Which finish for my Esquire?

1979

So I've stripped the poly paint off my Mexican Fender 50's Esquire down to bare wood and I'm happy with the grain, but I'd like to give it a bit of colour. I'd quite like to do it blonde or butterscotch so you can still see the grain. I've experience of painting but never done a guitar body before. Access to a spray booth is no problem but I'm open to using oil/wax.
Any suggestions?

Andyjr1515

I've just done a telecaster in blonde using our own Steve's Manchester Tech nitro. Bit pricey going the rattle can route, but fantastic result....

Sambostar

French Polish, no tools required, hand applied and you can get a better finish than 2k and it's edible too if you use pure alcohol.

Also it's totally unreactive and will seal anything.

Or rattlecans and G40.

IvisonGuitars

If it's a maple neck, I'd vote for Fender White Blonde, VERY classy/classic on an Esquire. @SteveRobinson does the perfect colour in a rattle can and its top quality stuff.

1979

Thanks for the response guys,
I think I'm going to have a crack at the French polishing!
Gulp...

octatonic

French polish is extremely fragile.

Give it a go but I've done a bit of French polishing- it is messy and difficult to get looking right.

If you do go for it then make sure you practice.

I would vote for a orange sparkle.

1979

Nice job there Octatonic!
So is it difficult to get an even finish compared to spraying?
Hmmm.. Now I don't know what to do!

WezV

Biggest issue with FP is its durability.

Its a lovely finish, but when its not water or alcohol proof you have to question its suitability for guitars.

At least its easier to fix than other finishes

1979

Good points there WezV,
It does look nice
I've read a few threads on Tru oil on here, perhaps an option?

1979

Could you get a butterscotch blonde finish with any wax/oil treatment chaps?

Skodadad

Someone recommended briwax to me and the stuff is awesome. I love the finish it gives. I got clear stuff but I noticed there were a lot of colours to choose from.

1979

Cheers Skodadad, I've used that Briwax stuff to do a maple neck before and it was quite good. The tint I used was antique brown and that's a bit light for what I'm after so I'll look into it. Cheers!

1979

I've sent my Esquire body to Raygun Relics after messing around and discovering I'm not too hot on the refinishing scene. Thank you for all of your input chaps

octatonic

1979 said:

Nice job there Octatonic!
So is it difficult to get an even finish compared to spraying?
Hmmm.. Now I don't know what to do!

Ages since I saw this thread.

I didn't do that one- that is definitely NOT a French Polish.

Seriously, don't do a FP for a modern guitar.

It is extremely time consuming an difficult.

Finishing is a discipline within itself.

Raygun will see you right.

1979

Thanks @octatonic, I found that I used to have loads of energy and patience for these jobs but it's in short supply now I'm a bit older. I'll leave it to the proper lads and keep on with playing. Glad I didn't start that French polish...