I watched all three of these videos and I have never seen a more in depth guide on guitar finishing. Believe me, I have looked. Not only do Chris and Matt show you how to finish a guitar, but they explain how to do it with tools and techniques you would have as a hobbyist. Then they intentionally make many of the mistakes you might make as a first timer so they can demonstrate how to fix them. This series is an absolute gold mine of information.
That was perhaps THE BEST instructional series I’ve ever seen. Clear, concise, thorough, educational, easy to follow and great camera work to see exactly what you’re looking for throughout the project. Very well done and thank you!
I’ve watched all three of the videos in this series, and it’s really confidence inspiring. I love how detailed and thorough these videos are. I feel like I could do this if I could set up a spray booth in my basement or garage.
This showed me the 'errors' I made doing my Jazzmaster.......did not spend enough time after final clear coat for 'drying'.....a lesson learned for sure. Many thanks SM for having these two up @ your shop doing the videos.👍👍👍
@@tomk1tl39 made the exact same mistake on my first attempt on a guitar. Got impatient and didn't apply enough clear coat not did I leave it long enough to fully cure. Looking forward to redoing that guitar after watching this series
@@davidwicksmusic The paint job came out fine....just the clear coat......I may just do another 'wet sand' and put a few more clear coats making sure I leave enough time for them to dry.......was impatient as I wanted to play the axe too quick ! The horn areas did go thru to the first layer but only lightly. The first coat was 'vintage amber. I don't care as I am not going to sell it. I put too much effort and $$$ into the Jazzmaster. All were top notch parts !
@@tomk1tl39 I just purchased the ugliest jazzmaster for the price and am already getting ideas to refinish but the contours on them intimidate me I’m glad to hear it can be successful 🤙
I’ve watched this series all the way through no less than 3 times - then I watched it again, and took notes. I literally took a class on painting guitars that wasn’t as detailed as this! I am now painting my own guitars using Chris and Matt’s tips and tricks, and am having some exciting results - even as a relative beginner. Kudos to Driftwood and Stewmac for putting all this together - they seriously could’ve charged money for this with how good it is, but they didn’t, and it’s incredibly helpful!
Yes. I am watching it more for entertainment now and to see what to buy but in a couple of months when I'll get the kit I will watch this again and take notes. I know some woodworking but nitro finishing? No idea
The best finishing tutorials on finishing a guitar that I have seen. There are many steps I have done as well as missed. Take your time is one of the best. Thanks for producing this video
This is why I love woodworking. I've been doing this for over a decade now, and have built a lot of guitars, and I still learned from this series. Woodworking is one of those things where if you stop learning, you need to move one. There's so much to learn and everyone does it different.
I've no intention whatsoever of trying this myself but I watched all three parts just because it was a nice relaxing thing to watch while I'm feeling ill
Watched this series of videos quite a lot recently as I was applying aerosol finish for the first time. Finished the buff and waxed it yesterday and I have to say the advice and guidance outlined in these videos was invaluable! I'm pretty happy about how it turned out. Many many wet sands!
Loved this series. I've painted motorcycles with lacquer before, similar process. Didn't get boring, kept me watching the whole series, all good info, even a few tips on dealing with foulups. 10/10.
That tip for sanding the edges of the tape before removing it from the fretboard is SO good. I'm always paranoid at that point in the process and will definitely be doing that in the future. Thanks!
Thanks for helping me refinish my 72 Fender Musicmaster Bass . I followed you along through the first two videos and just put on the last coat of clear. It’s now hanging in the closet for two weeks curing . Excellent introduction and instructions Thanks Chris and Matt
FANTASTIC!!! Thank you so much for doing this. My anxiety about not really knowing what to do is gone! Now I can start the journey of finishing my Strat!
Excellent presentation. Something tells me that Matt is more than competent in real life, but I enjoyed the banter, and showing us how to recover from errors is priceless.
I’ve done five builds/refin’s from the ground up and kinda thought I knew what I was doing. But as they quoted/joked at the beginning, “you gon’ learn today!” I learned a lot with each of my previous projects, and yes, some of it was by trial and error AND learning how to correct those errors (after trying not to cry or destroying the whole piece out of frustration). I learned SO much during this series and I can hardly wait to apply this new knowledge to the next build. I guess it’s true that “you don’t know what you don’t know” …until you learn it. Many of the lessons taught in this series, I can truly say “OMG, been there, done that, already made that mistake”. Now I’ve learned some smart techniques on how to avoid certain pitfalls and make better builds smarter and easier than before. Patience is the biggie! Thanks Chris, Matt and Stewmac!
