Mess up, sand back, paint again. Mess up, sand back, paint again. The paint goes on with minimal trouble, but the clear coat can be a real bear. Fourth try, and I think I am satisfied.

Looking ahead, a question. Pickguard and hardware are all black. During initial inventory, I noticed a new black nut in the package. Looking at it now, it is plastic, just like the one I just took off the neck. I also ordered a bone nut, which is white. Does anyone have experience or ideas on dying a white bone nut to match the rosewood fretboard, or the black tuning machines? Thanks in advance.