How To Spray Paint Your Guitar And Get A Factory Finish Duplicolor

Get a smooth glossy finish with duplicolor automotive spray paint. Here's the color name and link to Amazon, although I bought it at my local auto parts store. www.amazon.com...

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Here's a more detailed video, same color kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@BradAngove]

Nice work. Very nice shine on there. Some swirl remover should help with those remaining scratches you mentioned (called swirl marks).

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Hey, thanks, I've watched a lot of your videos, really enjoyed them. I started switching direction of sanding with each grit since this video and it eliminated the visible sanding marks.

[@BradAngove]

Excellent.

[@12Jsilva]

If applying swirl remover, would it be better to apply swirl remover before polishing?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I don't use it, I've just been going up in sanding grits. Up to 3000

[@BradAngove]

Swirl remover is to move the swirl marks created by polishing. It comes afterward.

[@researchcapt]

Darker is always going to look shinier. Good job!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you

[@Rotary_Phone]

When I see that yellow guitar, it reminds me of Banana pudding with Nilla wafers.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Cool

[@lactobasilio]

Turned out great! I like the shade of that yellow

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you!

[@frozennorthproductions]

That is an absolutely amazing colour, I love black guitars, and I gotta say that looks 100x better

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you!

[@TheOneTrueAJ]

Thanks for the video. I am now confident and ready to tackle my own project.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Here's a more detailed video kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@jerryfletcher2384]

Thanks for the video. Now I see what I did wrong with my paint attempt. I didn't wait for the paint to cure and didn't know to wet sand after painting. I'll start over now and do it right! Good video.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I actually only let it dry overnight, I made a lot of painting videos since, and my latest one goes into more detail.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@alexwillmore5033]

Thanks so much for this video. I've watched a few tutorials but I've been following your guide for the past couple years and it really works for me. I found I couldn't hand buff the polishing compound to a decent shine but using some pad attachments on my hand drill made all the difference.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thanks, what attachments did you use?

[@franckydookie]

Dude you did a great job I would be super happy with this result. This yellow on a stat is gorgeous, I've never seen that before

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

@@franckydookie thank you, here is a more detailed video, same color. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqcsi=G5QpF19s4Pak4bDS

[@franckydookie]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse thanks man i will check that very soon 😁

[@mir2678]

This was so good it looked factory standard to me

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you

[@SpringfieldGuy]

Outstanding job. I, too, hate black guitars and my latest planned purchase of a Ibanez bass only comes in black and I want it white.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Should be easy to get what you want. As I was just telling someone else, maybe practice on a cheap guitar first.

[@jstnxprsn]

That came out a lot prettier than I would have expected when I first saw the color you chose. Really nice job.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you, yeah, it's a pretty mild yellow. One of my favorite colors from Duplicolor is called Santa fe tan.

[@HANKUS]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse did you use the Santa fe tan? other comments said you didn't remember, looking it up it looks different than the one in the video im planning on doing the exact same black to yellow so this video is golden, thanks

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

@@HANKUS this one is a Toyota yellow, but I did a Telecaster in Santa Fe tan and that looks great too.

[@HANKUS]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse www.jegs.com/images/photos/300/318/318-bty1517.jpg looks like this one... i shall do the same and follow your latest video

[@shickenchits8123]

Beautiful. I can say Duplicolor paints lay well. Shake the can, Like it owes you money! It sprays and lays much better after. Lol I've used their Metal Cast, Metallic Base and Blue for two Jeeps, and it was impressive. I've painted many things and prefer a gun, but Duplicolor aerosol cans are good. Shake it periodically too...

[@scootersage]

with a solid color I always used to put just a little color in the first 2 coats of clear. It gives it alot of depth. hint duplicolor takes forever to cure. I just did a guitar with their clear premix and a old MBC devilbiss top coat gun. Yours came out real nice good job.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thanks for the tip, I'm about to spray another with Duplicolor soon.

[@scootersage]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse If your interested here is a kit guitar I did a couple years ago www.instructables.com/id/Kit-Guitar/

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

That's a beauty! I especially love the back. I'm limited to spray cans, I'm happy with the results, and don't really want to get into anything else. I'm low budget and low on time anyway.

