How to Wrap a Guitar | 5 Tips on Using Vinyl to Customize and Reskin Your Guitar

In this video I share my top 5 tips on how to properly wrap your guitar using a vinyl wrap.
Jump ahead:
► Essential Tools/Items Needed - 0:43
► Tips - 1:41
► Tips Recap - 5:36
Ever wanted to wrap a guitar for a different look, but worry you'd mess it up? Fear not! Here I give you the inside scoop on the top 5 things to consider and be mindful of the next time you wrap your guitar.
Wrapping these things are a lot of fun. If you have any questions or need something specific, leave a comment below and I'll be happy to help!
As always, thank you for watching! I appreciate the support.
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#guitarwrap #customguitar #customize #guitar #prsguitars #paulreedsmith #vinlywrap

[@khizerbm1765]

Thank u for you sharing about wrapping my bass guitar...now i decide to wrap my guitars instead..of doing a repaint..thank a lot..God bless..and keep safe..😊

[@ScottBynoe]

Wrapping is great because it is not permanent and does not damage your guitar if you do it right. It's a great way to try something different and is completely reversible. Have fun!

[@goodestboi9136]

Liked, subscribed, all notification ON!

[@PatrickGeneLeBlancHardy]

Thanks For Sharing ✌

[@ScottBynoe]

Cheers

[@radmed979]

Thank you

[@doitalldreaux]

Thanks for the tips and the great energy! Everyone ride videos were boring lol you’ve got my sub

[@ScottBynoe]

Cheers man! Thanks for watching.

[@NeinFeline]

New subscriber... Enjoyed the tip recap.

[@ScottBynoe]

Lol thanks for watching!

[@tahwnikcufos]

What about using an embossing tool, like they have at Hobby Lobby? I bought one for heat shrink tubing and it works great for that - it's 300 watts.

[@ScottBynoe]

Not totally sure. Try it out with a small piece of vinyl first on some other surface just to make sure it’s ok. But if I’m not mistaken, aren’t those really small? I feel like if it was one of those tiny ones you’d be there all day trying to heat the vinyl evenly.

[@tahwnikcufos]

@@ScottBynoe It's smaller than a normal heat gun, but great for getting into tight spots. It gets hot enough to melt solder for SMDs. I bought enough 3M gold to do 3 guitars, but only really plan to do 1... just been putting it off.

[@monstruonegro05]

I'll never do that because of my leak manual skills but: Great job!!!

[@ScottBynoe]

Thank you!

[@dildojizzbaggins6969]

Yeah, when it comes to skills like that I'm a leek as well :P

[@julesbaby47]

Hi, Thanks. How does it wear, eg with sweat and the beating it gets from gigs

[@ScottBynoe]

Hey there, I personally don't gig with this guitar, but I have a buddy who has wrapped guitars that has done numerous world tours and hasn't had any issues really (so long as you take care of your stuff). As for sweat, I don't find it an issue with this particular wrap - it's very smooth with a satin feel and not sticky at all (I think if you get something with a matte finish you may find this, however if you go for gloss it's possible it'd get sticky).

[@charlienagy2385]

Great job. I guess we have to spray clear coat (lacquer) on it to make it last longer, right ?

[@FilipFichoBoshevski]

Great job man, that pink one looks freaking stellar!...i dont have the balls to try something like this haha, unless i have some trash guitar laying around. I'd suggest to stain that rosewood fretboard to look like ebony (it'll tie everything together ever better imo). Cheers, btw hilarious video too ;)

[@ScottBynoe]

I hear what you mean about the fretboard. It's why I think the orange one looks a bit nicer because it has that ebony board.

[@FilipFichoBoshevski]

@@ScottBynoe Yeah, and especially with all the black hardware on the SVN!

[@namnug69]

🤘🤘🤘

[@thebrassaction]

Any tips on cutting around the binding? How did you do the edge without cutting into the finish of the guitar?

[@cdnpunk2270]

Razor blade

[@TheHutchMusic]

Great tips. thanks. @2.15 : So wouldn't you remove the neck to wrap the body on its own?

[@ScottBynoe]

If you have a bolt on, sure

[@headspacemhk8297]

I been debating doing this to one of mine but nervous lol also how did you get the logo back on the headstock of your guitar

[@ScottBynoe]

Original logo is still underneath. I found a bunch of logos on Etsy. I have white, black and some really awesome raised gold ones that I haven’t been able to use yet. They aren’t easy to find though.

[@senorspock]

i always wondered how you got those finishes on the PRS. Great idea! im too chicken to try it tho

[@ScottBynoe]

It’s fun, give it a shot! There’s no damage to the guitar. If you decide to peel it off it’s good as new under (except if you score the finish by cutting too deep when cutting your vinyl off). Thanks for watching!

