DIY - Color Shift Guitar Refinish with spray can - How to (and not to)

This video shows how I refinished an Schecter Omen in color shift galaxy blue. I also show you 5 mistakes to avoid.

Materials needed:
Wood filler
soldering iron
Sand paper (400 grit)
black base coat
color shift spray (e.g. Rust Oleum Galaxy Blue)
clear coat (I used gloss)

STEPS:
Step 1: Fill in the holes with the wood filler. Wait the indicated time to let it dry.
Step 2: In the meantime, we can remove the neck and hardware. Keep all the screws in bags or put on tape, with signs where they belong.
Step 3: Sand the whole finish with 400 grit sand paper. Also make sure to tape off the neck joint and other parts which should not be sprayed.
Step 4: Unless the object is already black, apply a black base coat.
Step 5: Apply the color shift spray on the whole guitar body. Make sure to keep the right distance to avoid runs. I applied a total of 2 color shift coats, 24 hours apart.
Step 6: Apply a top coat. I used this gloss top coat which helps the color shift effect.
Step 7: Resolder and reassembly the guitar, but make sure the finish is completely dry before you do

MISTAKES TO AVOID:
Mistake 1: Don’t rush it. A refinish project requires some patience and time.
Mistake 2. Invest some time in sanding. This was my first refinish so I assumed the body didn’t need to be perfect before applying the spray. I wish I would have spent more time on sanding it super smooth before applying the base coat, as the imperfections are still visible.
Mistake 3. Spray in an adequate place: I applied the base coat outside, where it was windy and dust particles are flying around which can get stuck on your guitar. So make sure you spray in a well ventilated, dust free space.
Mistake 4. If there are any dust particles or runs, don’t rush to clean them as long as the paint is wet. You will only make things worse. Let the paint dry, and then slightly sand it.
Which brings us to the next mistake.Sanding too much. Especially on corners, spray paint does not stick very well. It is easy to sand trough your coat and ruin it. Especially with this color shift spray, you will have to reapply the black base coat if you sand trough it. I slightly sanded it, applied the black primer, let it dry for one day and then reapplied the color shift spray, which looked good only after one coat.

Overall, I am happy with the result. Thanks for watching!

If you want a perfect result on a more expensive guitar, I would check out your local car workshop and ask of they can spray paint it.

Backing track: Metalcore Backing Track #1 - D Minor by RYS (   • Metalcore Backing Track #1 - D Minor  )
#colorshift #guitarfinish #DIY