Having watched all 3 in this series, it is Soooo very refreshing that an excellent craftsman is also an excellent teacher. Mahalo nui loa for the posts.
This 3 part video series provides a professional sequential finish process explained & demonstrated well. So much of the finish process on the solid body electric guitar can be applied to other aspects of wood finishing in general as well. Good job, enjoyed the humor, appreciated the depth of why & how. Thanks to Dan, Stew-Mac, Chris & Matt.
Well done to StewMac, Chris and Matt! The time invested in your project will show in the final product. That is probably the most important lesson to be learned from this series and one that will provide benefits for a lifetime. Anyone ready to build their next StewMac kit?
Awesome series guys! I got so much out of the information. But what was really awesome was how you delivered it. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with you. Thank you.
Fantastic job! With all the work that it took to get a "factory finish" I have much more respect for the quality that the manufacturers to produce and how affordable their guitars are. Keep up the good work.
I have wanted to refinish my guitar for some time, but I was afraid to attempt it. Other videos that I watched on RUclips were unclear or confusion and left me more reluctant to try it. Other videos that I watched were clearly done by people that were just winging it and didn't really know what they were doing. But this video series was excellent and demystified the process breaking it down into the step 1, step2, step 3 process that anyone can follow. I am so impressed with these videos that I would like to download them so I will have them for reference. Great job guys, and thank you for the instruction. After watching these I feel confident that I can move forward and attempt to refinish my guitar.
It’s a video series like this that is the reason I’ve been a stewmac customer for over 15 years. You truly provide amazing value to your customers, with the products AND the content. Thank you StewMac
Thats got to be one of the most in depth guitar finishing courses i have ever seen, learned a ton, and you have convinced me to give it a go. Thank you
I've only recently entered into the luthier space and this is the absolute best series of videos I've seen on the topic. Crazy good. The comments have also been super helpful. Thank you so much! I thank you, and my clients thank you!
Absolutely loved this demonstration on painting guitars with aerosol paint...I've never seen such an entertaining in-depth tutorial with so much information that covers mistakes and how to fix them down to the tactile nuances that are so important to the development of this skill...I have tried to paint guitars with aerosols a couple of times and now know why I failed at them. What I've learned is that Patience and Knowledge ( the actual science behind the process) are paramount to success...Hats off to Matt for being all of us want to be guitar painting professionals in this process. I have a feeling that he is much more astute than he portrayed in this video...You the Man Matt!!! You guys have inspired me to give it another go...Chris and Matt, Thank You So Much!!! And also StewMac for the platform and being a repository for all the parts and tools of us guitar mad enthusiasts!!!
Really incredible series. You guys did a wonderful job articulating ALL of the intricate details necessary to make finishing a positive experience! Thank you to Stew Mac for their organization of this resource and for the awesome work that they do in supporting us luthiers to help us succeed at our craft, their incredible selection of tools and products and second to none customer service.
That turned out great. Dan giving his approval says a lot. I'm really glad you chose that color. I was looking to find a blue like that. I appreciate how thorough this video series is. It is definitely going to help me on my projects. I will soon see if I'm sandbidextrous like Matt. Thanks
Best tip I learned was sanding the edge of the tape on the neck so not to pull finsh off ,that was just a amazing tip and will never forget ,very nice series really enjoyed it!!!
On Thanksgiving Day I sat down to start the three part video on aerosol guitar finishing and had to go all the way through. Best how to video I've ever seen, hands down. I am just starting to try my hand at building/repairing after 50 (!) years of playing, 40 years full time. Thanks for your clear, concise, fun and really instructional videos. I've just subscribed and look forward to more. You're never too old to learn something.
Glad you like it, and it's awesome you're getting in to it and still willing to learn! Kudos to you, never too old and we're always here to help! Thanks!
I’ve just finished my first guitar using this 3 part tutorial. I really couldn’t have done it as well as I did without these guys and stewmac. Thanks Chris and Matt for your expertise. I followed along every step of the way and I appreciated your attention to detail and mini tutorials for fixing common mistakes. I made quite a few mistakes but I was able to fix most and the few I couldn’t are thankfully under the pick guard. I’m actually feeling kind of emotional because you guys have been there with me throughout this six week process and now it’s done. Nitrocellulose finishing is possible your first time and I am thrilled with the results. So much so that I’m going to do it again!
