Prepping Pickguard for custom artwork

[A Rock]

I have a talented friend who is studying illustration at the school of visual arts in nyc. I want him to do a custom graphic on a pickguard for my fender. How do I prep a pickguard before giving it to him so that that he can work on it?

[stratovani]

I don't know what you mean by "prepping". I would think you'd just give him the pickguard, let him do his thing, spray a thin coat of poly on it for protection, then slap it on you bass.

[A Rock]

Oh, I wasn't sure if paint could easily be applied onto a stock pickguard or if needed to be sanded and/or primed. Of course, Plan on spraying a clear-coat afterward for protection.

[chokeslam512]

What kind of paint is he using?

[livinglow]

I've always gave them a light sanding (400 grit), 2 coats of primer, wait 24hrs, then paint to desired color.

[Jim11895]

I'm in the high performance paint biz. For best adhesion and durability, light sanding with 400 grit as mentioned above is the way to go. Follow by wiping with a clean rag dampened with thinner, then apply the coating. Depending on the type of paint being used, a primer may or may not be needed. If not sure, a good quality epoxy primer can't go wrong.

[A Rock]

Thanks guys. I know he mostly does acrylic and oil paints...maybe I can get him to do paint markers which i think is the same as spray paint graffiti artists use