Aerosol Guitar Finishing - Part 1 - Prep Sanding, Pore Filling and Sealer Coats

[@51punk]

Just a tip that is very simple but might be handy for some… if you’re heating up your aerosol cans in a bucket of warm water, put the can in a large zip lock sandwich bag first before putting it in the water (Leave the top open so it doesn’t become a floatation device). Then when the can is warmed up, you can pull it out and it will be dry, and the label won’t be soaking wet and falling apart and sticking all over your gloves. I also put a small weight on the lid of the can while it’s heating up, as they can be a bit buoyant and want to tip over in the water

[@richardreyes5126]

This guy is the prime choice for acomplishing a professional and well done result

[@jukejointjack]

Ask me how I know?

[@chucklewismusic]

Great idea thanks

[@monkeyjocks]

This is the absolute gold standard in KZbin how to videos. So well thought out. Everything explained clearly and with just the right amount of detail. Also for me personally the timing of this series is perfect as my son and I are about to embark on our first guitar kit project together. Very done guys!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@stewmac]

Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful!

[@BarisTosunTurkey]

I’m a little late to the game, so pardon me if this has already been addressed: but is there a shopping list of all the items mentioned across the series? Thanks

[@gregorybchapman]

Beautiful work! Better results than I've ever had (and I've not tried with aerosol). If it's not too pretentious, I would love to offer a sandpaper tip: When working with stiff papers in the 80-220 grit range, it's not unusual for the paper to crinkle and create a hard edge (and that can introduce some really bad sanding results). If you 'break' the paper before tearing it or attempting to sand with it, things get a lot easier. Just grab the sheet by two opposing corners then drag it over the edge of your bench with the sanding side up and while holding enough pressure to be bending the paper at least 45 degrees over that bench edge. Then grab the other two corners of the paper and repeat. Now when you go to fold the paper or work inside a tight radius area (like inside the horns on that strat) the paper will flow through those areas without that annoying crinkle showing up to ruin your work!

[@charleshaman1782]

Lesson 1: Patience. Lesson 2: Patience. Lesson 3: Patience. Well... that's the summary, but the whole is series is definitely worth the watch! Nice job!

[@stewmac]

Haha patience is certainly key!

[@AndrewFerguson9381]

this has been the bane of my existence since i've started building guitars ... thank you so much for this video series, it helps SO MUCH!!

[@ToneFreak]

This is a treasure trove of information! Thanks for doing this, putting up a step by step video for finishing, with great video quality and sound to boot! This saves a lot of time from having to go fish for videos on how to do certain things. Then your trying to find the ones with good quality and sound so you can see everything well and hear the instructions given plainly. Thank you, this is great!

[@stewmac]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@jimscott4371]

Great video training. I’m just getting ready to build a 335. Thanks StewMac.

[@andysaucedo3226]

Dare I say, "finally" Thank you very much. This series is INVALUABLE

[@stewmac]

You are welcome. Glad you like it!

[@playmoregtr]

I am finding that more and more people are starting to enjoy this hobby. With all of the great information Stewmac puts on KZbin, there is no excuse to not FINALLY have the instrument you always wanted!

[@IRevealTheMagic]

This is THE BEST series about finishing guitars on the net!!

[@skasp781]

This video made me a believer,a lot of work but well worth it

[@diamondjake]

I cannot thank you guys enough for this 3-part series! I have an old Peavey Hydra double-neck that I inherited from my dad when he passed 3 years ago. It has to be completely redone due to the foam in the old case deteriorating all over it. I think I just might have the confidence now to complete the project! 😁

[@anthonydelia1056]

What more is there to say that hasn't already been said...stew mac rocked it and Chris and Matt are true artists and great teachers...I am so inspired to tackle refinishing/restoring my 70s P bass...rock on guys!!!

[@555patrickd]

This series is amazingly detailed. Chris and Matt take their time to go over every detail, pointing possible problems and how to recover from them. Phenomenal job!