@Beholderguitars Huge congrats on a successful first finishing job! That's amazing! And thanks so much for the feedback. We're so glad the content helped guide you along the way. Keep it up! 👍
For the DIY'ers I made my buffer out of an old swamp cooler that was headed for the dump. I took the 2-speed motor that spins the shaft at 450 and 650 rpm, the pillow blocks, shaft & pulleys and mounted them on a 1 1/2" piece of plywood. The only expense was the buffing wheels and plywood - actually 2 pieces of 3/4" laminated together.
Absolutely Top Class series of videos. saw the first video was an hour and thought "I'll just skim through this". 3 hours later I am buzzing and will probably watch again from the start. Brilliant
Thank you for this - it’s life-changing. I’ve built a few partscasters so far, and my aim is to create my own professional works of art. There’s nothing else out there like this demonstration, so you probably saved me a year or more time of research, and trial & error. Thank you ☕️
I do prefer to wet sand with a sponge, not only is it lighter to the touch but when flattened creates that suction feedback to let you know the peel is knocked down. I do soak the whole sandpaper in water. Commercially sure i can see the Festool, but for demo purposes to a DIY crowd i probably would have shown wet sanding by hand. Having said that, great series, you guys all did a nice job and methodically took your time. And the “oops” moments are invaluable for encouragement!
Great job, guys! This video series is really impressive work. While most of us will never build an acoustic guitar, virtually everyone can build an electric guitar kit and follow these instructions to get a great finish. Thanks Chris and Matt!
This series is perfect for all levels of experience, but definitively will instill the confidence for the first timers! I liked how he slipped in, not to go crazy on areas the eye doesn't eventually see (under the pickguard).
Finished the series. A LOT more work than I thought it would be honestly. I don't mind the time, and I do have sanders and most of the supplies, but wowza! 3 polishing compounds, lost count on how many wet sands, 15 coats of clear coat, etc. All the dry sanding. I'm just staining mine and clear coat. Thanks for the full monte on doing a spray coat like this!!! I guess my guitar won't be ready soon, but I'll get there!
I worked at Collings guitars doing the acoustic nitro finish for a few years after I got out of luthier school. This is almost exactly the way we did it there. Great video!
Absolutely Amazing, I've painted many guitars and I remember spending all summer watching videos and none of them were complete in explaining the process, this was absolutely complete and you even added in the "what if" situations for fixing errors. Now.. we need a video on how to put clear-coat on a maple guitar neck (topside); because I have done that to a couple cheap squires and it is beautiful, but most people would be scared to death to tackle it.
I'd like that too! I love a nice glossy maple fretboard, so I've done it both with clear lacquer and (believe it or not) with Tru-Oil, with great results with both. It is extremely labor intensive however... wet sanding between frets high up the neck is no fun!
Fantastic series. The end result is as good as anything from a factory, if not better. Great to see my idol Dan stop by. Been watching Driftwood for a long while now, and Dan/StewMac for as long as they've been on RUclips.
Absolutely brilliant guys. Very well documented and put together videos. I had to learn the hard way since my first guitars in the 80's. You're helping a lot of DIY folks save a lot of time and money.
Watched all three episodes of this series. Very informative and the step by step instructions should help anyone....even if they are using HVLP. Well done!
I’m working on the exact same guitar. Having assembled my first build with a body that was pre-finished on an LP kit, this is very challenging. Hardest part is the paint as I’m doing it in a garage with the doors open and a mask on. I have much more respect for Luthiers to say the least. Thanks for the outstanding videos!
Great suite of videos! More detail in the detailing - better than anywhere I’ve seen before, by other experts who are just so glib, and seem to think that almost everyone knows how to at least spray ‘auto’ (or cars as we call them in the UK). Thank you and also to Stewmac who have a series here to be proud of.
well worth the time to view and the hints techniques were spot on. Stew Mac always has the best supplies tools and as with these fellows the best in instruction. Thanks
So incredibly inspiring.. I have two guitars that are in need of a finish, and I’m seriously so very pumped after watching, and learning, from this series of videos that I believe that is something I could do myself, and I’m going to be placing an order and doing just that. Thank you VERY much!!!
Kudos to everyone! What a wonderful series of videos. I actually have some confidence now on doing a more involved finish when I put my first kit together. I am scared sh*tless when it comes to finishing wood, this helps immensely.
Absolutely beautiful. Been a pleasure watching I decided to upgrade and refinish my Squier Strat so I watched intently and did what you did I'm waiting for the finish to harden off before final sand and buff. I already love it. I got the same loaded pick guard so I was elated to hear her tone. Thank you it's been magic..
