Is this the right way to paint your bass?

[Jokkun]

I am thinking of repainting my bass, but all I have to do is use sandpaper, use car paint, then give it about 5 clear covers?? I got a feeling that I'm wrong so I decided ask about it here.

[bassgod0dmw]

There is quite a bit involved in refinishing an instrument to where it looks like a factory finish.

I'm not too versed in the entire process, but what you've described it the gist of it. If you're really thinking about doing it I'd suggest reading up a bit on what exactly is involved.

And remember...any paint job is only going to be as good as the prep work.

[ponticat]

Start reading here:

Guitar ReRanch ~ Refinishing 101

[Electricblue]

I'm in the same process. Squier paint is really thin and fragile, but it's an absolute bitch to get off!

But I'm using car paint, should be fine.

Time is everything. It is SO tempting to drown the thing in paint, or slap "just one more coat on" but it's really not something you can rush.

Have fun.

[Pilgrim]

Once you have read every word at the Reranch thread noted above, then bought Dan Erlewine's book on guitar repair and read it, then done a comprehensive searche for refinishing discussions here on TB, you will be ready, grasshoppa.

Paint is the EASY part. Preparation takes hours and hours, and the final finish sanding and polishing process is also critical.

[darkstorm]

Car paint is good stuff, naturally quite weather resistant to. But Id see about asking an auto paint shop to do it. Theyre gonna be able to do pro level job easy what with all the smooth smooth car painting theyve done. No reason to add clear coat on top of the car paint. Just pick glossy version and add further sheen as desired once its fully dry useing car wax.

[walterw]

i've seen plenty of bodies done by pro car guys; they look fine from a distance, not so great from up close.

it's a lot of work, and it takes a specific skill and experience level to get something that is even as good as what you started with.

[Jokkun]

Thank you for all of your advices!
I guess I'll use lacquer spay paint

[SurferJoe46]

^^ That'll be interesting. Send pixs of the process.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by Jokkun

Thank you for all of your advices!
I guess I'll use lacquer spay paint

... which is car paint. Much better choice than car paint, though there are those that would prefer car paint to whatever it was that Leo Fender used - --- Oh ya, it was car paint.

[Johnny Crab]

Subscribed, I'm starting a DIY job on a cheapo bass just for fun.