[@theJ_.007]

Thanks for the vid, it turned out great! This helped because I wanna repaint a guitar and I haven't done anything like that before. Also good to know that you don't have to remove the factory paint job completely.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thanks! Here's a newer video, that I think describes the process better.kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@theJ_.007]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse Thanks I'll watch it as well

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Is it a lacquer? I've only used metallic a few times, didn't have any trouble, but I know it can be an issue. It's called tiger stripping, I think. I first heard of it from a car painter. Maybe look up some videos on how to avoid tiger stripping, or how to paint with metallic.

[@theJ_.007]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse ok thank you

[@takesteadyaim88]

Seriously man your video is exactly what the guitar world needed. I want to paint my dark blue strat surf green. I couldn’t find it anywhere online but seeing this video makes me want to make the whole project possible. You did such an amazing job explaining it I feel like I understand exactly what I need to do I can’t wait to get started

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

That's wonderful, I hope you can find the color in Duplicolor perfect match. If not, just make sure its lacquer. Don't freak out if you have runs or a mistake, just let it dry, sand the mistake and start over.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Please check out this video, I feel like it's a better job, plus I started alternating sanding directions with this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5mnf62olphqkM0

[@shaunchichester1066]

Did you ever do the surf green? I have a black delonge strat I want to paint to be the more popular surf green model but unsure of best paint.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I haven't used surf green, because I don't think it's available in Duplicolor perfect match, but maybe it can be ordered. Go into your local auto parts store and look at the color charts. If not, you might have to order something from Stew Mac. If it was a cheap guitar, I'd say just use Rustoleum 2x from the hardware store, but let it dry longer.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Oh, you were responding to someone else, sorry. This one is the closet to surf green that I've done, and it was also Duplicolor perfect match kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2m6oqaZfpqoZ8U

[@mikepeterson443]

Good job. Lots of elbow grease there but turned out well. Now relic it - 😆

Hello my friend. nice work. Spray Guitar Coloring. Congratulations. good job. Great greetings...

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you!

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse 😅

[@johndunstan3875]

If mine turns out like that I would be very happy.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

If you check my latest video with a yellow strat, I go into more detail.

[@pinstripe1154]

First off, amazing work. Definitely referring to this when I do a paint job. Just curious, you did about 5 coats of the color, how much paint did you have left? I know the 8 oz cans are smaller than normal. Also what clear coat did you use? Did you also use duplicolor?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you. I don't think I had much color left over at all. I used Duplicolor perfect match clear coat too. I might use 2 cans of clear next time, just to be sure I have enough surface to sand.

[@davebauerart]

Cool transformation! Looks nice.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you!

[@Mr.Steve-O]

Nice job, you made it look easy ! ; )

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you, it is pretty easy. I'm not really a great details person, or really skilled. I'm actually quite clumsy. Wet sanding is the key part, and wasn't that hard. A buffer would have made it easier, hand buffing was the hard part.

[@vladimirvovovan6565]

Great result, man! The color is very sexy, smooth and shining

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you, here's a better video, same color. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@IceTactics]

09:20 If you need a "little Fender" painted 😂

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Ha ha, yeah...

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

That was unintentionally funny.

[@IceTactics]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse Classic! haha

[@Michael-jv2cn]

Man, that paint is $16.99 a can now at Auto Zone. I bought a can 2 years ago for $7.99 you did a nice looking paint job though.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I used to pay $6.99 at napa, now it's $11.99. It's still cheaper than Stew Mac paint, and it's about the only paint I use.

[@M5guitar1]

Looks great to me. I'm going for it on a new build. Who cares about scratches? Looks reliced.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thanks, that was my first paintjob (as an adult), here's a better video- kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@gergemall]

Looks beautiful

[@christiansavoie3036]

You made a complicated procedure seem possible. Great video. Thank you very much.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

You're welcome. I have a few more painting videos on my channel.

