Aerosol Guitar Finishing - Part 1 - Prep Sanding, Pore Filling and Sealer Coats
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2024
- If you're new to guitar finishing, you've come to the right place. This is StewMac's step-by-step guitar finishing course. In this 3-part series we show you exactly what you need to do to get a professional-quality guitar finish at home using aerosol lacquers. *The results are pretty amazing*
This series has been months in the making and covers it all:
- How to finish a guitar body
- How to finish a guitar neck
- How to repaint a guitar / refinish a guitar
All using nitro aerosol finishes.
It's perfect for anyone - no experience necessary! You really CAN get a pro-quality result (even on your first try) if you follow these steps.
** EPISODE 1: covers prep sanding, pore filling and applying sealer coats. **
00:00 Intro
02:48 Overview - A Great Finish Starts with a Great Prep
05:13 Inspection, Fixing Dents & Prep Sanding
05:58 Fixing a Dent
09:14 Sanding Basics
12:06 Sanding the guitar
23:09 Masking off the Fingerboard
26:51 Prep Steps if you are REFINISHING a guitar
28:51 Pore Filling
36:21 Applying the Pore Fill
43:23 Sanding the Pore Fill
49:24 Inspecting the Pore Fill
50:56 Applying Vinyl Sealer
51:55 Spraying Safety & Logistics
56:35 Choosing the Right Finish
57:53 Tips for Spraying Aerosols
01:02:05 Spraying the Vinyl Sealer
01:04:55 Sanding the Vinyl Sealer Coat
01:07:38 What’s Next?
We'd like to give a huge shoutout to Chris and Matt @Driftwood Guitars ( / @driftwoodguitars ) for helping us with this series. Thanks so much guys, it was a blast shooting this series with you!
** ITEMS USED IN THIS VIDEO INCLUDE: **
Wilkinson Guitar Kit
www.stewmac.com/item/6282
Sanding Block for Self-Adhesive Sandpaper
www.stewmac.com/item/3699
Micro-mesh Foam Sanding Block
www.stewmac.com/item/3701
3M Stikit Gold Abrasives Roll
www.stewmac.com/item/5768
Respirator Mask
www.stewmac.com/item/5879
OptiVISOR
www.stewmac.com/item/1685
Naphtha
www.stewmac.com/item/0766
Blue Painter's Tape
www.stewmac.com/item/2332
ColorTone Powdered Grain Filler
www.stewmac.com/item/0269
Mixing Cups, Set of 10
www.stewmac.com/item/4199
Grain Filler Leveler
www.stewmac.com/item/4939
Guitar Finish Step-by-Step Book
www.stewmac.com/item/5095
ColorTone Vinyl Sealer
www.stewmac.com/item/3884
Aerosol Spray Nozzles
www.stewmac.com/item/5058
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StewMac has everything you need to repair, build or maintain your guitars.
Everything we sell is backed by our Lifetime Promise, and we offer fast worldwide shipping.
Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar
Facebook: / stewmac - Jak na to + styl
Just a tip that is very simple but might be handy for some… if you’re heating up your aerosol cans in a bucket of warm water, put the can in a large zip lock sandwich bag first before putting it in the water (Leave the top open so it doesn’t become a floatation device). Then when the can is warmed up, you can pull it out and it will be dry, and the label won’t be soaking wet and falling apart and sticking all over your gloves. I also put a small weight on the lid of the can while it’s heating up, as they can be a bit buoyant and want to tip over in the water
This guy is the prime choice for
acomplishing a professional and well done result
We really hope you enjoy this series. We've had this on our "to-do" list for years and we're very proud of how this turned out. We'd love to get your feedback on it below.
I’m a professional videographer, editor and producer. I’ve worked on several television shows. I found it to be very well done. The lighting and editing is excellent. The content is easy to follow. The interaction between the two was perfect. It didn’t appear scripted. The presentation was very natural, not rehearsed. As for someone interested in refinishing I found the video to be very informative and the best I’ve seen so far.