I’ve used oil finishes for guitars so far, as spraying is whole new skill set to learn. These videos have been awesome and I’ll definitely be trying this in the future. Thanks! 👍
Thank you to all who were involved in the filming of these three episodes. Everyone, even the camera person who was never mentioned. I have learned a lot and will be using what I’ve learned in the future. I have finished several guitar and bass bodies using ColorTone Lacquer cans from Stemac with decent to very good results. From this point on my results will be much more satisfying. Thank you again JWard
Currently building & finishing the same kit, this presentation was perfect timing. Thank you for the detail with your presentation. & thank you so much Stewmac for sponsoring this. Johnny
These guys presented an excellent series on finishing. Always good to learn new tips and tricks from the pros. I liked the trick using fine sandpaper to to cut tape when masking, and when you remove tape from the fretboard. Thanks StewMac for the great video. Thanks to Chris and Matt at Driftwood Guitars for sharing their knowledge with us!
These videos have been an absolute perfect start to finish, well explained process that will give the knowledge and confidence to take painting and finishing to a new level. Great job Chris and Matt, and thanks to StewMac for providing us with the great video tools as always, and Dan's seal of approval at the end was icing on the cake.
This Stewmac Series of videos is fantastic. The step by step information is by far super informative and easy to understand. I will be planning a build.
Great work. I’ve done a bunch of guitars this way. I had ran into all the problems you spoke about. The recovery methods you guys did answered everything. Great presentation as well good team . Thank you . Method notes. I’m using this on my next guitar . Thanks again. Recommend this video!!
I splurged and bought the Griots buffer. No Amazon knock off will do. Now I just gotta take a deep breath and just do it… I love Griot’s attitude: “Are you ready to have fun in your garage” ✌️
an amazon buffer works just fine its all about how fast it spins and if it has enough torque. If you like spending more than you have,by all means enjoy your overpriced buffer
What an outstanding series. Thank you! I've been correcting automotive paint for more than 20-years, and I've really been wanting to do some re-fin work on a few instruments. These videos have given me much more confidence about that effort. Big kudos!
This series was just great! I am in the process of finishing my first electric guitar now. I wish I had seen this before I started. I haven't completed the project so I will watch the series again to improve what I have done and complete the project. Chris and Matt, you were a hoot!
I think that was the best finishing series I've yet seen on RUclips. I've been finishing for around forty years, starting with bike gas tanks and then trinket boxes and mostly thereafter my guitar builds. And I learned, with the same hard and often painful knocks along the way - ''' ...Tell me how I know?'' For sure. . My first sunburst paint finish was on a Flying V that I had to repair after a serious migrain-fuelled bout of 'Pete Townsend' Tourettes... That was the learning curve. The second was a sad Sunn/Musicman jazz bass, which I sealed using hand-brushed automotive grey undercoat - over a plywood body; the neck was maple, but the previous owner had ripped-out the fret-wires with a crowbar... So, reluctantly, I removed the original (really lovely) rosewood fretboard and fitted a stunning coal-black ebony slab, which remained fretless. . The final 800-2000 wet-o-dry stage prior to the top coat, I actualy undertook in the bath (the whole guitar) - naked... Yep, I actually sat in the bath with my bass and spent a couple of hours (with frequent hot-top-ups and the SO making me cups of tea...) cutting back the undercoat, listening to WYWH and Echoes... After which, the guitar was silky smooth... However, my skin was not and I had a grey tide mark around my middrift and 'parts' and the bath 0!0 But hey! If you're passionate about your work eh...? The final finish was a silk-matt (gunmetal) over the entire body and neck. I finished-off with a carbon-fibre control plate and fittings are gold/brass hardware and brass rod side-fret markers, with a phos-bronze nut. The ebony fretboard came-up like glass... Electronics incorporated an active parametric and low Z pups. Stanley Clarke anyone? . Ultmately what I learned, as Chris rammed-home here, *preparation is all,* if you want a great looking guitar without breaking the bank balance. And most of my work is still done by hand, though for some reason my right arm is exactly the same size as it was forty years ago. . So everything in this series really resonated with me. WELL DONE DRIFTWOOD & STEWMAC! That was really enjoyable to watch.
Awesome awesome video. Thank you guys. My wife purchased a guitar strat kit for my Birthday Day last Dec. Very exited about starting it but didn’t know how to really approach it until now. Looks like a lot of work but I’m ready. Thank You. 😊
Thanks, SM, and to the 2 guys from Florida. I did my first Lacquer guitar but buffed it out with SM big 14" pedestal and now I need to wear sunglasses when I play it.
