Got my ST kit the other day, started working on it. It's my second build (first was a Tele Deluxe from Fretwire) and I'm going with sort of an 80's shred vibe with it. I've got a mirrored pickguard and a Seymour Duncan Screamin' Demon pickup, and I'm in the process of painting it right now. The headstock took the paint really well, the body on the other hand....well I didn't even bother taking a picture of it in it's current state. Anybody have any tips for painting Ash?
That looks like basswood, not ash. That is a very ‘80s approved shred guitar wood. I’m not the expert at painting guitars, but I know that you cannot skimp on the prep work. Let us know what paint you are using and your method of application and someone will be able to help with the information you need.
Current:
GTH-1
Completed:
AST-1FB
First Act ME276 (resurrected curb-side find)
ES-5V
Scratchie lapsteel
Custom ST-1 12 String
JBA-4
TL-1TB
Scratch Lapsteel
Meinl DIY Cajon
Cigar Box lap steel
Wishing:
Baritone
Open D/Standard Double 6 twin neck
It's the STA-1R kit, so it is indeed ash, or atleast its supposed to be lol. As with my Tele I'm just using Krylon and Duplicolor spray cans. The Tele turned out great, but the Strat is so far looking like a translucent finish even after about 6 coats of primer, which while I wouldn't be opposed to it it's not what I'm looking for.
Did you do a mock setup to check the guitar's allignment prior to applying finish? You may want to double check the cavity routed for the bridge. It seems slightly off from your picture. It may just pickguard positioning playing a truck on my eyes.
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I did, it lines up fine. The pickguard is sitting kinda funky here so it looks that way.
Upon rechecking the website the kit is listed as ash, but the body definitely looks like basswood, I believe you are right.Originally Posted by Fretworn
Progress is at a standstill, paint is being difficult
What type of paint are you using?
If you are using duplocolour auto lacquer, I'd suggest you use a high build primer first, the auto one should work (I have used the auto acrylic primer on wood ok)
Then sand it back to about 320 400 grit, making sure it is completely flat.
Then the colour coat
Then a clearcoat
Generally I prefer a Matt base coat and then make it shiny with the clear
Either way, this paint colour coat isn't used directly over wood, metal or anything really without the correct primer, I'd say that's your problem here
Is it particularly hot/cold or humid where you are? The paint shouldn't be milky like that - it generally means that you got some moisture from the air condensed in the paint as you were spraying.
If you notice it while its still wet it is possible to fix it with a gentle application of a hair dryer, but otherwise you probably need to sand it back and try again.
Build 1 - Shoegazer MK1 JMA-1
Build 2 - The Relliecaster TL-1
Build 3 - The Black Cherry SG AG-1
Build 4 - The Sonicaster TL-1ish
Build 5 - The Steampunker Bass YB-4
Build 6 - The Howling Gowing ST-1
"What I lack in talent I make up for with enthusiasm"
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