Awesome series Dan, much appreciated.
Thanks so much
Invaluable- greatest how-to video maybe ever. Loved the pauses to take the time to get the technique correct
So good. Really useful, hands on advice and the demonstrations are superb
This is the absolute gold standard in CZcams how to videos.
So well thought out. Everything explained clearly and with just the right amount of detail.
Also for me personally the timing of this series is perfect as my son and I are about to embark on our first guitar kit project together.
Very done guys!!!
Thank you very much!!!
Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful!
I’m a little late to the game, so pardon me if this has already been addressed: but is there a shopping list of all the items mentioned across the series? Thanks
It really makes a difference when a teacher is passionate about their trade… this is the best finishing video I’ve seen. Great job!
Beautiful work! Better results than I've ever had (and I've not tried with aerosol).
If it's not too pretentious, I would love to offer a sandpaper tip: When working with stiff papers in the 80-220 grit range, it's not unusual for the paper to crinkle and create a hard edge (and that can introduce some really bad sanding results). If you 'break' the paper before tearing it or attempting to sand with it, things get a lot easier.
Just grab the sheet by two opposing corners then drag it over the edge of your bench with the sanding side up and while holding enough pressure to be bending the paper at least 45 degrees over that bench edge. Then grab the other two corners of the paper and repeat.
Now when you go to fold the paper or work inside a tight radius area (like inside the horns on that strat) the paper will flow through those areas without that annoying crinkle showing up to ruin your work!
I cannot thank you guys enough for this 3-part series! I have an old Peavey Hydra double-neck that I inherited from my dad when he passed 3 years ago. It has to be completely redone due to the foam in the old case deteriorating all over it. I think I just might have the confidence now to complete the project! 😁
I have ADHD AND THIS IS THE INFORMATION I NEED THANKS GUYS!
SAME!!!
This 3 part series IS the definitive guide to DIY guitar finishing.
Dare I say, "finally"
Thank you very much. This series is INVALUABLE
You are welcome. Glad you like it!
I am finding that more and more people are starting to enjoy this hobby. With all of the great information Stewmac puts on CZcams, there is no excuse to not FINALLY have the instrument you always wanted!
What more is there to say that hasn't already been said...stew mac rocked it and Chris and Matt are true artists and great teachers...I am so inspired to tackle refinishing/restoring my 70s P bass...rock on guys!!!
Finishing has always been my weakness. After one video, I am already seeing some of my mistakes. These guys are awesome. Thanks, StewMac.
This series is amazingly detailed. Chris and Matt take their time to go over every detail, pointing possible problems and how to recover from them. Phenomenal job!
This is a treasure trove of information! Thanks for doing this, putting up a step by step video for finishing, with great video quality and sound to boot! This saves a lot of time from having to go fish for videos on how to do certain things. Then your trying to find the ones with good quality and sound so you can see everything well and hear the instructions given plainly. Thank you, this is great!
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
Great video training. I’m just getting ready to build a 335. Thanks StewMac.
This is absolutely a video that provides all the teaching and learning tools needed. As always enjoyable, and just another well done how-to-do video. Hats off to all involved.
An excellent series! I learned something new about almost every step of the process, and I’ve finished a few guitars in my time. Thanks, StewMac!
Chris and Matt explain everything you need to know when planning and executing a perfect aerosol finish. Educational, fun to watch, and will definitely improve my finishing results. Cheers!
This is absolutely phenomenal. Wish I’d seen this before my first attempt, which actually turned out pretty well. Now I’m excited to build my next guitar and use all of Chris’ advice.
Love everything Stewmac…great series…now it’s my turn to try fingers crossed!
Had to watch the second video too before coming back to comment. Chris could teach anything! Matt makes a great co-teacher. These guys are naturals. It is refreshing watching a how-to video where all I learn about the instructors is how much they know about what they are teaching. These videos should be a primer for how to make instruction videos.