[@chosenideahandle]

You can use knifeless tape to avoid cutting your guitar.

[@PearlHarbor138]

How did you add the decals for your headstock? Also cool video!

[@ScottBynoe]

Hey. I ordered them years ago from someone over Etsy I think. I don’t remember exactly.

[@Childlock.Devtsix]

Where did you get the headstock logos for the PRS? I wrapped the headstock on a super old PRS and want a new logo put on it

[@ScottBynoe]

Search Etsy

[@leftyrighty5045]

Thank you answering the hairdryer question. I am On my way to the hardware store now to buy a heat gun. I'll keep my money local this time. I just got back from the hardware store with heat gun. Your tips are perfect. I like #4 to practice, first.

[@ScottBynoe]

Cheers man! Thanks for watching.

[@Mangohead37]

Question where did you get those black saddles and tuning keys

[@ScottBynoe]

@@Mangohead37 tuners are Gotoh and the bridge is a hipshot. You can see the full spec of the guitar here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpbdgIWidsiknas

[@Mangohead37]

@@ScottBynoe thank you

[@edesbalazs]

Hello there! Very cool idea! One question, don't you get an edge that easily starts to peel with this method?

[@ScottBynoe]

Some of the edges are starting to peel but not in a big way. So it’s not perfect and likely won’t last forever without some maintaining. I’ve seen some people run tape along the edges on the back to keep it down. Doesn’t look pretty but it works.

[@dragonstorm8171]

ive watched atleast 20 or so videos on how to wrap a guitar, but everyone seems to wrap only the top. Im wanting to wrap the entire guitar body, not just the top. Obviously theres gonna be seams where the front meets the back, how do you deal with them? wouldn't they leave an edge that would get caught on stuff while your playing or simply moving the guitar around?

[@ScottBynoe]

Hey, first off thanks for watching! And that's actually a great question and totally something I should have covered in the video, so thanks for asking it! Essentially it boils down to how good you can make the transition. Initially I wrapped the orange guitar all the way around and hated it. It bunched up around the horn points pretty bad and just was really sloppy and wrinkled around the seam at the back. If you are cool with the cosmetic mess at the back, then it's doable. However, it's also a hazard if you have raised little bumps and bits and can get caught on shit and tear. I originally got this whole wrapping idea from a buddy who's a touring musician and he wraps his all the way around, but on the back it's all taped up to keep it down and free from tearing or getting caught on shit. So from the front it looks awesome, but from the back it's rough. It all depends on the look you want and what you are willing to accept cosmetically speaking. You could give it a shot and if you are good at this sort of thing you might get a clean line, but my gut tells me there will always be a little bit of a wrinkle issue once you bring the wrap back around the body. Hope that helps! Happy wrapping!

[@dragonstorm8171]

@@ScottBynoe I had an idea of maybe cutting a piece 2 times the side of the guitar body, and putting the guitar inside of it (much like putting a book mark, or page marker inside a book) so the seam would be on one of the sides and around the edges of the guitar, then slightly over lapping them, but still wasn't sure if overlapping them would still show an impression of the layer underneath. I've only ever did front and back skins, so I'm not sure if that would work, but I've got a bass that has a snakeskin "80's" style graphic on it, and I want to protect the graphic, but still be able to play the guitar cause it's my workhorse (plus when I play with different band that play different styles of music, sometimes the graphic looks out of place... Example: filling in and playing with the local country band with a rock/ heavy metal graphic on my bass just looks odd, but the bass came from the factory like that, so it's not easily removable without tons of finish work)

[@ScottBynoe]

@@dragonstorm8171 You could give it a shot, but working with the vinyl might be challenging around edge and contours depending on the shape of the guitar. Also, my guess is that you would see the seam to some degree, depending on how thick your vinyl is. All you can really do is try it to see how it pans out. If you don't like it you could just peel it off and start again. It'd just cost you that vinyl material and your time. But could be worth a shot!

[@dragonstorm8171]

@@ScottBynoe luckily, my bass is pretty rounded, it doesn't have alot of sharp edges on it, so it may work, but I've only ever did printed top skins, and they wernt vinyl.... Least not the type used for wrapping, so I wouldn't quite know what type of vinyl to buy in the first place lol there's not really alot of info out there. People say to buy automotive wrap, but I've never wrapped a car, so that doesn't help me at all haha

[@ScottBynoe]

@@dragonstorm8171 Ya I used automotive wrap on mine (interior wrap). It gotta say it was pretty easy and forgiving to work with.

[@Dippides]

- Can it be used on an unpainted guitar kit? - Can it be done so that the binding stays visible on an archtop? On the top as well as bottom and sides?

[@SevasGuitar]

how long did it last? I had a experience that it starts to off the body less than a month. I did it on my court x-custom guitar and the wrap started to peel off from the sharp tips.