[@sovereign8327]

Hi. Nice job. Let me know all staffs what you needed to do that? 👍

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

If you watch this newer video, I show everything. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@depthsofdarknessofficial9677]

Sweet thank you for this video

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Check this video out, same color, but more details. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

Wow, that came out amazing! Just goes to show that if you take the time to do proper prep AND take pride in your work, even a simple rattle can can yield amazing results! I have painted a couple of motorcycles with a spray can, and you absolutely can get results that rival a professional spray job. Now you mentioned letting the body cure for a few weeks, but you don't say exactly how long you let it sit. I would be curious to know. Finally, did you consider using a spray can from a body shop supply place that has a catalyst in it? The benefits are that it is a 2 stage paint that gets harder than Duplicolor. The hardness has always been a factor in any spray-bomb jobs that O have done. Again, just curious. Thanks, and I subscribed as well!!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you, actually I ended up only waiting for a couple of days to dry. I looked on Duplicolor website and I think they said you only have to wait 24 hours if I remember. I have painted several more and only waited 24 hours to wet sand. Haven't had any issues. I don't think I have catalyst paints in my area, I really like to use paint that is local, just in case I need more, plus I like to keep the budget low. I have my tan telecaster that I painted with Duplicolor hanging in my living room, it's my best work, and you can't tell it was painted, looks really good. Thanks for the sub!

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

Cool work man. I’ve done a few of these. I found the left over scratches came from the sandpaper not being wet enough or the surface area not wet enough. Or the gap between grits could cause scratches, like 800 to 1500 might be much so use 1200 in between. I use my auto polisher that has 7 speeds (by RPM) to polish the guitar. I actually put it in my bench vice then move the body all around. First with compound, then cutting polish then final polish. Cool color you picked, not a color you’ll see again. The comments section may help others with their project. Love DIY guitar videos.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Yeah, this was the first one I painted successfully. I've done a few since, I change direction with the change of grit now. It seems to help out a lot.

[@duncanbooth3778]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse when you change direction, I assume you mean 90 degrees?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Yeah

[@edwardprete]

You did a real good job with this. Wondering how many cans you used for the yellow? I think with 2500 you got a great shine there.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I think I just used one can.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Here's a newer, more detailed video, with the same colorkzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@RobMods]

Nice work mate. I like that colour. I've used auto acrylics in the past for guitars and they are OK. I'd recommend trying the modern DIY spray cans that you get at hardware stores. They self prime, plus they can often take an auto clear coat.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Aren't those enamel? Thank you, I really liked this color too.

[@RobMods]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse Hi. Well here in Australia we get a few brands that are non-alkyd, IME, they stick as strongly to 2-pack as auto primer. And they are hard enough to be wet sanded and buffed, but are still better with a clear coat. FWIW I did some tests with my latest project and made a video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4mlooeHodSEeqM Was planning a mustard yellow colour for my next project!...

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Yeah, I'm going to watch your video later. I saw you had Rust-Oleum 2x. I use that for everything but not on guitars. It seems too sticky for a long time. I did use it for a few headstocks, but not entire guitars. I love the colors of 2x also.

[@RobMods]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse I've not used the 2X on guitars, but check out Brad Angove's channel, he uses it a lot. I used Duramax - a Australian product, very common in big box stores etc. In the video it even bonded well to unsanded glossy 2-pack (although better with a scuffed surface). I just tried it on a junk pickguard and it bonded very well to plastic too...

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Yeah, I've seen Brad's videos. He does good paint jobs, but I don't like enamel paint for guitars. I really think lacquer is the best for guitars.

[@NightFFA]

Looks amazing

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you!

[@georgemitchellson635]

Looks almost like an yngwie malmsteen signature strat lol that fender buttercream color !

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you

[@ClubXrock]

One paint supplier suggested to put the spray can in very warm water prior to painting to improve the paint flow and gloss off the nozzle

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Oh yeah, I've tried that since, I didn't see any improvement.

[@J10_33]

I’m probably going to do something similar soon as I don’t want to pay an extra $300 for different paint color. I am very curious about the wet sanding which seems counter intuitive. Why did you do this step and do you think skipping it will yield a similar finish? It seems like it will cause the finish to weather more quickly.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

When you paint, many times the surface will look like an orange peel texture. You add enough clear on top to wet sand or you could call it flat sand. You are just leveling the surface. Here's a better video to describe what I personally dokzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqcsi=Fcve32dQvIeHTD9o

[@cesardwf]

It was incredible! to have this result with spray you have to be very good at handling, and you did a beautiful job congratulations 👏👏👏👏

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you, it wasn't that hard to do, I'm sure you can do the same.

[@cesardwf]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse thank you

[@walterlamon9633]

Very Nice job! You don't have to sand the last coat of paint before adding the clear? Thanks!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

No, not usually. Lacquer bonds chemically, so no need to scuff it before the clear, unless you have an issue like a run.

