making cool pickguards (can you use vinyl adhesive kits?)

[Basiroti]

There's a few colors for pickguards that I can't find. For example, Rose Gold. I was thinking of work arounds.

Do you think I could use a product like this one somehow?
https://www.amazon.com/Siser-Transf...rd_wg=nuyA2&psc=1&refRID=C470AAF4N664GFY6ZJ6E
Or this:
Rowmark LaserMark Brushed Rose Gold/Black .052" Engraving Plastic - Engraving Plastic - Engravable Sheet Stock - Engraving | Johnson Plastics Plus
Or I could use this:
https://www.amazon.com/FolkArt-Meta...8-1&keywords=rose+gold+metallic+acrylic+paint

Or I guess I could go to a vinyl lettering place and see if they can stamp it for me.

Curious what is possible.

 

[ONYX]

If you're considering a paint job, I'd recommend automotive or model paint, I think you get much better results than with acrylic paint. When I couldn't find a custom pick guard in the specific color I wanted, I opted to do it myself. I bought a stock white guard, sprayed it with primer, and then the final color---wet sanding in between coats---and finished with clear lacquer.

Here's exactly what I used:

[ Lime Gold Metal flake]


[EDIT: To anyone who may use this particular shade to paint an instrument and/or a pick guard, you should be aware that under certain colors of stage lights, this shade of gold will appear as Lilac Purple---so if you're cool with that, go for it.]

 

[Basiroti]

thanks! That sounds great!

 

[JP_1337]

If I were going to paint a pickguard, I would look for a clear pickguard and paint the colour on the underside, followed by a base coat of whatever colour is appropriate. Basically painting the colours in reverse order, then flipping it over so the painted side is against the body.

Dunno if that is practical, but that is where my mind goes

 

[Jim Kernan]

The Siser vinyl is made to be custom cut.

 

[sissy kathy]

The Siser vinyl is made to be custom cut.

It is also designed to be transfered by heat, I don't know about ironing a vinyl pickguard though; sounds messy and distorting.

 

[Jim Kernan]

Maybe a heat gun?

 

[96tbird]

It is also designed to be transfered by heat, I don't know about ironing a vinyl pickguard though; sounds messy and distorting.

Well, it's vinyl and very thin so the heat used shouldn't be high enough to melt vinyl.

 

[96tbird]

If I were going to paint a pickguard, I would look for a clear pickguard and paint the colour on the underside, followed by a base coat of whatever colour is appropriate. Basically painting the colours in reverse order, then flipping it over so the painted side is against the body.

Dunno if that is practical, but that is where my mind goes

I have one pg that is done like this, metallic silver and it looks amazing. Gives a depth to the color and protects the paint. Epiphone Casady ltd ed blue.

 

[Arie X]

i wonder what a piece of textured vinyl floor tile would look like as a pick guard? c'sunk screws, correctly beveled -just some common home depot kitchen stuff. when it wears out you could just chuck it and do it again with another pattern. maybe a natural wood bass with a trendy design pickguard.

 

[JRA]

neat ideas!

OP: sure: you can do anything you want! go for it --- be sure to post the results! good luck!

 

[Jim Kernan]

There are adhesive vinyls that don't need heat. Painting a clear pick guard seems like q good idea also.
Like JRA said post the results.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

The advantage of back painting clear is that it will not scratch off in normal use, then you are only limited by the available paint colors. Lots of funky pickguard blank sheets around too, surf around a little.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Why limit things? If you're making or using a clear guard you could put a picture or just about anything else in the back side.