Any recommendations for dark blue paint/classic dark yellow stain - First timer :)

[sarah.johnson9]

Hi all

Thanks for reading!

I would love any recommendations or advice on options for a dark blue paint (body) and classic dark yellow (neck) - similar to pictured but without the worn look (which is extremely cool but outside of my skill level!).

I've got a semi-hollow TL kit

Thank you in advance!

[fender3x]

Welcome Sarah!

If you go for the dark blue, I have had my best results with MTN 94 spray paint. It's available in art stores here in the US, and I know it's also available in Australia and Europe. It works pretty well even in Miami's hot, humid climate, which is not true of most other spray paints I have tried. I know others have had good luck with automotive paint, but if you are shooting outside you need to watch the temps and humidity. There are a number of folks on the forum that have fancier pneumatic spray setups...which raises the question of how you plan to apply the finish?

For the color on the neck, I usually use blond shellac, which adds some yellow tint, but not quite as much as in your pic. Most oil based finishes will also give the neck some color. The most commonly used here is Tru Oil, which is an easy wipe on finish, and has minimal VOCs . An advantage to Tru Oil is that you won't need a separate clear coat, like you would with a stain or shellac, and it is very easy to apply. If you are in Australia, there are some really good stains, though, if that's the route you go.

[Trevor Davies]

Hi and welcome Sarah.

+1 for the MTN94 paint - I think some shops also sell the cans of clearcoat coat to go with it (I have not tried this!).

+1 for the Tru-oil to get the yellow neck.

I did a tele build a while back, see https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...l=1#post226984. This neck is Tru-oil only - about 6 coats on the fretboard and about 20 on neck and headstock. FYI - the blue stained body is a Ubeaut water dye, followed by sprayed coats of water-based polyurethane.