[@walterlamon9633]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse thank you!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

@@walterlamon9633 here's a newer, more detailed video, same color, same Duplicolor perfect match lacquer kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@walterlamon9633]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse Thank you very much! I'm having si much fun with all that! What is your technique to fix runs in clear coat when that happens? Fortunately, the runs i made are on the back of my guitar! I'm using Rust-oleum painter's touch ultra cover 2x, gloss clear. Thanks a lot!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I would wait at least a week, then wet sand. Maybe start with 800 grit on the runs.

[@ralex3697]

Beautiful

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you

[@bobmcdonald6133]

Looks awesome. What's the name of that yellow color?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I'm not sure, it's a Toyota color, that's all I can tell you

[@slamdmkv]

Turned out amazing bro. I have a black Schecter 7 string that I wanna do in neon pink 👀 it’s gonna look wild lol

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Awesome!

[@ramirogonzalez1048]

fantastic example! Thanks! Can you tell us witch is the ideal coats of polyurethane for a master glossy finish? I ve heard some people apply after the color coats like 5 coats of clear polyurethane just between 20 minutes, and. the day after, sand and 5 more coats, and the one more time. Then final sanding and buffing. I had bad experiences running down the paint during sanding. Any opinion? thanks!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I gave you a link to a very detailed video of exactly how I paint and the products I use.

[@gho2traxxpronouncedghosttr279]

Excellent vid

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you!

[@garydantzler1]

Hi Ton. I have an off the wall question for you. How should the saddles be positioned so it doesn't bottom out either way. This has been an issue with me for years. Can you help me out here/ Strats? LP models etc. etc. Your response would be more than appreciated!. I ALWAYS run across this problem when I begin the intonation process.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I'm not an expert in that area. I'm struggling same as you.

[@garydantzler1]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse One day we might both know where the starting point is. lol Good luck my friend.

[@symbolicacts6056]

First you should mark 12.5 inches from the center of the 12th fret on the guitar body, then make a line. Then you want to adjust the saddles so they have about a 1/16th of an inch of movement towards the neck. Then line up the saddles.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I measure from the nut to the 12th fret, then use that measurement from my 12th fret to where I put the bridge. I'm mostly trial and error from there though.

[@symbolicacts6056]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse Oh yeah, good point, it depends on the scale length. It'll be 12.5 for most fender style guitars though.

[@JojoJack]

Great job.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you, check out my other guitar painting videos if you like.

[@lufermartins]

Eis que encontro o nobre JJJ aqui na gringa...

[@JojoJack]

@@lufermartins kkkkk

[@ericpigg2689]

Do you wet sand prior to applying the clear coat, and if so, what grit(s) of paper do you use? Thanks!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I usually don't, only if there was massive orange peel or a run. Here's a newer more detailed video kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@ayeapprove]

Good work, I love the shine. How do you go about the horns? Sanding in there is so time consuming, do you have a special tool for that?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I just did it by hand. I didn't sand that much, the paint is thinner there, and you barely notice it.

[@chrisjames1924]

I have a PRS where you can see the joint. Doesn't bother be. Great finish on this guitar, well done. Too cold for me to start on mine unfortunately.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Yeah, it's gonna be 12° overnight this weekend where I live.

[@Ryan-kk2rr]

Great job on the shine. Did you polish it by hand? I'm worried about one spot on my guitar wearing through, but I have the paint perfect and don't want to add any additional layers.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Yes, by hand with a t shirt and white car polish

[@YomalSenanayakeMusic]

Nice work man...! gonna use your method... Cheers...!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you, good luck! Here's a more detailed video that may help you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@YomalSenanayakeMusic]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse Thank you...!

[@raceface_m2579]

That is very well done!!! Awesome! I’ll look back in this video when I redo any of my strats. Awesome!!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you!

[@garygrinkevich6971]

looks great very comparable results.

[@JamesAllenQuinn]

I'm working on my first project guitar. Excellent video! It's nice to see how well it can turn out when you do things right. I have a yamaha strat. It's black, so I am planning on painting it. Haven't decided on the color yet

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Cool,just be sure to use lacquer

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I have a couple other guitar painting videos on my channel you can check out. I started changing direction of wet sanding with each grit change and it really helped.