[@edschmidt6605]

I've been fooling with this stuff as an amateur for around 50 years and I picked up a trick or two from this series. Good work, guys. This is how to do it right!

[@chandlerclement1365]

After sifting through various forums and videos trying to figure out the best way to finish my guitar, this video finally puts me at ease. What a stupendous job, thanks so much.

[@darkhorse4951]

This is absolutely a video that provides all the teaching and learning tools needed. As always enjoyable, and just another well done how-to-do video. Hats off to all involved.

[@dk8311]

This is absolutely phenomenal. Wish I’d seen this before my first attempt, which actually turned out pretty well. Now I’m excited to build my next guitar and use all of Chris’ advice.

[@thesonnyboy]

This is amazing. Have been trying to piece the process together from multiple videos, but this is so thoroughly explain. Feel so confident this is doable now.

[@lukegoffkat]

Same here! Then I stumbled on this and quit looking. There was so much out there that was vague or differing information because most of them are made by first timers or others who's projects I have to say didn't turn out well. I was getting kind of scared and was thinking I'd just have to "trial and error" my way through it. I'm not finished completely with this yet and because they didn't include staining in the video I'm a bit apprehensive still, but I think it will turn out well. I'll let you know. (I'm at the finish process.)

[@refcon1872]

Why this is the best build tutorial I’ve seen. I’m on my 3rd kit and I’ve seen more build videos than I can recall and these videos render dozens I have saved as unnecessary. The key element that separates these videos from other is the inclusion of easy details and practices that fine tune the build process along with quality and clear explanations that give meaning and clear purpose for each direction and tip. This allows me to pay attention to the process with clearer understanding of wood prep than I put into my previous builds. The detailed tips on, for instance, masking the fretboard, ironing out dents in the wood, were ‘aha’ moments for me and those moments are what make these videos really useful. They foster a sense of self-efficacy that gave me heightened confidence in particular due to all the ways included to avoid, and more importantly, correct mistakes. The 2 person novice/expert (not really a novice but seemed to mirror my experience as new kit builder) approach gave a great kind of pre and post enlightenment view of the build. Stewmac has a lot of information laden videos such as this but this is a standout in large part because of the pleasant warm style of these presenters. I find 1.25x speed is useful but 1.5x starts to lose some clarity. I did end out purchasing the finish kit from Stewmac so success as an infomercial but it was a sale price and it’s a common product line so as a novice the decision freed me to think about other aspects of the build.

[@grayson84111]

It's nice to learn from people who seem to genuinely love teaching others!

[@ChrisHendrix117]

I really love Chris and Matt’s videos. I’m also watching their amp build series. Excellent content!!

[@stewmac]

They are great guys and it was really a lot of fun shooting this series with them.

[@vance7274]

Excellent! Richly-detailed, well-thought-out, and inspirational 3-part video instruction. The Driftwood Guitars teammates are top-shelf! These gentlemen are animated, humorous, and intent on sharing their knowledge and skills with others. These guys are definitely not guitar snobs... The finishing approach is applicable to an array of instruments, not just guitars. Lastly, but importantly, I note the emphasis on shop safety in all three segments. Stew-Mac and Driftwood hit a homerun with this series... How about a "Part IV" where you plug that little guitar into a vintage Fender Twin Reverb and let us hear it?

[@albertchandler1103]

It really makes a difference when a teacher is passionate about their trade… this is the best finishing video I’ve seen. Great job!

[@MrCacciLLo]

Thank you so much for this video 3 part series. I was able to paint my guitar with Nitro can Sprays at home, it took me a long time, it's a lot of work, I think 4 months total. But I followed all the steps in this videos and all the advices and the end result was beautiful it looks perfect. Thank you once more guys you are the best and thanks StewMac

[@GCTV16]

I've been finishing guitars and basses for many years and these videos taught me more than a few things I never knew.

[@shamanzone]

Such an excellent series - you guys have moved beyond supplies into art - thanks for this....

