Change the color of the binding

[Kick]

Well, the title says it all; is it possible to change the color of the binding?

I'm up for a LP kit and my goal is to make something alike the Gibson Les Paul Red Widow. I'm still in doubt to go for a flame veneer or the quilted topveneer. I think both look awesome in that particular color.

However, the 'finishing touch' would be a red binding instead white/creme. So, would this be possible and if yes, how should I do that?

Thanks in advance!

[Simon Barden]

You could email Adam (or whatever supplier you choose) about a custom order. However red binding isn't a common binding colour, but you can ask. Alternatively maybe you could get a kit with the binding routing done but no binding applied. It would save removing the original binding (which has been done here by a few people). Otherwise it is simply a case of working away at the old binding until it comes off, clearing up all the glue residue and fitting new binding.

[Kick]

Hi Simon, thank you for your reply. It could be an option to order a kit without the binding. I'll keep that in mind.

[Zandit75]

I looked into doing a custom order on my LP, with black binding, however it adds a fair bit to the price, and then you have to wait an extra 6-8 weeks for the delivery of it.

[Kick]

Ok, a black binding is (of course) black. But in my case I have to order a soft reddish, slight pink or perhaps some purpleish color. In other words; how could I explain the color I'm looking for? It all depends of the finished color of the top and that color is still a surprise. So I don't think that a custom order will do. Unless someone has a good idea I think I'll settle with the original color of the binding.

[Brendan]

Kick - it is possible to remove the binding and put your own binding on - not that hard - just takes time. In general though, the range of binding plastics that are available is quite limited (check eBay). You could possibly find the right colour through a plastic supplier maybe?

[Kick]

I'll have a look at eBay Brendan, thanks. Perhaps I can find something that makes it worth the effort of doing it myself.

[wazkelly]

Another thought would be either no binding at all so that you can paint one on or alternatively paint over the existing binding in the colour you want.

Cheers, Waz

[Kick]

Hi Waz, you're heading towards my thought; why not paint the binding with the same dye I'm going to use for the top. As said before I want to create some kind of LP Red Widow and I think I will use simple red stamping ink to get the flames pop out. I could use that same ink to color the binding (perhaps in a lighter mix with more water added to the liquid). Only point is, wil it stay or wear of?

[wazkelly]

Hi Kick, Stamp Pad Ink is predominately water based and therefore may not stick too well on the plastic binding. If it did, it may be translucent at best and still show some of the underlying binding colour. Also recommend red fountain pen ink instead of stamp pad ink as the colour choices are more vibrant. I also found when using black stamp pad ink that it doesn't dilute down too well and seemed to have an oily residue. End result was Yuck and it was a big pain to sand off - took 2 days and lots of wet sanding. On my Red J Bass I almost ordered some ink from Germany via eBay but ended up buying locally in my home state in Australia. For the colour check it out in my signature (build #4).

Auto pinstriping may have a colour close to what you want and clear top coats should easily go over it so that it becomes part of the overall finish. I think the pin stripes would be made from vinyl and should be easy to trim down if required.

A bright red permanent marking pen could be another option but reckon that may be too fiddly and show 'lift off' marks from where you have taken a rest to then hit the next section.

Masking up and using an auto rattle spraycans just on the binding would ensure you get exactly the colour you want. A bit more work but allows you to customise it how you want.

Cheers, Waz