[@ScottBynoe]

Both guitars I’ve wrapped still like the first day I did them and it’s been almost 2 years I think. No peeling, cracking or issues of any kind.

[@user-sz6lr8pi8e]

I wanna wrap my explorer white but I’m afraid I’ll mess it up, do stores do it for you as well or no?

[@ScottBynoe]

Doubtful. But who knows. You could ask. But I don’t think I’ve seen a store offer that type of service. Not in my neck of the woods at least.

[@santiagoramirez1217]

OMG, the tip recap, hahaha, I'm dying...but for real, this is a great video, thanks for making it!

[@ScottBynoe]

Glad you enjoyed it man! Thanks for watching!

[@RockstarMusicSchoolOfficial]

Do you mind telling what brand & a good website for buying the wrap?

[@ScottBynoe]

VVIVID VINYL

[@RockstarMusicSchoolOfficial]

@@ScottBynoe thank sir!

[@smashtoad]

Is there a vinyl pinstriping that wouldn't look like trash over an original gloss? I just want two tight racing stripes on my guitar, and am debating whether I should try to use vinyl myself, or bite the bullet and have it painted.

[@ScottBynoe]

I'd recommend buying a small piece of vinyl (with the length you need) and get a really sharp exacto or hobby knife and cut it yourself using a metal ruler or level. Cut it first, and then apply it to your guitar once cut. Benefit of that is you won't be cutting the vinyl on your guitar surface, and if you mess up just peel it off an cut new strips (provided you have enough vinyl to spare). Shouldn't be too difficult. But it would be raised slightly (depending on the thickness of the vinyl). So it won't be as nice as a paint job, but it'll be a relatively cheap and easy thing to try (even if for a proof of concept to see if you like it - that way you can experiment with size or colour before committing to paint). Best of luck!

[@smashtoad]

@@ScottBynoe thanks man. I just discovered knifeless tape....what an ingenious idea.

[@ScottBynoe]

@@smashtoad As long as your vinyl isn't too thick and you are doing flat, straight lines it should be ok. It becomes problematic if you are using it around contours and points. I tried it on the headstock and it was a real pain in the ass and kept ruining the vinyl, but for pinstripes it should be good!

[@hatemh2455]

can i use pink tape?

[@deadisthenewblack]

How did you get the logo back on the headstock? Did you just have to carefully cut out where it was ?

[@ScottBynoe]

It’s a sticker actually. If you look around you can find both waterslide decals and stickers of the current and old style PRS signature for restoration projects. You can get all sorts of colours even. Thanks for watching!

[@deadisthenewblack]

@@ScottBynoe oh ok I wasn’t sure I thought maybe it was a water slide/ sticker. Either was man it looks awesome. I can’t wait to try to do this to one of my guitars. This video is very helpful

[@ScottBynoe]

@@deadisthenewblack Awesome man, it's a lot of fun and somewhat addictive! Happy you found this helpful!

[@bigkickleo]

Nice results!! Has anyone ever had success using this type of product on an unfinished guitar? Raw wood? Or sealed even? I am really wanting to try this on some drums I have... Thanks!

[@ScottBynoe]

I haven't but I wouldn't recommend it. I think if you were to remove it you might damage the wood underneath. Maybe if you reheated it to remove. you might save it, but I wouldn't know for sure...

[@hermesokniknee7168]

I’ve done it on two rail toms and they turned out AmAziNg! I did not do it directly on the wood because I didn’t want to jack up the wood, so I did it on my existing drum wrap. If you don’t have any wrap on your drums and only wood, I’d recommend getting some thin plastic and make a wrap base, then apply it to that, then install the newly made wrap.

[@paul-emilefrancois3731]

Hello, what brand of vinyl did you used?

[@ScottBynoe]

Hey there, it's from a company called VViViD Vinyl

[@BMH-cb9jt]

Can you use semi permanent vinyl for a Cricut?

[@ScottBynoe]

Won't lie, I have no clue. I've never used a Cricut to be honest.

[@angeladsg4866]

That was actually helpful. Thank you.

[@ScottBynoe]

My pleasure!

[@Dreamdancer11]

I was going to pour epoxy colored with mica powders on a guitar of mine(body and headstock) but i think iam gonna go with this solution that ll help to keep my sanity and mess to a minimum.....

[@ScottBynoe]

It’s easily reversible too. Proof of concept if nothing else and you want to do something more permanent later.

[@Dreamdancer11]

@@ScottBynoe Indeed...my guitars are mostly handmade by me so i cant really destroy their resale value but still iam quite frequently bored of the looks so a wrap is the overall best solution...

[@TheHutchMusic]

@4.54 ... If removing all electrics and hardware, take pictures as a reminder aide for the reconstruction.

