Has anyone airbrushed or painted a design onto a guitar?

axisus

I'm thinking about having a go at something all over the front of the body, but was wondering about technical aspects to consider. What paints to use, what kind of varnish, best surface prep etc?

Anyone had a go?

PVO_Dave

The Monterey Pop design was painted on - @lamf68 is your best source of info for that one

paulnb57

There will be airbrush tutorials all over YouTube……do a bit of research and practice on something unimportant…..

lamf68

Just remove the stencils before the paint is dry. Can't really offer any advice on it, it's a treacherous job, especially if using sticky backed plastic as a stencil, once it grips your stencil is doomed to a single use. The lines on Daves monterey are razor sharp, not sure how you could get that without using a stencil that isn't stuck fast to a surface. Was the most nerve wracking job I've ever done considering the cost of the stencils 

Deadman

I've done lots over the years and always use a low tack vinyl called sign mask. I also always use cellulose base coats thinned just right to assist quick drying and simply lacquer over when complete. The surface must be keyed, degreased and I'd also degrease before lacquering too. This is the sign mask I use: https://shop.spandex.com/en_GB/Product-Catalogue/Application-Tapes,-Tools-&-Accessories/Application-&-Masking-Tapes/Paint-Masking-Films/Avery-Signmask-Light-Blue/p/1BC

Deadman

What Ian is saying about removing the stencil before the paint is dry is a critical point too when you aren't using two pack paints (that stick like shit to a blanket in most cases). If you do let celly dry you will struggle to get a sharp edge and in some cases you get a cracked edge where the adhesion isnt the best. Tweezers help in the removal so you don't get finger marks on your nice new artwork.

GoldenEraGuitars

Ive swirled a guitar but not actually painted. The prep is probably similar mind you.