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DIY Guitar Makeover Vol. 5: Electric Guitar Refinishing

Emilio Cox

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Published in DIY Guitar Makeover Vol 9: Wiring Mods Setup Secrets Cleaning And Relic Ing Tips And More

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DIY Guitar Makeover Vol. 9: Wiring mods, setup secrets, cleaning and relic-ing tips, and more!

by Horace Tapscott

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	57176 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	272 pages
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If you're looking to give your electric guitar a new lease on life, refinishing it is a great way to do it. It's a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours, and it can make a big difference in the look and feel of your guitar. In this article, we'll show you how to refinish an electric guitar, including choosing the right materials, preparing the guitar, applying the finish, and polishing it to a professional shine.

Choosing the Right Materials

The first step is to choose the right materials for your refinishing project. There are a few different types of finishes that you can use, including nitrocellulose lacquer, polyurethane, and acrylic. Nitrocellulose lacquer is the traditional finish for electric guitars, and it's known for its durability and high gloss. Polyurethane is a more modern finish that's more resistant to scratches and dings. Acrylic is a good option for those who want a high-gloss finish that's also easy to apply.

In addition to the finish, you'll also need to choose a sanding sponge or sandpaper, a tack cloth, and a polishing compound.

Preparing the Guitar

Once you have your materials, you can start preparing the guitar for refinishing. The first step is to remove the strings and all of the hardware, including the pickups, bridge, and tuners. Once the hardware is removed, you can start sanding the guitar body and neck. Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually work your way up to a finer grit. Be sure to sand in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the wood.

Once the guitar is sanded, you can wipe it down with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris. Then, you can apply a thin coat of primer to the guitar. The primer will help to seal the wood and prevent the finish from absorbing into the wood.

Applying the Finish

Once the primer has dried, you can start applying the finish. Apply the finish in thin, even coats, using a spray gun or a brush. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Depending on the type of finish you're using, you may need to apply several coats.

Once the finish has dried, you can start polishing it. Start with a coarse-grit polishing compound and gradually work your way up to a finer grit. Be sure to polish in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the finish.

Reassembling the Guitar

Once the finish is polished, you can reassemble the guitar. Start by installing the pickups, bridge, and tuners. Then, you can string the guitar and adjust the intonation. Once the guitar is reassembled, you're ready to rock!

Refinishing an electric guitar is a great way to give it a new lease on life. It's a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours, and it can make a big difference in the look and feel of your guitar. If you're looking to give your electric guitar a makeover, I encourage you to give refinishing a try.

A Refinished Electric Guitar DIY Guitar Makeover Vol 9: Wiring Mods Setup Secrets Cleaning And Relic Ing Tips And More