[@squaringcircles]

An excellent series! I learned something new about almost every step of the process, and I’ve finished a few guitars in my time. Thanks, StewMac!

[@iagobroxado]

This video is so epic. As someone who just started painting guitars (only two on my account) with nitro, this is a real blessing. Only wish it had come sooner! :)

[@gusperez9273]

Love these guys and watching their channel led me back to Stew Mac. Like everything else its all about the prep work. They took all the mystery out of guitar building.

[@jimconnelly2851]

I enjoyed watching these videos! After finishing guitars for 25 years, this knowledge will help improve my results. Tanks so much!

[@stewmac]

Great to hear! Thanks for tuning in!

[@themfp3517]

This whole series is so interesting! I don't have the space and gear to be able to do all this sanding and painting, but it's really exciting to see that it can be done given the proper conditions. Thanks to StewMac for helping make this happen and kudos to the Driftwood guys for all their expertise and tips.

[@stewmac]

We really hope you enjoy this series. We've had this on our "to-do" list for years and we're very proud of how this turned out. We'd love to get your feedback on it below.

[@MrSouthofBoston]

I’m a professional videographer, editor and producer. I’ve worked on several television shows. I found it to be very well done. The lighting and editing is excellent. The content is easy to follow. The interaction between the two was perfect. It didn’t appear scripted. The presentation was very natural, not rehearsed. As for someone interested in refinishing I found the video to be very informative and the best I’ve seen so far.

[@larryhawes8295]

Awesome series Dan, much appreciated.

[@stewmac]

Thanks so much

[@beaudeangilbank297]

Invaluable- greatest how-to video maybe ever. Loved the pauses to take the time to get the technique correct

[@MrMillipeed]

So good. Really useful, hands on advice and the demonstrations are superb

[@beatapt5]

Patience, patience, patience. I painted guitars with lacquer mixed at a local paint store, applied with a brush with good results. Toughest thing was tracking down paste wood filler. It was a learning process, and a LOT of work. Talking 40 years ago before KZbin and Stewmac. People really have it made now.

[@musical-creatures]

Had to watch the second video too before coming back to comment. Chris could teach anything! Matt makes a great co-teacher. These guys are naturals. It is refreshing watching a how-to video where all I learn about the instructors is how much they know about what they are teaching. These videos should be a primer for how to make instruction videos.

[@Hector-yl1kh]

Have to say, there are some great guitar re-painting vids on KZbin but having only watched 16mins of this your emphasis of the minutiae is fantastic. And if you're painting a possession that in itself may cost thousands of dollars and at the same time spending quite a lot of money on (quality) materials to do the job I would expect to see more than one vid on the topic. A 3 part series tells me I have a great chance of doing it right this time. Great stuff guys. Thank you.

[@alvigil8623]

I watched this video from start to finish and it is very detailed on how to sand and finish your guitar. The 2 guys doing the job were very good and fun to watch.

[@averytribus4242]

Love the driftwood guitars team, you couldn't have picked a better duo to teach this difficult process! I learned a lot!

[@johndavis8678]

For people that are serious about crating a great finish on a guitar kit, or refinish this is a great series. Very detailed with clear instructions. Thanks!

[@wayneperry7077]

I dropped out of High School and was the head painter in a body shop at 19. Then I got into painting houses and have done so for over 36 years now. And I must say, I've learned a lot from you watching this video ! I can't wait to start my guitar project, and feel much better prepared now. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge !

[@simpsonblake]

Great Beginning! Clear and logical script. Gets you both the details and a clear overview of the first 3 steps in the new guitar painting process. What an asset to have a good teacher who is also a skilled craftsman. I gained so many prep and painting tips and I can transfer that knowledge to other finishing projects. These alone give good value to my time spent. Printable work-tools would be a tremendous addition to these videos. Simple lists of the activities in each step. Include materials, tools used, colors, stop and start times, progress, troubleshooting, and other notes. These would be valuable so you constantly know where you are and what comes next. I know that delays and interruptions are the biggest constants in my shopwork.

