I am preparing to have my pickgaurd painted by a friend with an enormous amount of artistic talent. I've done some research on the process which includes, lightly sanding the PG, applying a plastic primer coat, applying the acrylic paint, and lastly a coat or two of clear coat or polyurethane spray. I just want to ensure that the finished product is absolutely perfect and would appreciate any advice or cautions. Also I am considering purchasing new pickup covers and painting those as well. I will be sure to post pictures, sometimes its nice having a photographer for a girlfriend =]

Hi taxman8507: sounds an interesting project and I'm sure we'd love to see those pics.

On the materials: unless you grind and mix them yourself you never can know for certain what's in any kind of paint. Artists' paints tend to be a good deal less adulterated than others, but still the word "acrylic" can cover a range of possibilities. So it is hard to say for certain - but I'm wondering whether a can of clear acrylic top coat intended for automotive use might be better than polyurethane? Readily available from any auto parts supplier.

Best of all would be to source some water based acrylic clear coat from a maker such as Behlen, Chestnut or Liberon, amongst many others. Chestnut do one in an aerosol, I happen to know. Then you at least know the solvent is not going to go badly with the painting underneath. Be a shame to spoil the artwork after taking such trouble.

On the other hand, you may do fine with the materials you already named.

Best of luck with it: can't wait to see...

Cheers - C

There was a kid at last week's bluesjam with a Strat that sported a guard made out of a printed circuit board.

He had a releative that worked in that business and had it fabricated to fit the Strat. It looks cool...in an interesting kind of way.

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