Aerosol Guitar Finishing - Part 1 - Prep Sanding, Pore Filling and Sealer Coats

Рет қаралды 402,237

Күн бұрын

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
- - - - - - - - - - - -
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

Пікірлер: 2 900

@51punk 2 жыл бұрын

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

@richardreyes5126 Ай бұрын

This guy is the prime choice for acomplishing a professional and well done result

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@MrSouthofBoston 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@larryhawes8295 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome series Dan, much appreciated.

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much

@beaudeangilbank297 2 жыл бұрын

Invaluable- greatest how-to video maybe ever. Loved the pauses to take the time to get the technique correct

@MrMillipeed 2 жыл бұрын

So good. Really useful, hands on advice and the demonstrations are superb

@monkeyjocks 2 жыл бұрын

This is the absolute gold standard in KZfaq 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!!!

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful!

@BarisTosunTurkey 7 ай бұрын

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

@kdakan 2 күн бұрын

This 3 part series IS the definitive guide to DIY guitar finishing.

@gregorybchapman 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@brandond8125 2 жыл бұрын

Great series! Love how much detail you go into through every step of the way. Keep up the great work guys!

@zinantij 2 жыл бұрын

I'm SO glad you finally made this series!

@bpetrosoff 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic. Finishing is my favorite part of guitar building.

@shamanzone 2 жыл бұрын

Such an excellent series - you guys have moved beyond supplies into art - thanks for this....

@squaringcircles 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@davidbishop1317 2 жыл бұрын

Very. very good. Once I started watching, I couldn't stop.

@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur 2 жыл бұрын

Great to see you partnering with Stewmac! Match made in heaven.

@555patrickd 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@kingplaid5504 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@Hachimedia 2 жыл бұрын

These guys are a riot. They did a good job of making this fun.

@elaardvark 2 жыл бұрын

Right on, beautifully done

@darkhorse4951 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@playmoregtr 2 жыл бұрын

I am finding that more and more people are starting to enjoy this hobby. With all of the great information Stewmac puts on KZfaq, there is no excuse to not FINALLY have the instrument you always wanted!

@timmarvin8869 2 жыл бұрын

So much good information. Think I'll need to watch again.

@dustinboudreau1332 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic series!

@diamondjake 2 жыл бұрын

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! 😁

@dk8311 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@BL-5150 2 жыл бұрын

Love seeing all the steps in an easy to follow manner

@rodrigodelpeon2727 2 жыл бұрын

very complete instructional video, it shows you the do and do not issues.

@albertchandler1103 2 жыл бұрын

It really makes a difference when a teacher is passionate about their trade… this is the best finishing video I’ve seen. Great job!

@anthonydelia1056 2 жыл бұрын

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!!!

@1981FlyingV 2 жыл бұрын

Chris. You are a great teacher.

@andymoon1941 2 жыл бұрын

StewMac is always great for service and selection. Great video series!

@stevedimebag 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@ChrisHendrix117 2 жыл бұрын

I really love Chris and Matt’s videos. I’m also watching their amp build series. Excellent content!!

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

They are great guys and it was really a lot of fun shooting this series with them.

@blueswood854 2 жыл бұрын

Great video series! Thanks Stew-Mac

@kurtisr2339 2 жыл бұрын

GREAT series. Dan's videos on this topic are stellar, too. Love how these bring it all together. Very complete. Much appreciated!

@thesonnyboy 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@lukegoffkat Жыл бұрын

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.)

@ToneFreak 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

@jimscott4371 2 жыл бұрын

Great video training. I’m just getting ready to build a 335. Thanks StewMac.

@vzphoneguy 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome series!

@DanRondeau1 2 жыл бұрын

Great Vid, Thanks StewMac for sponsoring it. Very informative and well done Matt and Chris.

@iagobroxado 2 жыл бұрын

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! :)

@wyldebill8122 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@igorravasio1931 2 жыл бұрын

Really happy to see this series. Glad to be part of your family

@hella_trash 2 жыл бұрын

This video series has been super satisfying to watch

@andysaucedo3226 2 жыл бұрын

Dare I say, "finally" Thank you very much. This series is INVALUABLE

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. Glad you like it!

@vance7274 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@jtkerry1 2 жыл бұрын

This series is way cool! Thanks guys.

@deutschpwa 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to have the series, it's a big help even from this first video!

@nick_stabile 2 жыл бұрын

Chris is a great KZfaq teacher. This is a perfect collaboration. It's really cool to see this come together.

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. We are going to try to find other projects to work on with these guys. 🙂

@stevelaferney3579 2 жыл бұрын

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!!!

@frankr6053 2 жыл бұрын

Great partnership! I hope you guys team up again in the future.

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah... I definitely think we will find some more projects to do together. 😎

@elmerfairbank5946 2 жыл бұрын

What a great series! Answered a number of questions that I’ve had. More than worth the watching time.

@stowe1995 2 жыл бұрын

Patience ! So important in finishing !