[@_panilaperman9881]

really great video? do you have alternatives for the scotchbrite fine pad? can i use sandpaper? if so what grit? thanks man

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you. Yes, sand paper is fine, like 600 grit. If you're going lacquer over lacquer, it really doesn't need to be scuffed, just really clean, to get rid of wax,etc. Here's a better video that has more details kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@BlondeonBlonde-demos]

I have a red flamed warlock, and I just want it all black so this is perfect

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I've been using a lot of Duplicolor perfect match universal black for my black stripes on frankenstrat paint jobs.

[@agustinazcarateespinoza8514]

Hi tom! Is it necessary to sand after painting (before the clear coat) to remove the orange peel? Or just after the clear coat?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

It all depends on how bad the orange peel is, I almost never sand in between.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Here's a better video kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@Jawnietheboy]

That’s a beautiful looking finish. Very very 50s Tv yellow😍

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you!

[@williammoore9277]

It's a very informative video yet again. Honestly, you are a godsend to any first time guitar painter/ amateur. I know that you demonstrated on the video but Could you tell me the processes from start to finish as I get a wee bit confused when to sand or polish...thanks Tom A great job yet again 👍

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I only sand after all the paint and clear are finished, but some sand in between coats. Here's a better video of what I do. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqcsi=n7gsH1ebdew2zRj8

[@williammoore9277]

Thanks Tom....Great advice on these videos 👏 👏 👏 👏 😊

[@POLARIS2]

You can name your guitars "mustard" and "ketchup "

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

🙄

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

I honestly thought the peel would be in the paint - how did you remove the peel after you’d already applied your clear coat?! Looks fantastic!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thanks, you just put enough clear on top to wet sand flat. Here's a better video, same paint and color. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqcsi=HIBJvBV1fKvsFEvU

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse Many thanks. Just finished watching it - interesting view on the 2K clear coat. I was about to order some, along with the respirator mask too, but you’ve got me second-guessing myself now. I’m using a nitro Montana Black range of spray paint and can’t help but think that the 2K will halt/drastically slow the ageing process of the nitro. I love that high-gloss almost polyurethane look but couldn’t find any poly paint in colours I wanted.

[@garydantzler1]

I just noticed that you did a lot of intonating on that guitar. I bet it sounds great too. Even when ya buy a guitar from a music store, most of the time, the bridge saddles are even all the way across. That makes for poor tuning and playing sounds and work for you.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

These guitars need a lot of work, they are 3/4 scale, and don't intonate very well.

[@garydantzler1]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse I know, right? If the strings were any shorter, they would be gone. lol

[@M5guitar1]

I used black Duplicolor and sprayed with the 1X clear. BiG MISTAkE!. The clear coat is too delicate and chips at the slightest of pressure. I'm proceeding with the assembly but I will have to refinish sometime in the future. I will use a 2X poly for clear next time

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

What is 1X clear? I only use the Perfect match clear.

[@nebulablackmusic6057]

Looks good man! Put on more coats of clear coat than you think you’ll need. It provides “insurance” for when you’re wet sanding and polishing so that you don’t burn through the clear coat. Another tip is use Z-Poxy clear finishing epoxy. It’s a pore filler and will fill in the pores of the wood so that when you apply your primer the wood doesn’t suck up the primer. It also helps fill in any imperfections in the wood. Use a small squeegee as you’re applying the Z-Poxy epoxy to squeegee off the excess epoxy because remember you only want it in the pores of the wood and the small imperfections. After it’s cured sand it down with 320 grit sand paper. Don’t sand it all off, you’re just sanding off the surface and you want to keep the epoxy in the pores of the wood and the imperfections. As your sanding you’ll see bare wood which will be dull, and spots that are shiny which are where the epoxy has filled in the pores and imperfections. You’ll get a much nicer and smoother finish this way. When you’re compounding your clear coat use different grit compounds. Usually a heavier grit compound, followed by a medium grit compound, then finally followed by a fine grit compound to remove any fine scratches and swirl marks. You’ll get a glass like finish doing it that way. You did a great job though man! Looks great!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thanks! This was my first paint job, but I've done dozens since, but using similar techniques and products. I like using locally available products.

