Once you have prepared the guitar, the next step is painting it with the acrylics of your choice. Here below is a detailed procedure.

Supplies needed:

• Acrylics of your choice
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Top coat
• Gloves
• Tape
• Cleaning rags

Step 1: The very first step is putting an old newspaper or a waste cloth on the surface you’re going to put your guitar for painting.

Step 2: Inspection of your guitar is necessary. In case of any crack or damage on the guitar, you should not proceed to paint as long as the damage is not repaired.

Step 3: Next step is sanding the guitar surface with sandpaper to make it a bit rough and even at the same time. It helps the paint adhere to the surface vigorously.

Step 4: Now apply a primer on the surface. Apply the primer in two layers for better adherence. Moreover, the primer should be compatible with the guitar surface.

Step 5: Begin painting the surface with acrylics. You can utilise a brush for detailed designs or textures. However, for simple painting, paint spray is a good option. Be careful while applying coats. Let the previous coats dry, and then go for the secondary coats.

Step 6: After the painting or drawing is done, apply a sealer or simply a top coat to make the paint safe for the future. In addition, the coat will give a bright look to your guitar. Let the sealer dry well.

Step 7: Finally, remove any tape you have used to prevent specific parts from painting. Put back all the strings and hardware in the guitar. Reinstall all the sections properly.

How To Prepare Guitar For Acrylic Painting?

Before you go for painting the guitar, you have to prepare it carefully and make it ready to accept the new coating of acrylic. Here’s how to prepare the guitar:

• Remove the strings of the guitar with caution. Use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to detach all types of hardware. Some guitars have wired yield jacks, and you have to disconnect them by cutting the wires. It would help if you knew about the guitar reinstallation as you have to put the parts back in the guitar after painting.
• You need to remove any existing coating present on the guitar surface to make it accept a new coating of paint. The sandpaper will work better, along with a hairdryer. Sometimes heat guns can be used too for this purpose.
• If the guitar has accidental holes, you can close them using an automotive filler.
  You can use a vacuum pump to remove any dirt or debris. It is also helpful in checking out any loose parts of the guitar.
• Read the instructions thoroughly before you start sanding. You should be well known for the dry time of a single coat before applying a secondary coat of paint.

What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On The Guitar?

There are plenty of alternatives when it comes to painting a guitar. Many artists recommend acrylic paints because they are easy to use and manage. Everyone has his opinion, but the point is choosing paint with minimum side effects on the guitar’s tone. Moreover, the paint must pass and survive during harsh conditions.

The first thing is knowing what type of finish your guitar has. For instance, if the guitar has an enamel finish, it is advised to paint such a guitar with lacquer paint. It is hard to paint and can be polished to create a clear and mirror finish.

Other guitarists choose nitrocellulose paint for their instruments. They believe it is much more durable and hard to remove and scratch.

No matter what paint you use for your musical instrument, the final look or, you can say, finish matters a lot. Use fine-grit sandpaper for this objective. Sand down the painted surface until you get an even and precise finish. Moreover, sanding after painting also removes any kind of debris and contamination.

What Paint Is Safe To Use On Guitars?

Most artists suggest acrylic paint while drawing or painting on guitars. The reasons are multiple. They are obtainable in a variety of hues and colours. You can choose any colour ranging from dark to light shades. They provide a glossy finish and are ideal for painting furniture and bringing up your paint job.

Additionally, acrylics are highly resistant to a number of climatic conditions. Which brings them an outstanding option for longer paint life. So you can use acrylic on guitars without being worried about safety.

The only downside to using paint on a guitar is you have to compromise the sound quality. It can’t be as original as it is designed. But with care and a professional approach, you can avoid such hurdles. The soundboard of a guitar is the central part. It vibrates to produce musical sounds. A thin coat will not affect the sound much, but heavy ones will spoil the guitar’s purpose.

Electric guitar, on the other hand, is not much affected by the weight of the paint. It can be painted with acrylics by taping the parts you are not interested in painting, like most of the hardware. You want the body to be painted, so tapping the remaining elements is a great idea instead of removing the whole parts.

These are some considerations you have to put before yourself while deciding on painting the guitar. With a professional approach, the best results are guaranteed.