[@brianfee6549]

StewMac - I feel like I owe you money for watching this. Just the prep alone is such useful info fore an amateur. Kudos to the guys from Driftwood and kudos to StewMac for seeing this through. Please add, not just more videos, but more videos of this level. This is great contenetQ

[@riadmiah3342]

I finished my first guitar recently with aerosol spray. In the process I was in touch with the folks at StewMac and they were so helpful through the entire process. I built a goldtop LP style guitar.

[@jeffknighton6599]

I've watched this a couple of times now and will be watching it again... and again. So many great tips! Thanks!

[@johndrozd7932]

I’m glad I watched these videos, didn’t realize how much I’ve been missing the proper steps to a finished project.

[@r.b.5580]

The fact that this video series is in the hours and not minutes is a promising sign. I've been doing DIY finishes for years and my biggest gripe with a lot of videos is how many little details the producers tend to gloss over when showing how to do a finish (pun intended). The thing that's kept me from buying the StewMac finishing products has been my experience shooting with rattle cans in the past, which is the the tips of those other cans tend to produce a lot of orange-peely rippling finishes that I don't get when I use a detail spray gun. If you sent me that kit, it would be a great opportunity for me to spring for your paint system and see for myself to overcome my skepticism!

[@japanrulz87]

Lovely video for those of us wanting to paint our own guitar. I appreciate your videos and how thorough they are. I enjoy watching and learning. This video helps me to learn before actually taking on the project. The repair of pulling out dents is also very useful for me too. I have a few used guitars that have dents in them. Thank you for such great instructional videos.

[@Im_Ryan]

I’m generally a guitar player, so that’s why I know of this video but I’ve actually been using this guide for building a pair of speakers. It’s been excellent!

[@Beholderguitars]

Stewmac, thank you for making this series happen. Chris and Matt, you are excellent teachers! I am finishing my first two guitars and you are walking me through this process. What could have been stressful and full of mistakes has been fun and exciting. And when I’ve made a mistake or two you anticipated those problems and offered solutions. This is the gold standard for instructional videos. Stewmac, I am now subscribed and ordering some parts from you.

[@snapgomez]

Great series. I purchased a LP Jr kit from StewMac a few years ago and this video series has given me the confidence to try and put my first finish on a guitar. Thanks to you all!

[@paulwolford4263]

Outstanding! Best aerosol painting process on the internet by far! Thank you.

[@dalew9919]

This is excellent. Great balance of detail and clarity, but concise. I appreciate the simplicity of the tools required without too many gadgets. I am left confident that this CAN be done well and safely at home, with proper attention to details. I'll be giving this a try, for sure!

[@bucknbren1]

I’m going to try this step by step on my Epiphone Les Paul! Great job! Thanks for all your time spent guys

[@brucearcher7345]

I appreciate the detailed descriptions, but even more, I like the way that some of the questions that come to mind as I watch (like how to secure the guitar body while sanding or the color of the epoxy filler) are answered almost as soon as I think of them! Good job guys!

[@tig9260]

I've watched all 3 parts in this video series. These guys do a great job of taking you through the entire process. Thanks StewMac!

[@lukegoffkat]

INR? I went back and watched each step as I went and it's turning out great! I should have pore filled a second time though-

[@thirty6twirls]

This has the greatest amount of helpful specific information, than any other video/series I've ever seen before. Thanks so much. This is absolutely outstanding.

[@TheBeachBoyBeatle]

This is easily the best video about refinishing a guitar I have ever seen. And I have always wanted a Strat this color!!!

[@raymccooney2810]

Easily the best and most intuitive video series on how to prep/paint a guitar on the home front. Tone and demeanor was also super relatable and not overwhelming or condescending in the least, legit enjoyed the way the guys from Driftwood came across in this series. Great work.

