Help - Painting a pickguard

[RoboTrem]

I'm pretty good with a spray-can and designing/cutting stencils, so I thought I'd go ahead and do some hot rod flames on my Sub 1's pickguard. I've painted guitars before with varying results, but I've never tried to paint the hardware or plastic parts.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone around here has tried to paint a detailed image on a pickguard before and what was the result. Actually any tips on painting the pickguard (so that it will actually last) would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Colin]

If you want the results to last I would suggest getting a custom one made. If you do paint it, please post pics.

 

[RoboTrem]

I'm not sure that's the way I want to go, but you're probably right that it's the way to get the best results. Thanks for writing!

I will definitely post pics either way...

 

[PugNinjas]

When I used to own an different company's product I would constantly paint the back of clear pickguards. They are not too expensive to order and the final product used to last for ages.



Vegas pug

 

[Colin]

When I used to own an different company's product I would constantly paint the back of clear pickguards. They are not too expensive to order and the final product used to last for ages.



Vegas pug

Jack (bovinehost) did a similar thing awhile back. Looked very cool.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

When I used to own an different company's product I would constantly paint the back of clear pickguards. They are not too expensive to order and the final product used to last for ages.



Vegas pug

I was just going to suggest this, but you beat me to it!

 

[RoboTrem]

When I used to own an different company's product I would constantly paint the back of clear pickguards. They are not too expensive to order and the final product used to last for ages.



Vegas pug

Hey - That's a great idea! Do you remember where you used to order the clear pickguards from?

This could present some challenges... Doing the flame fades from top to bottom could be very tricky, but the results would be well worth it. I guess I better buy an extra to practice on!

 

[PugNinjas]

Google pickguard heaven, I think they make almost all the EBMM models in clear


Vegas Pug

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Right, you should definitely paint the back of a clear pickguard. I've done this in the past and it's the only way to guarantee that the paint doesn't get messed up from pick & finger scratches.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Right, you should definitely paint the back of a clear pickguard. I've done this in the past and it's the only way to guarantee that the paint doesn't get messed up from pick & finger scratches.

Pete is spot on with this.
When I had my custom Tele built, the "builder" couldn't find scratchplate material to match the binding (at the time).
So he sprayed the back of a clear 'guard and its been on the guitar since 1985.
So it WILL last !
Spud

 

[RoboTrem]

Well, I picked up some Krylon paints and tried it out on an old black backplate. On one side I followed their directions and just sprayed it with no prep. As expected, it dried and chips off very easily. It's also very rough and unpleasant to touch without any clear coat.

On the other side, I sanded it, sprayed it and then put on a couple of clear coats. Now I'm just waiting for that to dry through. Already, though it's smooth and feels a little tougher.

However, I expect that the clear pickguard is the way to go... Of course, I was hoping to get away without shelling out more money, since I bought the sub to save money. But isn't that always the way! I did check out pickguard heaven and I'm a little bummed that it will take three weeks for them to cut it and cost a little more than I'd like to pay for a piece of plastic. But then again, doing it right is worth way more than saving a few dollars.

Thanks again for all the help! I will post pics when it's finished. Of course, this might be a while now...

 

[RoboTrem]

PS: How do you guys (PugNinjas, Spudmurphy) like your Albert Lee MMs?

I love the shape of those things, and I imagine it plays even better than it looks. When I get back on my feet, I will be seriously considering one.

Edit:
Haha - I just read this thread and answered my own question - http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17392

 

[geektard]

Brilliant idea! How come I've never thought of this? Hey, maybe you don't even need to paint the pg, just draw on a piece of paper and tuck it behind the clear pg.

Hmmm... I might be able to work the September centerfold into my "custom design"...

I would constantly paint the back of clear pickguards. ..

 

[Spudmurphy]

PS: How do you guys (PugNinjas, Spudmurphy) like your Albert Lee MMs?

I love the shape of those things, and I imagine it plays even better than it looks. When I get back on my feet, I will be seriously considering one.

Edit:
Haha - I just read this thread and answered my own question - http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17392

Love it (and so does Pug)
I have the SSS and Pug has the MM90's.

I expect to get another AL next year with MM90's so will be able to do an A/B comparison.

The shape puts some people off but when you see them in the flesh thay grow on the "unbelievers"!!!

People have also said "is that a full size guitar?" - I guess it's the illusion the headstock gives to it.
Go on - you know you want one (or maybe 2?)

 

[PugNinjas]

Love it (and so does Pug)
I have the SSS and Pug has the MM90's.

I expect to get another AL next year with MM90's so will be able to do an A/B comparison.

The shape puts some people off but when you see them in the flesh thay grow on the "unbelievers"!!!

People have also said "is that a full size guitar?" - I guess it's the illusion the headstock gives to it.
Go on - you know you want one (or maybe 2?)

I totally agree with Spud. The AL is amazing, plain and simple. The mm90's can cover pretty much anything you need to accomplish, style-wise. I am going to be checking out KBaim's AL with the single coils next month and I will be able to do a nice test running it through my set-up side by side with my AL.

Vegas Pug

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Hmmm... I might be able to work the September centerfold into my "custom design"...

A friend of mine used to do that with a Yamaha with a clear pickguard!

 

[PugNinjas]

I just found a picture of what I used to do to clear pickguards before I started to paint them up. It's not appropriate for these forums so I will not post it here but if you're interested drop me a pm and I will send you a link.


Vegas Pug

 

[geektard]

LOL, built-in picture frame! Ever thought of putting a small flash player over there so you can slideshow the whole set of pictorial?

A friend of mine used to do that with a Yamaha with a clear pickguard!

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

LOL, built-in picture frame! Ever thought of putting a small flash player over there so you can slideshow the whole set of pictorial?

I think Billy Gibbons had a Tele which had a screen under the pick guard.