Painting Pickguard

[Ommy]

Hi, I just got a new bass and I think that the plain white pickguard looks rather dull.
I'm thinking of handing it to some of my artistic friends and asking them to get something interesting going on.

For a plastic pickguard would you have to use a special paint, sand it a bit or anything like that to get paint on it?

[john grey]

Of course anyone painting the pick-guard, etc would need to know that the paint used must not contain solvents* that will dissolve the polymer used in the cover (that would be a nightmare) & they would need to know what paint would stand-up to physical contact without chipping, flaking, blurring, or coming off. Additionally you must be aware that if you should ever sell the Bass that the cover would need to be replaced, as a painted PG is not original, etc & would be a detraction from the original condition (albeit small, it may be a bone of contention).

* These solvents would differ depending upon the material the cover is made from. An acrylic would start to dissolve with several varied solvents while nylon would be quite resistive, etc.

[Ommy]

Which solvents would cause damage to the pg of a Fender American Standard instrument? I've been trying to find what they're made of so I can have a guess at what might do it, but I'm not having any luck.
I don't think resale is going to be a problem any time soon

[Oldboy]

Ever tried using adhesive-backed vinyl? Done with a bit of care,it can transform a dull pickguard.Best about it is,if you get tired of it,rip it off and try something different.Also,there's a huge choice of designs,(except,of course,Tort.)

[john grey]

Originally Posted by Ommy

Which solvents would cause damage to the pg of a Fender American Standard instrument? I've been trying to find what they're made of so I can have a guess at what might do it, but I'm not having any luck.
I don't think resale is going to be a problem any time soon

I wouldn't want to make an assumption on the polymer, principally because they may change from vender and subcontractor.
MANY years ago picks and many guards were made from nitrocellulose or Bake-a-Lite. That was VERY easily injured. But of course that was back in the day (1960's+).
But let's say as only an example that it's laminated acrylic (which is inexpensive to mfg). Toluene & xylene have a good chance to ruin it. Acetone certainly would ruin it. But if it is several pieces laminated - you have a further issue with the lamination spreading. I just am too hesitant to say.
Naphtha might be fine but I would not think that too common a color solvent.

In any instance; be careful. If it were me I would buy an inexpensive extra one and use that or buy a PG that you like; experiment on the old one but plan on retaining the nice one. Unfortunately I've seen too many well intentioned fun things go bad such as stickers peeling paint, or leaving large amounts of glue behind, or stopping the natural aging process from UV on an area. On the other hand I once saw a BEAUTIFUL example of engraver's art practiced on a guard, with scroll work and things like that that appear nearly transparent until you were within inches of the engraving.
I would only advise caution, especially w/ a new instrument or one you really like or have money into.

[Ommy]

ok, thanks

[RBetoGT]

is changing it an option?