couple Q's on painting pickguards

Lucas · 05-11-2006, 06:41 AM

i was just wondering how i would go buy painting my p-bass pickguard

1) what paints would i use?

2) what is the corect way of taking the pickguard off wiht the pickups?

3) is there any chance of me damaging my pickups but now screwing them back preperly?

4) do the volume/tone nobs come off easily and how would i go by doing so?

thanks for the help

Criss Frantic · 05-11-2006, 07:48 AM

On a P-Bass, the scratchplate is completely seperate to the pickups, it just slots over, so taking it off is a simple process of taking out the screws and lifting the plate off, leaving the pickups where they are.

The volume/tone knobs you take off by loosening them using a hex key (there should be a small hexagonal hole in the side of the knob), then unscrew the nut/washer under the knob. If you have a front mounted input, you have to unscrew the nut/washer holding that on as well. After that your scratchplate should lift right off.

When I painted mine, I kinda just went wild with different enamel spraypaints. I suppose it all depends on what you want it to look like. If you just want a solid colour, it might be a good idea to seal it with some clear gloss to prevent the paint scratching off.

Here's how mine turned out:

AG · 05-11-2006, 08:55 AM

If you're after a smooth, single coloured finish, I would suggest sanding the gloss off your pickguard, spraying/sanding/spraying/sanding to a smooth flat finish, then doing the same with a clear coat.

darrell · 05-11-2006, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AG

If you're after a smooth, single coloured finish, I would suggest sanding the gloss off your pickguard, spraying/sanding/spraying/sanding to a smooth flat finish, then doing the same with a clear coat.

That's pretty much it. Just make sure if you have any heavy dust in your base coat, that you deal with it before you clear it. Knock it down with a sandpaper that is not too coarse... then spray another coat of base.

Make sure it is all covered... especially your edges. In fact, edges should be done first before you forget. Then clear it with a couple coats. If there's any dust, you may want to wetsand it when you are all done.

Very fine paper... perhaps 1200 wetsand. Do it with a block (as should all your sanding be done) so you don't leave fingerprints. Then just get some compound and rub it on until it regains its high gloss.

This is only if you are anal though. If not, just spray it and forget it.

05-11-2006, 06:41 AM	#1
Lucas GimPy Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 68	couple Q's on painting pickguards i was just wondering how i would go buy painting my p-bass pickguard 1) what paints would i use? 2) what is the corect way of taking the pickguard off wiht the pickups? 3) is there any chance of me damaging my pickups but now screwing them back preperly? 4) do the volume/tone nobs come off easily and how would i go by doing so? thanks for the help

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

05-11-2006, 07:48 AM	#2
Criss Frantic New Picture Comments! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Smellbourne, Australia Posts: 4,478	On a P-Bass, the scratchplate is completely seperate to the pickups, it just slots over, so taking it off is a simple process of taking out the screws and lifting the plate off, leaving the pickups where they are. The volume/tone knobs you take off by loosening them using a hex key (there should be a small hexagonal hole in the side of the knob), then unscrew the nut/washer under the knob. If you have a front mounted input, you have to unscrew the nut/washer holding that on as well. After that your scratchplate should lift right off. When I painted mine, I kinda just went wild with different enamel spraypaints. I suppose it all depends on what you want it to look like. If you just want a solid colour, it might be a good idea to seal it with some clear gloss to prevent the paint scratching off. Here's how mine turned out:

05-11-2006, 08:55 AM	#3
AG AG sucks. Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: England, North East Posts: 18,057	If you're after a smooth, single coloured finish, I would suggest sanding the gloss off your pickguard, spraying/sanding/spraying/sanding to a smooth flat finish, then doing the same with a clear coat.