Great series! Love how much detail you go into through every step of the way. Keep up the great work guys!
Such an excellent series - you guys have moved beyond supplies into art - thanks for this....
Thanks for putting this together! I have admit that after watching the 3 superb videos in this series I am rather overwhelmed. However following your advice and examples I am confident I will take the steps and time to get a great finish on my guitar project. When Dan is impressed with the finish I know its the real deal. Thanks again Stew Mac & Driftwood Guitars.
Excellent! Richly-detailed, well-thought-out, and inspirational 3-part video instruction. The Driftwood Guitars teammates are top-shelf! These gentlemen are animated, humorous, and intent on sharing their knowledge and skills with others. These guys are definitely not guitar snobs... The finishing approach is applicable to an array of instruments, not just guitars. Lastly, but importantly, I note the emphasis on shop safety in all three segments. Stew-Mac and Driftwood hit a homerun with this series... How about a "Part IV" where you plug that little guitar into a vintage Fender Twin Reverb and let us hear it?
This is amazing. Have been trying to piece the process together from multiple videos, but this is so thoroughly explain. Feel so confident this is doable now.
Same here! Then I stumbled on this and quit looking. There was so much out there that was vague or differing information because most of them are made by first timers or others who's projects I have to say didn't turn out well. I was getting kind of scared and was thinking I'd just have to "trial and error" my way through it. I'm not finished completely with this yet and because they didn't include staining in the video I'm a bit apprehensive still, but I think it will turn out well. I'll let you know. (I'm at the finish process.)
Great series of videos - thanks!
Why this is the best build tutorial I’ve seen.
I’m on my 3rd kit and I’ve seen more build videos than I can recall and these videos render dozens I have saved as unnecessary. The key element that separates these videos from other is the inclusion of easy details and practices that fine tune the build process along with quality and clear explanations that give meaning and clear purpose for each direction and tip. This allows me to pay attention to the process with clearer understanding of wood prep than I put into my previous builds. The detailed tips on, for instance, masking the fretboard, ironing out dents in the wood, were ‘aha’ moments for me and those moments are what make these videos really useful. They foster a sense of self-efficacy that gave me heightened confidence in particular due to all the ways included to avoid, and more importantly, correct mistakes. The 2 person novice/expert (not really a novice but seemed to mirror my experience as new kit builder) approach gave a great kind of pre and post enlightenment view of the build. Stewmac has a lot of information laden videos such as this but this is a standout in large part because of the pleasant warm style of these presenters. I find 1.25x speed is useful but 1.5x starts to lose some clarity. I did end out purchasing the finish kit from Stewmac so success as an infomercial but it was a sale price and it’s a common product line so as a novice the decision freed me to think about other aspects of the build.
I really love Chris and Matt’s videos. I’m also watching their amp build series. Excellent content!!
They are great guys and it was really a lot of fun shooting this series with them.
Loved the video and especially the section with the legend, Dan. What a sweet guy he is. And he definitely is ‘a big deal’!
Thanks to all at StewMac for making these awesome new video series.
Glad you enjoyed it!
great video! so many good bits of info I didn't know. thanks for this
I've watched this a couple of times now and will be watching it again... and again. So many great tips! Thanks!
This video is so epic. As someone who just started painting guitars (only two on my account) with nitro, this is a real blessing. Only wish it had come sooner! :)
Very interesting! I actually have an Ibanez Pia body in the “White” that I was thinking of getting a custom swirls, but this video series may give me the knowledge to just do a solid color finish myself...Thanks StewMac for offering this cool video series!
Great Series! just what I needed! Thanks!
Great video series! Thanks Stew-Mac
Chris is a great CZcams teacher. This is a perfect collaboration. It's really cool to see this come together.