[@nebulablackmusic6057]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse you can really use any epoxy to do your pore filling. I highly recommend doing that though before you apply primer or any type of sealing coat. Guys used to use pore filler from stewmac where you have to mix it with water and it takes forever to dry. The epoxy does the same exact thing but is much more convenient because it will generally cure in an hour and then you can begin sanding and get right to your sealer/primer coat. The water based pore fillers you have to let it sit for like 24 hours, and remember you can really only do one side of the guitar at a time so you’re looking at two whole days of just pore filling with the water based stuff. The epoxy is more like two hours for both sides. If you have a bench vice with plastic jaws you can always put the paint stick bolted to your guitar in the vice. So now your guitar body is floating free. Work the epoxy on one side, then flip the paint stick over in the vice and work the epoxy on the other side of the body cutting your waiting time down to about an hour, hour and a half total and then begin sanding.

[@AedanBlackheart]

I use a grain filler after sanding/wiping dry every grit up to about 800.

[@abraxian7090]

Amazing job, the time you put in really shows. What I'm struggling with is the fact that once you had layered the colour which you then said had orange peel (inevitable to a degree i guess?) You didn't seem to rectify that before added the layers of clear coat which you then buffed to get that factory level finish. Did you really just add clear coat without level sanding the colour first? Or did the orange peel disappear at the wet sanding stage??

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Yes, I sprayed the clear right over the orange peel, I figured the clear would orange peel anyway. You can sand in between if you want, I just did with a bass I painted. The more layers of clear, the more you can sand and level it out.

[@abraxian7090]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse that's great nan, cheers I'll be trying it this weekend. Great channel.

[@Mr.Steve-O]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse Great job, i know its an extra step, but what do you think about doing a light sanding with 1500 Wet and after 3-4 layers of the base and then doing another 2-3 layers before the poly coating ?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Yeah, that would probably help.

[@GrMfull]

I'm not sure to understand your technic . You painted, sanded and polishing without vernish coat ? Really good result and nice video

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I used a clear coat, all Duplicolor perfect match.

[@680mudman]

Never seen anyone sand a guitar in the back seat of a car before!...lol

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Funny. No, this is a van seat that I saved and is in my garage. Pretty comfortable.

[@MarkMcCluney]

Hey Tom, haven't watched all the way through yet (it's bedtime here) but I dipped in - l like that painting stand doo-dad, much better than hanging vertically which encourages drips I think. Okay more tomorrow when I get to watch properly. Cheers mate.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

The painting stand is made from car exhaust pipes welded to a truck brake rotor for a study base. I think it does help with runs.

[@foobud1989]

How has this finish held up? Everything I’ve read says to strip and sand down to wood grain for re-finishing. I’m a first timer and want to refinish a black strat I have.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Never sand down to the wood, unless you want wood texture. The factory has sealed it for you. It holds up wonderfully

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Here's a better video, same color. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqcsi=s5lMXkqIPu8gvzPD

[@foobud1989]

Awesome thank you!

[@randomuser48737]

What kind of clear you used? Acrylic enamel? Nitro? Thank you

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I usually use Duplicolor perfect match from an auto parts store. Here's a better video that better describes what I do. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqcsi=fptaPDjolxxiC2On

[@randomuser48737]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse thank you

[@dominicmcmahon4798]

Mate what exact yellow is that? It looks exactly like that original creamy tv yellow gibson customshop do. Love to make my first junior this colour.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I think I showed the part number in this video that I just did, it's pained the same color.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

The part number is at about 12:22 in the video that I linked. If the link didn't post, it's my latest painting video with a yellow guitar.

[@daspalindrom7576]

Great, Great work!! I will paint my canary yellow FGN Strat into a Fiesta Red one and you gave me hope, that I can be successful. 😅 Greetings from Germany!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you, just make sure you use lacquer if it's available.

[@daspalindrom7576]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse I started spraying my guitar with primer today. Wish me luck! :D Getting a fiesta-red wasn't that easy so I went for fire-red. In Europe, colors have numbers and it is RAL3000. I will keep you posted. Especially if I have any questions. ;)

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

It seems that might be an enamel? If it is enamel, wait longer to wet sand, probably at least a week, but I guess you can research it.

[@faysalmahmud2232]

great video!!! i have a diy kit with poly sealant on it, do i sand it then prime or just start go straight to base coat since the body is natural in color

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thanks, if it already has the sealant and you're painting it a solid color, yes. Lightly sand and then primer, color, then clear. Just make sure your paint is lacquer.

