Pinstriping a Guitar: Beginner’s Guide & Tips

Informal, Encouraging

Informal, Encouraging

Okay, so you’re thinking about taking your axe to the next level, huh? Pinstriping a guitar is definitely a cool way to do it! The legendary Von Dutch practically invented modern pinstriping, and his influence is all over the custom culture, including the guitar world. Now, you might be wondering about the right tools for the job; a good Mack brush is essential for laying down those smooth, flowing lines. Even though, the Gibson factory doesn’t typically offer pinstriping as a standard option, many guitarists add it themselves to create a unique, personalized instrument. So, if you are ready to start pinstriping a guitar and want to add some serious visual flair, then keep reading, and we’ll walk you through the basics!

Pinstriping a Guitar: Your First Steps to Awesome

Hey there, future guitar customizer! So, you’re thinking about pinstriping your guitar? Awesome! It’s a fantastic way to add some serious personality and flair. Don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner, this guide will break it all down into easy-to-follow steps. We’ll cover everything from what you need to how to actually lay down those sweet stripes. Let’s get started!

Why Pinstripe a Guitar?

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s quickly touch on the ‘why.’ Pinstriping is a relatively inexpensive and reversible way to customize your instrument. You’re not permanently altering the wood (as long as you use the right materials!), so you can experiment and change things up later. Plus, it just looks cool!

Planning Your Pinstripe Design

Okay, time for the fun part – dreaming up your design!

• Research & Inspiration: Look at other pinstriped guitars online. Pinterest and Instagram are your friends here! Get a feel for different styles, colors, and layouts.
• Sketch it Out: Grab some paper and a pencil. Try drawing your ideas. Don’t worry about being perfect; this is just to visualize your design. Think about the placement of the stripes:
  • Following the contours of the guitar body?
  • Creating geometric patterns?
  • Adding accents to the headstock?
• Consider Color: Think about how your pinstripe color will complement the existing color of your guitar. Contrasting colors can create a bold statement, while similar colors offer a more subtle effect.
• Keep it Simple (Especially at First): Resist the urge to go overboard. Starting with a simple design will make the process much easier and less intimidating.

Gathering Your Supplies

Having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pinstriping Paint: This is crucial! 1 Shot is a popular and reliable brand. Get the right color you want.
• Pinstriping Brush: Mack brushes are another trusted brand. A size 0 or 00 is a good starting point.
• Reducer: This thins the paint and helps it flow smoothly. Use a reducer specifically designed for pinstriping paint.
• Cleaners & Polish: Clean the surface with a Wax and Grease Remover like Prep-Sol.
• Masking Tape: High-quality masking tape for creating clean lines and protecting areas you don’t want to paint.
• Soft Cloths: For cleaning and wiping. Microfiber cloths are ideal.
• Palette or Mixing Tray: To hold and mix your paint.
• Practice Surface: An old piece of metal or glass to practice your pinstriping technique.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes!
• Gloves: To keep your hands clean.

Supply	Purpose	Recommendation
Pinstriping Paint	The actual paint for creating the stripes	1 Shot
Pinstriping Brush	Applying the paint with precision	Mack Series 10 (Size 0 or 00)
Reducer	Thins the paint for smooth flow	1 Shot 4005
Wax and Grease Remover	Prepping the Surface	Prep-Sol
Masking Tape	Creating clean lines and protecting areas	3M Blue Painters Tape

Preparing Your Guitar

Proper preparation is key to a successful pinstriping job.

1. Clean the Surface: Thoroughly clean your guitar’s surface with wax and grease remover. Remove any dust, dirt, or fingerprints.
2. Tape Off Areas: Carefully mask off any areas you don’t want to be pinstriped, like the pickups, bridge, or binding. Overlap the tape slightly for extra protection.
3. Consider Sanding (Optional): If your guitar has a very glossy finish, you might want to lightly sand the areas you’ll be pinstriping. This can help the paint adhere better. Use fine-grit sandpaper (600-grit or higher) and be very gentle. Always test in an inconspicuous area first! If you do sand, make sure to clean the surface again afterward.

Practicing Your Technique

Don’t jump straight into pinstriping your guitar! Practice, practice, practice!

• Load Your Brush: Dip the brush into the paint, but don’t overload it. You want just enough paint to create a smooth, consistent line.
• Get the Flow: Practice laying down straight lines, curves, and swirls on your practice surface. Focus on maintaining a steady hand and consistent pressure.
• Thinning the Paint: Experiment with thinning the paint with reducer until you achieve the desired consistency. It should flow smoothly off the brush without being too runny.
• Brush Angle: Adjust the angle between the brush and your practice surface to see how the resulting line changes.

Pinstriping Your Guitar: The Main Event

Alright, it’s showtime! You’ve planned your design, gathered your supplies, prepped your guitar, and practiced your technique. Now it’s time to lay down those stripes!

1. Start Slow: Don’t rush! Take your time and focus on each line.
2. One Stroke at a Time: Try to paint each line in one continuous stroke. If you have to stop and start, it can create noticeable imperfections.
3. Overlap Your Tape: Make sure to overlap your tape.
4. Smooth Curves: Use a smooth, flowing motion when painting curves. Avoid jerky movements.
5. Let it Dry: Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the masking tape. Check the paint manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
6. Remove Tape Carefully: Gently peel away the masking tape at a shallow angle to avoid chipping the paint.

Touch-Ups and Cleanup

After removing the tape, you might notice some imperfections. Don’t panic!

• Touch-Ups: Use a fine brush to carefully touch up any small mistakes or gaps in the paint.
• Clean Your Brush: Thoroughly clean your pinstriping brush with the appropriate solvent (usually the same reducer you used to thin the paint). This will help preserve the brush for future projects.

Sealing the Deal (Optional)

Depending on the type of paint you used and the level of protection you want, you might consider applying a clear coat over your pinstriping. This will help protect the paint from scratches and wear. Research and choose a clear coat that is compatible with your pinstriping paint. Again, always test in an inconspicuous area first!

So, go grab your brushes, some One Shot, and maybe an old beater guitar to practice on. There’s a whole world of cool designs you can bring to life, and pinstriping a guitar is seriously addictive once you get the hang of it. Have fun with it, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how you learn!