Drawing On a Pickguard?

[Omnipharious]

I'm doing a bit of renovation on my Jazz, and I'm tired of the blank white pickguard, so I've decided to jazz it up with some free hand, not very well thought-out art, but I'm not sure what to use. I've drawn with sharpies my whole life, and on just about everything (mostly murals on my arms), so I'm confident in doing that, but I don't know anything about paint, nor do I have the materials, so I don't really want to try that, but I hear people talking about using acrylic paint pens or some such for an application like this. What should I use? I prefer which ever is cheaper, because it will be in full colour, and the more colours, the more money.

Also, how should it be protected? I don't play with a pick much, but when I do, it's near the neck, and I do have nails that similarly scratch the pickguard when I pop. The pickguard is not white, it's like egg white or something, but compared to white, it's yellow, so I think poly or something would just make it an inch from canary.

I'm in no rush (the more time I have to decide, the more money I can bum off for the supplies) but I don't want to lose the inspiration; I don't want to draw it out, and like trace it down later though, that kinda kills the point of doing it in my mind. Any help you can give will be going to a great cause, and I will post pics once it's done.

 

[dangorange]

One other thing to think about, especially if you use really inexpensive materials/markers etc. is lightfastness. Over time no matter how well you protect the surface, the image will fade faster with the cheaper pigments.

That said, if you like sharpies, I'd just go with that, there are professional markers with a wide range of colors that will hold up better over time though, they get quite pricey.

To protect the surface from scraping off the image, you might want to consider covering it with something like this: Amazon.com: Environmental Technology 16-Ounce Kit Lite Pour-On, High Gloss Finish: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

I would take toothpicks and stick them in the screw holes, which would both serve as 'legs' to keep the pick guard raised up and allow the clear coat to run off and create an even surface. Plus, you would not have to drill them out after. One thing to keep in mind with this stuff, is it can get bubbles from mixing, breathing on it gently right after pouring can help pop them, but try not to breath in the fumes!

Otherwise, you can get a spray clear coat by Krylon or some other brand, that would probably be ok too and much easier. Maybe not quite as durable though. Always test out stuff when possible.

 

[jabsys]

I'd use the Uni Posca paint pens Drew Brophy uses Invalid Link Removed

 

[fraublugher]

here's my ex-white p/g

 

[davidAaronCarte]

Easiest thing to do is get a clear pickguard and cut a paper-backing to draw on and slip underneath
Then you can always switch the picture whenever you want
Used to have a tartan wrapping paper pickguard on a tele

 

[Omnipharious]

Yeah, I can buy a whole pack of sharpies in every colour I'd need for about $10, so I'm just gonna go with that. I'll decide what to do as far as protection later, but I do like the sound of that pour on stuff.

here's my ex-white p/g

Maybe it's just an odd angle, but who is that? Randy Savage or something?

 

[charlie monroe]

Looks like the cover of Blackout by ze Scorpions

 

[Omnipharious]

Looks like the cover of Blackout by ze Scorpions

Okay, now I see it. I think the Macho Man would have been a better choice. Suum cuique.

... Although the Macho Man would be an awesome mural to have on this bass. Hmm... Things to ponder.