[@faysalmahmud2232]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse thanks man! out of hundreds of videos i found yours the simplest way of achieving a pro looking color

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

@@faysalmahmud2232 thank you, for me it was all in using the right paint, taking my time spraying, and careful wet sanding and polishing. Please check out my other painting videos, I learned more since I did this one.

[@WillieBeard]

A little redundant to prime a painted guitar. Unnecessary step if you don't strip it.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I'm going to continue to use it. Do you have any pics of your paint jobs? I especially can't see going from black to yellow without primer, but to each his own.

[@バイロン-v6g]

This video makes me want to repaint my bass!!! Could you tell me all of your items that you use in video?? Thank You

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I'm not sure where you live, but I get everything at auto parts stores. I buy small sheets of sandpaper between 800-3000 grit for wet sanding. The primer, paint and clear are all Duplicolor perfect match. I just use any hand polishing compound or buffing compound. T shirts for cleaning and buffing.

[@randomguy4781]

can I use this same process to do the pickguard?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

You could, but it might scratch off. Guitars that have the paint chip or scratch look OK, but a pickgaurd might look cheap if it scratches.

[@gumpymcbarfbag3884]

Beautiful job! I will do this to my crappystrat immediately!

[@anidamanns7968]

thanks great job

[@mritorto1]

I got the same color yellow as you but i want a shiner yellow does duplicolor make another perfect match yellow ?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Yes, I think so, my local napa had a few, but I went with this one because it was paler looking.

[@CitizenSoldier500]

mustard and ketchup. turned out nice

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you.

[@benfrench93]

How fine of a grit do you think the sanding should be before painting? I have just finished priming, I only sanded to 240 before primer, then saw this video (I used grain filler before priming). Do you reckon I would still be able to get the glossy finish the way I'm going? Or should I sand again before color coat? Cheers, looks awesome by the way!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I would go to 400 before painting. Unless you don't have any visible sanding marks.

[@stenyxx]

8:19 I said "wow" out loud. great job man. holy cow.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thanks, here's a newer,more detailed video, same color kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@brandonprado2775]

I have no experience with soldering and I wanted to know if it’s possible to paint a guitar with the electronics still in I would obviously put masking tape and other things to protect them

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

You could, if you taped well, but it won't be as good, and you could get sanding dust or paint on your electronics. What kind of guitar do you have?

[@brandonprado2775]

Refuse Reuse I have a squier jaguar

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

In that case, you might not have to do any soldering. Just remove the pickguard and control plate. I think the only other wire is a ground under the bridge.

[@brandonprado2775]

Refuse Reuse ok thank you so much for the help

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Actually I might be thinking of the jazzmaster, I guess you have to take it apart and see

[@nadeemkhan-official-music4522]

great job - amazing!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you!

[@Thestripper1]

Looks great. I like the color too. I see you have two hard-tails. Do you think they sound the same as a blocked off tremolo strat?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Those are mini strats, but the one in this video is the same color, and full sized. Not sure about the sound difference, I just like the stability of them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@trugangsta4real]

did you sand inbetwen coats? what "clear coat" did you use after the color coats? What was the name of the color you used?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

No

[@trugangsta4real]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse nice. What was the color name and what kind of "clear coat" did you use after?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

@@trugangsta4real the color was a Duplicolor perfect match from bc an auto parts store. It was a Toyota yellow, but I don't know the part #. Clear and primer were also Duplicolor perfect match.

[@markadams3047]

Same here I have a black charvel with an ebony fretboard and I want to paint it dark purple thanks for the lesson I am eager to paint it.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thanks, here's a video with more details kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqcsi=GrP8QGzxDNK18iDk

[@benjimenez7702]

hey brother Tom - excellent job - i have a blue-grey strat copy i want to paint either a candy apple or wind red - so i plan to follow your method - thanks dude

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you. Actually, here's a little better video kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@robinbebbington7063]

Looks great. I keep thinking of refinishing a kit guitar with a solid finish as I did a stain not very successfully.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thanks, here's a newer, more detailed video kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@elnyoutube123]

Did you get that shine with just the polish? Or did you add some sort of finish like nitro or poly? Looks really good.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Just wet sanding and polishing, but here's a better video explaining what I usually do kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@komisakomako4812]

