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Preparation & Finishing

Learn essential surface prep and finishing techniques—staining, painting, clear coats and hand-rubbed oils—to give your DIY guitar kit a flawless look.

Guitar Finishing Safety Tips To Follow

There are a few things to be aware of right from the start when it comes to finishing a guitar, some are obvious and some not so. If in doubt always remember to read the manufacturers' instructions for application and if unsure look into the product

How do you stain a veneer?

A guitar veneer is an extremely thin layer of wood that has been carefully cut and glued to the top of a guitar. Using veneers allows you to add more aesthetic beauty to the finish of your guitar. There are many different types of veneers available o

How do you paint a solid body guitar?

There’s nothing quite like the sound of a solid body electric guitar. The tone is warm and rich, yet still cuts through when you need it to. What’s even better is that you can paint them to create a unique look that reflects your own personality or e

How to Apply a Sunburst Guitar Finish

Before going into too much detail in this article, keep in mind that this is just one method of applying a sunburst guitar finish. This method is relatively easy to do for someone new to guitar finishing which is why I recommend this approach. If you

Sanding a Guitar Body Prior to Painting

In the following article, we're going to cover some of the basics of guitar sanding. While it may seem fairly obvious, in essence, correct preparation will make or break the quality of your guitar kit's finish so it makes sense to take the time to do

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building an Electric Guitar Kit

While guitar kits offer a relatively inexpensive way to get into guitar building it can quickly become expensive and time-consuming if you run into problems. Let's face it if you are going to the trouble of building your own electric guitar chances a

How to Finish A DIY Guitar Kit Neck and Fretboard

In terms of playability, a guitar’s neck is the most important component of a guitar. It’s the primary interface, and if there are problems (e.g. uneven frets, too much / or too little neck relief) the guitar will ultimately be more difficult to play

How do I polish my guitar?

In this article, we will discuss the different techniques available to you for finishing your DIY guitar: Guitar Finishing 101: The Highlighted Grain & Stain Finish

DIY Guitar Finishes: How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Guitar Kit

Far more than just ‘the final touch’, the finish of your guitar can not only make or break the appearance of your guitar entirely, it also serves as a last line of defense in protecting the guitar. Once you pick a finish, check out these guides:. Bec

Guitar Finishing 101: The Highlighted Grain & Stain Finish

There’s an endless list of choices available when it comes to guitar finishing. Options include oiling, staining, finishing in a graduated combination of colors e.g. sunburst to a standard solid color finish. To make matters even more complex, within

Do the DIY kits come ready for painting or staining?

Yes. Our kits arrive unfinished and generally pre-sanded to a good starting point so you can apply your own paint, stain or oil finish. We still recommend a light final sand and surface prep before finishing. Before you finish, we suggest:. Inspect &

Where should you work on the guitar?

If you have a space that offers a good airflow and affords you plenty of room go for it. Just be aware of the finishing process and avoid spraying your guitar near anything that won’t fully appreciate overspray. Safety should be your first considerat