[@jorgesalas3543]

Can this be done on a acoustic guitar?

[@ScottBynoe]

I haven’t done that myself but I have seen others do it. I guess in theory you could but depending on how thin the finish is I might be a bit concerned if you need to peel it off. Also not sure how it might affect the sound of the guitar since the top is so thin.

[@lilith251]

Which vinyl do you recommend?

[@ScottBynoe]

Any high quality automotive vinyl. I used a company call VViViD Vinyl.

[@lilith251]

@@ScottBynoe thanks I appreciate it. Me and my husband are doing customs on his and I don’t want anything cheap

[@1peanut]

Is this removable without hurting original finish ?

[@ScottBynoe]

Probably depends on the finish. High gloss no issue. But something porous or oiled would be a bad idea.

[@1peanut]

@@ScottBynoe Okay. yeah that makes since. I have a Strat and don't want to hurt the original finish. I will be very careful when cutting the wrap it not to damage the polyurethane. Thanks

[@matthewwilson3673]

is the vinyl damaging to the finish underneath?

[@ScottBynoe]

Not on these guitars. I’m sure guitars with more delicate or open finishes you may not want to try this.

[@p5bl055]

Watched all these videos on how to wrap but not one video told me what size to order my wrap, how many ft??

[@ScottBynoe]

Measure your guitar, it’s simple. It’ll depend on the guitar you are wrapping. There is not one single measurement that will work for all guitars…

[@M5guitar1]

Does this work on bare wood?

[@ScottBynoe]

Never tried it. But not sure I’d recommend it. Could damage the wood underneath.

[@myhapylife]

I wonder what happens when you want to remove it? Does it leave traces? Will it peal off water decals?

[@aplanebagel]

i'd like to know too

[@ScottBynoe]

I’ll let you know if I ever decide to take it off ;)

[@aplanebagel]

@@ScottBynoe lol

[@itzayush.]

What was the size of the wrap

[@ScottBynoe]

2’ x 5’

[@GoblinGoblinson]

I'm guessing the answer is "no", but would it be possible to do that to the neck of the guitar without it majorly affecting the sound?

[@ScottBynoe]

Not too sure but why would you want to wrap a neck? For the feel?

[@bronzesnake7004]

That opening salvo was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooannoying!! "( But then you unleashed that manly face melting "Braaap" and totally redeemed yourself!! OK let's wrap this up! ") Jack ~'()'~

[@Cknox01]

Have you tried clear coating on top of a vinyl wrap?

[@kuji8011]

wanna make a MGK style pink guitar :3

[@ScottBynoe]

I won't lie, I don't know who MGK is...haha, but either way wrapping a guitar is a lot of fun, enjoy! Thanks for watching!

[@uhhhzach]

you could always use pink tape (the true punk rock way lol) like his first copy of the ttmd guitar

[@The504lego]

I thought Heat guns are bad to use on guitars

[@ScottBynoe]

Hey, no not really if you do it correctly. You're really only heating the vinyl to make it pliable and adhere to the guitar, so it's not really heating the guitar all that much. Also, as long as you are applying this to an appropriate finish it does no damage (for example these PRS SE guitars have pretty thick finishes). I wouldn't go doing this to a vintage, finished checked, and relic'd guitar anytime soon haha (or anything overly expensive). It's not too invasive, I've peeled these off of guitars and there have been no issues to the finish at all. Thanks for watching!

[@The504lego]

@@ScottBynoe So don't try this on a custom shop guitar gotcha! I'm glad you responded I was going to do it to a reliced custom shop( no sarcasm) glad you talked me out of it 🤣

[@ScottBynoe]

@@The504lego definitely wouldn't recommend that! Hahaha

[@joephillips7612]

Vinyl will have a bad chemical reaction to Nitrocellulose finishes and so you should not wrap those. Only polyurethane finishes.

[@barretprivateer8768]

This may be my new strategy for fixing up guitars with ugly DIY refinish jobs. Guys, please stop sanding the paint off the front of your guitar and giving up.

[@ScottBynoe]

Lol yes!

[@gbdguy445]

FYI - your video is demuxed or something the audio and video are completely out of sync.

[@ScottBynoe]

Something on your end likely. Haven’t heard that feedback from anyone else (and this video has lots of views and comments) and I just double checked and it’s perfectly fine when I view it on KZbin.

[@24nikita]

Can we have more farts in the next video please like "hello", fart "my name is Scott" fart, "how are you today", fart. Oh and make the fart photo steam a bit like it`s fresh and we can see the smell rising like the ones my dog makes, . . .fart . . .oops.

[@hermesokniknee7168]

This will be the one and only video I watch from this guy if he does every video with that annoying intro. Jesus, WTF was that all about?

[@ScottBynoe]

Ya seriously this guy is so annoying, right?