Guitar paint and lacquer

Guitar paint or lacquer: which finish to choose

Guitar paint covers the wood. It is the choice for original Fender and Gibson colours, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Heritage Cherry, in nitrocellulose aerosol. Guitar lacquer lets the wood show through, natural or stained. Both finishes are prepared in the same way, and preparation products are available on this page. Products are then divided between guitar paint and guitar lacquers and stains.

How to paint or lacquer a guitar: the steps

Sand the body or neck with 220 grit, then 400 grit. Apply grain filler if the wood has open pores, ash or mahogany. Alder, basswood and maple do not need it. For an opaque colour: primer, then paint. For a wood finish: stain, then lacquer. In both cases, finish with nitro topcoat lacquer, 6 to 9 thin coats, 2 to 3 per day, one to two hours between each coat. Leave to dry for three to four weeks in a dry, ventilated area, wet sand from P1200 to P2000, polish, assemble.

Nitrocellulose or polyurethane lacquer

Nitrocellulose lacquer is the finish used on vintage Fender and Gibson guitars. It is thin, it ages, it cracks over the years and it can be repaired. Polyurethane is harder and easier to apply, but it does not crack or yellow in the same way. For a relic guitar or vintage restoration, nitro lacquer is the reference. The full Nitorlack range is made in Spain, a specialist in luthier finishing.

Paint and lacquer in stock, shipped from France

400 ml aerosols, grain fillers, stains and relic patina are in stock in Plougoumelen. Shipping from France within 48 hours, throughout France and the European Union, with no customs charges. Looking for guitar paint or nitro lacquer in Europe without ordering from the United States: you are in the right place.

Frequently asked questions about guitar paint and lacquer