Thanks. We are going to try to find other projects to work on with these guys. 🙂
That would be a good idea. But, Chris tends to rag on Matt too much. I know he probably thinks it’s funny and he’s trying to keep things light but both my wife and I feel it goes a looong way too far. And it borders on bullying or harassment. Maybe take this in mind, please. Do keep putting out great videos, thanks. This was very informative!!!
That woodgrain looked great for a see through finish. Thanks for the great video!
Thanks for watching! 👍
We may at some point do a translucent finish video, but we wanted to start with the very basics. 😎
This is such a great series. I've always wanted to build guitars ever since I fell in love with buying them and playing them. The older I get the more this is what I want to do. This series is just so amazing and interesting to me. Thank you so much StewMac and Chris and Matt from Driftwood Guitars. I'm sure I'll take many tips from this series and finally start to do these things on my own.
Great series, thanks for doing these!
Great info, thank you! The sanding and pore filling process can definitely be frustrating. I still recall a luthier near me, who “showed off”a Martin kit build he had just “finished” and I could see the pores from 20 feet away. It looked very amateur; but it sounded good. That said, I’ve never seen this epoxy filler before. Man, that stuff looks like it would be a game changer. Makes me want to buy and unfinished tele body, just to try it out. Thanks again!
I think the biggest issue with a lot of people's pore filling is they either don't get enough coats to be perfectly level, or they sand and finish before it is completely cured. Then they end up with little dimples in the finish when the pore fill continues to shrink back. The epoxy doesn't have that problem when it cures there is no more shrink back.
The water or oil based fillers will work fine if you give them plenty of time to cure before moving on.
Great partnership! I hope you guys team up again in the future.
Yeah... I definitely think we will find some more projects to do together. 😎
We’ll done guys you’ve given me more insight and an inspiration to go ahead with my own build. Did one a little over three years ago and watching these videos I can instantly see where I went wrong 🤣 thank you !
I love this series of videos!
This whole series is so interesting! I don't have the space and gear to be able to do all this sanding and painting, but it's really exciting to see that it can be done given the proper conditions. Thanks to StewMac for helping make this happen and kudos to the Driftwood guys for all their expertise and tips.
Very informative video with a lot of good information. I like to use Stewmac's vGrip Universal Spray handle because it gives the feel of a real spray gun and it's easier to control for me. There wasn't much said regarding the use of stick handle for the neck, but it's a great tool to keep the finish off of the neck slot area. The epoxy filler is the part I've been missing on my finishes. I can't wait to try it and see how my new finishes come out. I believe it has been my missing link to get the best finishes. Thank you for the video!
You bet. Thanks! 🙂
I think the epoxy filler has been my missing link also!
Love the driftwood guitars team, you couldn't have picked a better duo to teach this difficult process! I learned a lot!
What a great 3 part intro to Aerosol guitar finishing. After watching all 3 parts I feel really confident to go ahead a try finishing a guitar for the first time. Thank you.
Great Detail on this! As always you guys deliver.
For people that are serious about crating a great finish on a guitar kit, or refinish this is a great series. Very detailed with clear instructions. Thanks!
Awesome series!
After watching this excellent series, I finally understand a) what it takes to actually finish a guitar, and b) that I might actually be able to do this. Excellent series and what a beautiful result!
Inspiring set of videos. Having come from the automotive and industrial finishing sector after 39 years takes me back to the 1970's when lacquer was the finish of choice. Great that StewMac put this together.
This series is way cool! Thanks guys.
Great series. I purchased a LP Jr kit from StewMac a few years ago and this video series has given me the confidence to try and put my first finish on a guitar. Thanks to you all!
Thanks for putting this together! There are so many helpful tips here!
Preparation, attention to detail and patience is key and you guys hit all marks. The end result proves it. Love love love Sonic blue with rosewood neck. What a beautiful guitar.
Great video and job!
I've been finishing guitars and basses for many years and these videos taught me more than a few things I never knew.