@GerryBlue 2 жыл бұрын

That woodgrain looked great for a see through finish. Thanks for the great video!

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! 👍

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

We may at some point do a translucent finish video, but we wanted to start with the very basics. 😎

@themfp3517 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@SCORE72JUNIOR 2 жыл бұрын

What a great finish!

@pmattie 2 жыл бұрын

Great series! Very Thorough in your descriptions.

@bldallas 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@larrybaker3104 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@stewmac 2 жыл бұрын

You bet. Thanks! 🙂

@jdl2180 2 жыл бұрын

I think the epoxy filler has been my missing link also!

@mr.deeken 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the help, guys.

@michaelhoward4837 2 жыл бұрын

This is exactly the video series I wanted to see. Thanks StewMac and Driftwood Guitars!

@jimmcdougall9973 2 жыл бұрын

I am impressed. Nice job!

@mikenelson7567 2 жыл бұрын

Nice collaboration between two folks whose videos I've already enjoyed watching.

@tonylutzo1231 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome series on getting an amazing finish! Thanks for producing this!

@ethanraymond7786 2 жыл бұрын

I love how much detail you give. This video is just what I need to finish my project!

@GrumpyMJK 2 жыл бұрын

Love that you guys even picked the color combo I’ve always wanted! Great videos!

@johnfrahm1313 2 жыл бұрын

A great series very excited

@davidwright9550 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing work guys!!!

@Exact3193 2 жыл бұрын

Wow. That is unbelievable. What a beautiful looking guitar. Great job!

@IRevealTheMagic 2 жыл бұрын

This is THE BEST series about finishing guitars on the net!!

@Turdington 2 жыл бұрын

Nice to see it reeeeaaally broken down in such a detailed step by step. good series.

@h85rocks 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice! Thanks Stew Mac

@noahhormann7038 2 жыл бұрын

Great Detail on this! As always you guys deliver.

@fretsman68 2 жыл бұрын

Great series, thanks for doing these!

@159bosco 2 жыл бұрын

Unbelievable job! Great detail on every aspect of guitar finishing. Thank you for this pearl!

@OsoBarr 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the all the effort to make my guitar projects better with your informative videos.

@benoitdesjardins2110 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy how this video show every step of the process

@StevenBrenner-theOriginal 2 жыл бұрын

Great series of videos - thanks!

@MrSomchiman 2 жыл бұрын

Wow. Lots of details and time consumed. Excellent job!

@shawnkichta7076 2 жыл бұрын

Most impressed by the detailed instruction and focus on real and potential mistakes. Thanks!

@geneyelle8756 2 жыл бұрын

The results are well worth the work!

@seanemmettfullerton 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks StewMac! Very inspiring...

@jaysonwiser3624 2 жыл бұрын

Love this series!

@anthonyrichardson8225 2 жыл бұрын

I can't wait to try this product and process!

@ryankukalis8627 2 жыл бұрын

Currently in the thick of my own project and this series couldn’t be anymore needed, thank you 🙌🏻

@upyoursabel 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the excellent detail and direction. Best finish prep video I've seen.

@jpnx7402 2 жыл бұрын

Great series on DIY aerosol finishing!

@jeremystern 2 жыл бұрын

Love this series! Thanks!

@d_mickey 2 жыл бұрын

Blown away by this series, so many good tips and incredibly thorough. Always been a little intimidated but now I'm inspired to give painting a try

@russmendelson 2 жыл бұрын

Watched all three parts over the last 2 nights and loved them! Great job guys! Absolutely beautiful guitar and finish. I learned a lot and enjoyed seeing the sonic blue beast come to life!

@lancethompson3204 2 жыл бұрын

I love this series of videos!

@Rileyinfo9 2 жыл бұрын

Lots of good info. Looking beautiful.

@jeffknighton6599 2 жыл бұрын

I've watched this a couple of times now and will be watching it again... and again. So many great tips! Thanks!

@mattcopeland2386 2 жыл бұрын

This video series is really helpful to be able to see how it is done with hints to do it better. Thanks.

@JamesJohnson-gi7up 2 жыл бұрын

Great Series, love to see more

@edwardpentney8007 2 жыл бұрын

I watched the whole series. Thanks for putting this out there, It's certainly the best guide I have come across.

@ztechin 2 жыл бұрын

Wow!! New series 🤩

@rickhottenstein4926 2 жыл бұрын

Great Job! Great Tips! Looking forward to putting them into service.

@bobkidd3933 2 жыл бұрын

Fundamentals, well explained and demonstrated.

@Bryant_S 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for putting this together! There are so many helpful tips here!

@michaelantone7465 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the finishing tips provided in this video! Thanks so much!!

@wademitchell4243 2 жыл бұрын

Very detailed, very comprehensive.

@pattonprophet 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the videos! It's great to see how the process works!

@Timmoable 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful guitar, fantastic work.

@davelandes1076 2 жыл бұрын

Lots of good attention to detail here. Thanks.