[@russmonroe203]

Having built my first kit guitar last year, getting some tips from more experienced builders helps with my motivation for moving on to number 2. Im looking forward to applying my new knowledge to the next instrument.

[@davekauble2559]

I’ve done guitar refinishing many times but this series is still awesome and I urge anyone planning a refinishing job on a guitar watch these videos and follow the recommendations closely. Good work, guys!!

[@jasonwatson2796]

Finishing has always been my weakness. After one video, I am already seeing some of my mistakes. These guys are awesome. Thanks, StewMac.

[@neilday6650]

Glad to see a clear, step-by-step tutorial on this process, especially from such an authoritative source. Plus, the sonic blue body with a mint guard is one of my fave color schemes.

[@onesource9527]

Mainly what i got from the series is new respect for luthier skills and an appreciation of what goes into creating a stunning finish. Finishing a guitar is not something to go into lightly. To start at zero and wind up with perfect finish requires a lot of money, shop setup, and equipment not to mention time and skill development. I venture to say when you get done with buying all the stuff, you're easily heading past $2,000. Makes more sense to put that money to a used instrument you like. As a monetary proposition it makes little sense, but if that's your business and you can command several thousand per unit, well it might be worth it. It's too much for an amateur to master without significant time commitment.

[@thehail9898]

Inspiring set of videos. Having come from the automotive and industrial finishing sector after 39 years takes me back to the 1970's when lacquer was the finish of choice. Great that StewMac put this together.

[@Steven-mv2bv]

My grandfather handed me down Snap-On Tools; I will be handing down my StewMac tools. You guys always come through. Thank you

[@shannonmoore7374]

What a superbly-done series! It highlights just how much I didn't know about correctly finishing a guitar.. 😄

[@tomjones4893]

I build ukuleles as a hobby. Have stayed away from aerosol finishes because I don't have spray equipment. This StewMac product gives me confidence to try an aerosol. Looking forward to it!

[@seanemmettfullerton]

Thanks StewMac! Very inspiring...

[@social_villains]

This is the best video series on this topic yet. Can't wait to do my next project now!

[@SBanas]

"Dan is Bob Ross of guitar building, and a national treasure"- here you go. It should appear under every StewMac video, cause it is true and we all know it! But you Guys are obviously as awesome as Dan😉 Thanks for your work and these videos!

[@DavidConnorsBass]

What a great 3 part intro to Aerosol guitar finishing. After watching all 3 parts I feel really confident to go ahead a try finishing a guitar for the first time. Thank you.

[@Turdington]

Nice to see it reeeeaaally broken down in such a detailed step by step. good series.

[@mikenelson7567]

Nice collaboration between two folks whose videos I've already enjoyed watching.

[@MrBritrider]

Preparation, attention to detail and patience is key and you guys hit all marks. The end result proves it. Love love love Sonic blue with rosewood neck. What a beautiful guitar. Great video and job!

[@suite9035]

After watching this excellent series, I finally understand a) what it takes to actually finish a guitar, and b) that I might actually be able to do this. Excellent series and what a beautiful result!

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

Great to see you partnering with Stewmac! Match made in heaven.

[@guymay7897]

One and done! It takes a lot of passionate concentration. Big rewards from doing all the steps correctly. Thanks for all that you shared and mastered.

[@brucemerrifield4167]

Hi ! Great series. Proves old dogs can learn new tricks. I have been painting cars, motorcycles, boats, and airplanes for 6 decades. I love working with lacquer, a really great product. Your presentation was great with lots of TIPS and TRICKS that old dogs like me can learn from. I will be sure to use these steps when building my TINGO Box guitars. For now, Pura Vida (to the good life). Regards: Bruce Merrifield

[@matthewsteele5374]

I always enjoy StewMac videos--they are comprehensive, detailed, and explained in an understable way. After watching these 3 videos I feel confident to refinish a guitar I have been wanting to do. Thank you.

