paint on, though. Use an airbrush, if at all possible.

[fingerstyle]

Using paint remover is a good option too because you can't damage the wood with sandpaper. Oh, and it's a ALOT quicker.

[Kibuddy]

Using paint remover is a good option too because you can't damage the wood with sandpaper. Oh, and it's a ALOT quicker.


I've tried paint remover, and to be honest, it really didn't work all that well. I'd just go with sanding.

[psbassplayer]

deffinately sand, you need a primer and brush will work if u do thin applications and a few coats, but yes an airbrush, or u can even use an ordinary sprayer, again a few coats. but use primer for alll three.

Peace

-psbass

[fingerstyle]

I've tried paint remover, and to be honest, it really didn't work all that well. I'd just go with sanding.

I've talked to plenty of guys that have used paint remover, and it worked a treat. Guess you were unlucky.

[Low_End_Communications]

Sadly, I don't know if my guide got moved over to the new lessons section yet.

Rule Number 1 is READ THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAN! This applies to primer, paint and topcoat.

Your best bets for removing paint are a heatgun and scraper, paint remover, or good ol' fashion sandpaper. Remove ALL paint from the body.

You should use a light primer for the color you're going for. Make sure it works with wood. Remember rule number 1. Apply some primer, let dry, sand with 400 grit paper, repeat once or twice.

Then the same for paint and topcoat.

[nopicks4me]

#1 rule from my experiene. use oil-based paint.

[nofxrules]

thanks for all the help. So oil based paint.....I guess I'll be sanding the body. Is their a certain type of sand paper I should be using? how many coats of primer do you think I should use and then how many coats of the actual color. And the guy I'm painting it with we're worried about chipping? Any other suggestions thanks for the help so far though.

[Shyanel]

Here's another rule from experience. DON'T SAND THE PAINT OFF!!!!! use a light grit paper and key the existing paint, gouge out any dings and fill them with two part filler and sand flat. This will give you a MUCH smoother surface than if you go down to the wood. Wood that's already been treated will soften over time and when you sand it it will lift.

Use an acrylic primer that's also suitable for use with cellulose based paint. Then use whatever you like for the colour. Finally if you're glossing it, use a cellulose acid catalyst two part if you can, if not use an acrylic based ready mix.

Trust me. Been there, done that, several times now.

:thumb:

-Stu

[darrell]

I'd love to sand my Dean down to bare wood and then put a dark stain on it. I think with the black hardware and knobs, it would look awesome. I hate doing things like that because chances are I will mess it up.

[TheMachineRagesOn]

Scuff/sand the paint down a bit then use paint stripper to get the top coat off, then sand down the body using very coarse to very fine grits then steel wool, then depending on what paint your using, apply appropriate primer then paint and then i guess clear gloss, use a spray gun of course or if you know someone who sprays cars or has experience in the paint game ask him.

And yeah auto paint i hear works the best... and of course take your time and make sure you understand what your doing and good luck :thumb:


Seems where all modding or rebuilding basses all of a sudden...

[TheMachineRagesOn]

Sorry as Shyanel said, dont sand the paint right off....


Sorry i was too focused on what im doing at the moment i guess...

(I'm using a black stain, called japan black):naughty:

[fingerstyle]

I'd love to sand my Dean down to bare wood and then put a dark stain on it. I think with the black hardware and knobs, it would look awesome. I hate doing things like that because chances are I will mess it up.

I want to do that to my first fiver. It's all black right now, black hardware. Would look wicked nude. Cept I dunno if the wood underneath would look any good.

[Mailman]

I've heard auto paint is good too.


As with anything ever, get it pro done if you want it to look pro done.