This was an awesome series! I watched the entire series in one go, and it was an amazing confidence builder. Your tips and tricks are really helpful. It’s always easier to learn from an experienced teacher who’s not shy about sharing secrets and alternative approaches, and the end result is fantastic. Can’t wait to find a time window to try this…. Thank You!!!
Thanks for this great series. It is inspiring me to refinish the body I built from scratch 40 years ago. So many of your tips and techniques can be used on any wood working project. Worth watching even you don’t have an upcoming guitar finishing project.
So much good information. Think I'll need to watch again.
I have always loved Stewmac's videos, and this is great! Lovely video!
Thanks, these videos are absolutely necessary and a great roadmap for anyone interested to create a showroom guitar that they can be proud to show. Chris and Matt were great showing each step of this project. These are truly required viewing for anyone working on a build kit. Thanks StewMac.
I appreciate the finishing tips provided in this video! Thanks so much!!
Great info... I've watched their videos a few times, and they definitely helped when I refinished my strat!
Great series! I really appreciate that you gave a lesson that was clear and instructive from a beginner's view, and explaining potential pitfalls and how to avoid them. Keep up the great work!
Fantastic series!
Stewmac, thank you for making this series happen. Chris and Matt, you are excellent teachers! I am finishing my first two guitars and you are walking me through this process. What could have been stressful and full of mistakes has been fun and exciting. And when I’ve made a mistake or two you anticipated those problems and offered solutions. This is the gold standard for instructional videos. Stewmac, I am now subscribed and ordering some parts from you.
One and done!
It takes a lot of passionate concentration.
Big rewards from doing all the steps correctly.
Thanks for all that you shared and mastered.
Superb video - thank you for putting this together and sharing your skill and knowledge
Great job. Well detailed. Look forward to trying it out soon.
Thanks for the videos! It's great to see how the process works!
Lovely video for those of us wanting to paint our own guitar. I appreciate your videos and how thorough they are. I enjoy watching and learning. This video helps me to learn before actually taking on the project. The repair of pulling out dents is also very useful for me too. I have a few used guitars that have dents in them. Thank you for such great instructional videos.
Great video, can't wait to try it.
Love this series! Thanks!
Great Job! Great Tips! Looking forward to putting them into service.
awesome comprehensive tutorial!! thank you for sharing the tips & tricks
Love this series!
StewMac is always great for service and selection. Great video series!
Awesome guys! Thank you for the tips and what a beautiful guitar!
GREAT series. Dan's videos on this topic are stellar, too. Love how these bring it all together. Very complete. Much appreciated!
Great job, guys. Lots of good info!
Thanks a lot spending time making this fantastic videos.
Very nice! Thanks Stew Mac
Thanks for posting the video i gain so much knowledge from StewMac videos. Thanks again
Great Series, love to see more
Lots of good attention to detail here. Thanks.
great video! Thorough and filled with good tips!
I appreciate the detailed descriptions, but even more, I like the way that some of the questions that come to mind as I watch (like how to secure the guitar body while sanding or the color of the epoxy filler) are answered almost as soon as I think of them! Good job guys!
A great series very excited
Great series! Very Thorough in your descriptions.
Very informative! The videos and instruction are easy to follow - thanks for this.
Wow!! New series 🤩
These guys are a riot. They did a good job of making this fun.
Great video. Watching all three. Learning alot here!
great info here! Thanks for making it available! Gives me hope that mine can come out looking great!
These guys are so inspiring! I just finished building my first partscaster with a neck I bought from Stew Mac, now I have some vital knowledge with regards to finishing a guitar
Awesome video! These guys cover it all!
Wow, so much great information packed into this video!!!! Certainly need to bookmark this and watch it a few more times and then start a project guitar.
I'm SO glad you finally made this series!
Easily the best and most intuitive video series on how to prep/paint a guitar on the home front. Tone and demeanor was also super relatable and not overwhelming or condescending in the least, legit enjoyed the way the guys from Driftwood came across in this series. Great work.