Nitrocellulose lacquers have been around for almost a century; originally used for acoustic instruments, saxophones and even cars. This finish later became a popular choice for Fender and Gibson in the ’50s and ’60s, who used it almost exclusively for their electric guitars.
Simply so, can I spray paint a guitar?
The guitar must be perfectly sanded, clean, dry and grease free. If there is any area that we do not want to paint, cover all surfaces with paper and tape. The ideal temperature for working with spray is between 20-25ºC. It is important to avoid the direct action of the sun or external agents on the paint.
Considering this, can you spray nitrocellulose over acrylic? Acrylic finishes are not affected by nitrocellulose coatings, but the reverse is true as well. It is not recommended to use acrylic nitrocellulose lacquers over old nitrocellulose lacquers.
Hereof, does fender still use nitrocellulose?
Fender still uses nitrocellulose lacquer finishes on a select group of instruments (Road Worn™ and American Vintage series, various artist models).
Does Gibson use nitrocellulose lacquer?
Gibson instruments are finished with several coats of a high-quality nitro-cellulose lacquer. This finish is hand-buffed to a high-gloss, mirror-like surface. Unlike other less expensive finishes, nitro-cellulose does not detract from the tone of the instrument and ages beautifully.
Does painting guitar change sound?
For an acoustic or hollow-body guitar the paint impacts tone more than it does on a solid body electric because the wood tops on these guitars are a lot thinner—roughly 1/10-inch thick as opposed to a 2-inch thick solid body.
How do you paint a nitrocellulose guitar?
Is acrylic lacquer compatible with nitrocellulose lacquer?
Finishes are often a mix of diffenent categories of resins. And most solid colors available are more properly acrylic lacquers even though they’re completely compatible with “nitro” top coats.
Is acrylic paint good for guitar?
You can use acrylic paint on a guitar. However, you need a proper understanding of paint choices, and how best to prepare the acrylic paint to achieve optimal results. You also have to be open to the possibility of the acrylic paint negatively affecting the value of a guitar.
What is the best paint for a guitar?
A lacquer finish on your guitar is the best option, so lacquer paint is the best choice. It is best to use enamel paint if your guitar has an enamel finish. Oil-based and water-based enamel paints are available. Water-based enamel is recommended because oil-based enamel takes a long time to dry.
What paint is compatible with nitrocellulose?
Nitrocellulose coatings adhere to acrylic finishes, but the reverse is not true. Acrylic nitrocellulose lacquers may not be used over old nitrocellulose finishes. Acrylic nitrocellulose lacquers adhere poorly to bare metal and both nitrocellulose and epoxy finishes.
What type of paint may be painted over with epoxy topcoats?
Generally, epoxy primers and LPU paints are compatible with epoxy resin coatings and may even chemically bond. However, some of the alkyd enamels and other one part paints and varnishes may not properly dry on epoxy resin coatings.