stetto
Left Unattended
Chalz said:
I use PPG automotive finishes...This one is a Chrysler gold metallic with 4 coats of transparent red and 5 coats of clear--slippery little bugger...
Eric
I use PPG automotive finishes...This one is a Chrysler gold metallic with 4 coats of transparent red and 5 coats of clear--slippery little bugger...
Eric
cnix
Member
How did you apply the PPG paints and finish? Did you use a sprayer, and if so did you have to dilute, or a brush.
stetto
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cnix said:
Something like this might likely deserve a thread of it's own...Guitar finishing is almost an art, more like a trade. I'm a housepainting contractor by trade, but also build those little R/C airplanes, and have done quite a bit of fine detail painting. I own several paint rigs, including what they call HVLP (High Volume-Low Pressure), that employs a cup gun...The same style of setup used in autobody shops. (I also own a Binks No. 7, given to me by a guy who used it in the Rolls Royce factory in the 50's) Though not the only way to paint a guitar, I personally believe it to be the best...
I like the automotive finishes for guitar (not my idea, I think Kramer and a few others started the trend) mostly because of the climate I live in--northern Minnesota. Lacquers don't do too well in rapid extreme changes like humidity and temperature...Ever seen an old "weather-checked" Gibson LP Deluxe or SG? I've seen LOTS of 'em. Auto paint is resistant to that, and numerous coats of clearcoat give any surface a "deep" rich look...
Auto paints will dry on a brush just like any lacquer--I wouldn't recommend brushing unless a ropy, dry-brushed look is a desired effect. Auto paint doesn't yellow like lacquer either....
One trick that works more often than not is to just take an axe down to a local bodyshop and ask the guys to spray it for you--IF you buy the paint (not cheap)...A half-pint of paint is around $45 for the good stuff, and you have to purchase reducer that goes in 1:1. Clearcoat doesn't use reducer, instead you buy a "hardening agent". Most bodyshop guys will spray your axe for little or nothing, as long as they have time and space. It takes about 30 seconds to spray on a coat. Sanding is acually easier than lacquer, in fact the easiest sanding stuff I've ever run up against, and I've sanded just about everything...
...Now of course, I haven't said a word about prep, grain-filling, plugging holes, etc....
I've been asked to paint quite a few guitars for others, just haven't had the time or the correct spraybooth. Maybe I'll build a good spraybooth into the new shop....
Eric
apl
Stand Up Comity
A color stain covered with tung oil is pretty easy, and can look very good.
stetto
Left Unattended
Oh, and I'd NEVER spray auto finish on an acoustic--inhibits the wood from breathing and proper resonation.... 
Eric
Eric