Nice work! I got this old Squier Tele also in black, which I want to refinish. So basically I could sand it down all the way to the wood, apply primer, color, and then wet sand it, that is the process?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

No, don't sand it down to the wood, it will take off the factory sealer, and it won't look as good. Here's a better video I made, it should answer any questions you might have. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@komisakomako4812]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse Yeah, the problem is that guitar has pieces of paint broken and scrathed down to the wood already, so I kinda have to sand it down altogether. Also, when you say clear coat, is it just a transparent lacquer in the same kind of bottle (in the store it says Rally clear lacquer)? Thanks!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

@@komisakomako4812 oh, you left out the part about the bad paint. I use clear from Duplicolor perfect match, or Duplicolor clear lacquer.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I would still say to sand as little as possible, maybe sand the top and back smooth but not down to bare wood, and then carefully fill with some bondo? If you sand down to the bare wood, then you'll need to grain fill the bare wood before primer. It's going to be a big job.

[@komisakomako4812]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse I see. Thanks for the tips!

[@DeeTee79]

Great finish. How long did you wait before wet sanding the clear?

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you. I actually only waited a few days, but sometimes I wet sand the next day, but only when I use Duplicolor perfect match. Here's a better detailed video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@DeeTee79]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse thanks. I was hoping you would reply quickly as I am planning on wet sanding my Les Paul project. I used duplicolor clear coat last Tuesday so I was hoping one week would be good. Thanks again.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

@@DeeTee79 yeah, you should be fine.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

@@DeeTee79 as long as it's Duplicolor perfect match or another Duplicolor clear lacquer. I'm not sure about enamels.

[@tcchrist]

Looks great man! What kind of clear coat did you use? Ive done it with polyurethane but I notice it always adds a yellowish tint to the guitar

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I almost always use Duplicolor perfect match paint and clear. Here's a newer, more detailed video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGlo5ydnrqYZqc

[@ReactarooSkidoo]

so you don't need to wet sand the primer or the color? I noticed you had orange peel on the color coat and then you just clear coated over it and then wet sanded and polished only the clear coat.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I just wet sanded the clear, but you can wet sand the primer and color if you want. I just did a bass guitar and sanded the primer and color but didn't see much difference.

[@ReactarooSkidoo]

That's good to know. Your results were good on your yellow and purple guitar so I see no need to do any different. I have a guitar kit coming in the mail. It's going to be a relic job so it doesn't need to be too perfect. Great videos!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Cool, if its going to be a relic, you might not even need clear. I just did 2 Van Halen type guitars with a light relic. I painted them and then wet sanded the edges to show wear.

[@ReactarooSkidoo]

Good point. I wanna do a coral pink something like this. We will see how it turns out! images.app.goo.gl/aeoo6xKbXJXYhwbx7

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

That looks good!

[@mritorto1]

So you did not remove all the original paint. Is stain better . Whar types of sand paper did you use not the brand the numbers

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

I only scuffed the paint with a scotch brite pad. I didn't want to sand all the way to the bare wood. To wet sand, I used 800,1500 and 2500.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Here's another video on a telecaster that I did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5mnf62olphqkM0

[@mritorto1]

i was going to use a heat gun like this have you used one www.amazon.com/122%E2%84%89-1022%E2%84%89-Resistors-Temperature-Stripping-Masterworks/dp/B07CQM8V17/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1NTZFWEJUIR27&keywords=heat+gun+for+removing+paint&qid=1579203489&sprefix=heatgun+for+rem%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-9

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

No, I haven't. If you want a stained guitar, it might be better to buy an unfinished body.

[@waynehawcroft398]

Fantastic Job. Looks absolutely awesome

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you!

[@garydantzler1]

Hey Tom, I mentioned your obvious intonating of your guitar. Today, The Lord had me try something I never tried before and had never heard of. I had an issue with intonating my Fender Strat I built. The saddle completely bottomed out on me with still some room needed to get it intonated. (6th string). I loosened the saddle all the way until I couldn't go any further. Then wound the string back up and of course it was still sharp but I had plenty of room to make it right! It actually worked! lol

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Awesome!

[@garydantzler1]

@@TomPetersonRefuseReuse I hope that helps you one day! I know you have helped me a lot.

[@davidlashaway]

Nice Job!! Looks Amazing, especially for your first one. Time to start one of my own.

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

Thank you, good luck with yours.