[@PastorDATM]

Thanks Chris and Matt for the great 👍 presentations in the series. The two of you did an excellent job all the way through. From Chris writing ✍️ the seven steps to the whole process on the whiteboard to him encouraging us that if we make a mistake during the process, to learn from it and keep at it. Like Chris said, for me anyway, one day I would like to be considered to be a good guitar builder. Finally, but certainly not the least, a special shout-out and thanks goes to Dan and StewMac for making this series possible! Thanks everyone! I learned a lot and will be watching these videos multiple times to really let the seven step process take hold in this old brain of mine. LOL 😂 Dave

[@roberthuffman9027]

Stewmac has great products and how to’s. Appreciate that they provide this jind of education for free

[@frankryan8100]

Superb job! Thank you all. Economies of scale aside, I have a new appreciation for the cost and time of proper finishing.

[@Superdelphinus]

I love watching people who are extremely good at their craft doing their thing

[@Hachimedia]

These guys are a riot. They did a good job of making this fun.

[@randyparcels9635]

Thanks for putting this together! I have admit that after watching the 3 superb videos in this series I am rather overwhelmed. However following your advice and examples I am confident I will take the steps and time to get a great finish on my guitar project. When Dan is impressed with the finish I know its the real deal. Thanks again Stew Mac & Driftwood Guitars.

[@AcousticOne]

Love everything Stewmac…great series…now it’s my turn to try fingers crossed!

[@leogiovanoni6234]

Well done. The Guys made things easy to understand. Well produced. Glad you folks did this series. Thanks.

[@johnmcadams4822]

Thanks, these videos are absolutely necessary and a great roadmap for anyone interested to create a showroom guitar that they can be proud to show. Chris and Matt were great showing each step of this project. These are truly required viewing for anyone working on a build kit. Thanks StewMac.

[@jimpoisson9858]

nice videos, very complete in instruction. lived that they covered biggest mistakes when just starting out in finishing. safety is paramount and prep is every thing.. no foundation no pro Finnish

[@christopherl6543]

With typical teenage audacity, many, many years ago, I sprayed an orange sunburst finish on my violin. I still have it and it still looks pretty good! Thanks for showing how to do it correctly.

[@michaelhoward4837]

This is exactly the video series I wanted to see. Thanks StewMac and Driftwood Guitars!

[@dalepres1]

Wow! That's one fancy, expensive, Stratocaster shaped epoxy mixing table you used. I like the way you work with your assistant. I like the respect he shows for you and the patience you show for him. He does great but we can see you continue to patiently mentor and train him. If I were younger, I'd love to apprentice with someone like you.

[@DRACO1600]

Great instructional video. These guys explain in super detail which is excellent for all guitar builders new and experienced. Great humour too. Thanks to Chris and Matt for such a fun and inspiring set of videos ,and to Stewmac for putting it out on their site. I have ot built a guitar for over a year now but feel the urge to get myself back in the swing. Many thanks. Paul. UK.

[@rwdplz1]

Fantastic. The pore fill is THE secret to a good finish.

[@erinmaxwell5410]

Nice to see all the steps I've been missing on film. Thanks Driftwood and Stewmac!

[@LesStrummer]

Thanks for posting this educational video for those of us who are aerosol averse.

[@BrianBoland1]

Very enlightening. I have always been interested in putting a new finish on my old strat. I'm glad I saw this first.

[@marckweiss9226]

Great series! I really appreciate that you gave a lesson that was clear and instructive from a beginner's view, and explaining potential pitfalls and how to avoid them. Keep up the great work!

[@chrisroth2437]

Great video! This tells me exactly why my previous finish jobs never came out flawless. Thanks for walking me through this step-by-step.

[@deutschpwa]

Glad to have the series, it's a big help even from this first video!

[@thomascordery7951]

Guys, thanks for all the detailed, well explained, step by step demonstration. I'll be referring back to this series come the spring for a project I'm working on.