I watched all three of these videos and I have never seen a more in depth guide on guitar finishing. Believe me, I have looked. Not only do Chris and Matt show you how to finish a guitar, but they explain how to do it with tools and techniques you would have as a hobbyist. Then they intentionally make many of the mistakes you might make as a first timer so they can demonstrate how to fix them. This series is an absolute gold mine of information.
I agree! Which is why I won’t paint my own guitar now! Lol. Soooo long of a process for my impatient self
If I had any anxiety towards starting this process on my own, this series 100% made me excited and confident I can pull it off.
I couldn’t agree more
That was perhaps THE BEST instructional series I’ve ever seen. Clear, concise, thorough, educational, easy to follow and great camera work to see exactly what you’re looking for throughout the project. Very well done and thank you!
I absolutely love all this StewMac/Driftwood content and hope it continues for a long time. Wonderful job by all involved. What a fantastic series!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
I’ve watched all three of the videos in this series, and it’s really confidence inspiring. I love how detailed and thorough these videos are. I feel like I could do this if I could set up a spray booth in my basement or garage.
You can totally do this! 🙂
This showed me the 'errors' I made doing my Jazzmaster.......did not spend enough time after final clear coat for 'drying'.....a lesson learned for sure. Many thanks SM for having these two up @ your shop doing the videos.👍👍👍
@@tomk1tl39 made the exact same mistake on my first attempt on a guitar. Got impatient and didn't apply enough clear coat not did I leave it long enough to fully cure. Looking forward to redoing that guitar after watching this series
@@davidwicksmusic The paint job came out fine....just the clear coat......I may just do another 'wet sand' and put a few more clear coats making sure I leave enough time for them to dry.......was impatient as I wanted to play the axe too quick ! The horn areas did go thru to the first layer but only lightly. The first coat was 'vintage amber. I don't care as I am not going to sell it. I put too much effort and $$$ into the Jazzmaster. All were top notch parts !
@@tomk1tl39 I just purchased the ugliest jazzmaster for the price and am already getting ideas to refinish but the contours on them intimidate me I’m glad to hear it can be successful 🤙
This series is so much better than trying to go through any book on finishing in my opinion.
I’ve watched this series all the way through no less than 3 times - then I watched it again, and took notes. I literally took a class on painting guitars that wasn’t as detailed as this! I am now painting my own guitars using Chris and Matt’s tips and tricks, and am having some exciting results - even as a relative beginner. Kudos to Driftwood and Stewmac for putting all this together - they seriously could’ve charged money for this with how good it is, but they didn’t, and it’s incredibly helpful!
Yes. I am watching it more for entertainment now and to see what to buy but in a couple of months when I'll get the kit I will watch this again and take notes. I know some woodworking but nitro finishing? No idea
Excellent series! I watched every gratifying minute. Would love to see the same process with stain!
Great suggestion!
The best finishing tutorials on finishing a guitar that I have seen. There are many steps I have done as well as missed. Take your time is one of the best. Thanks for producing this video
This is why I love woodworking. I've been doing this for over a decade now, and have built a lot of guitars, and I still learned from this series. Woodworking is one of those things where if you stop learning, you need to move one. There's so much to learn and everyone does it different.
I've no intention whatsoever of trying this myself but I watched all three parts just because it was a nice relaxing thing to watch while I'm feeling ill
I hope you’re feeling better. If you do a project like this, make sure you have a good place to do all this spray. It is highly toxic.
Watched this series of videos quite a lot recently as I was applying aerosol finish for the first time. Finished the buff and waxed it yesterday and I have to say the advice and guidance outlined in these videos was invaluable! I'm pretty happy about how it turned out. Many many wet sands!
Loved this series. I've painted motorcycles with lacquer before, similar process. Didn't get boring, kept me watching the whole series, all good info, even a few tips on dealing with foulups. 10/10.
That tip for sanding the edges of the tape before removing it from the fretboard is SO good. I'm always paranoid at that point in the process and will definitely be doing that in the future. Thanks!
Allways a treat when Matt and Chris do a vid, lovely to see Dan so enthusiastic about the results.
Thanks for helping me refinish my 72 Fender Musicmaster Bass . I followed you along through the first two videos and just put on the last coat of clear. It’s now hanging in the closet for two weeks curing . Excellent introduction and instructions Thanks Chris and Matt
FANTASTIC!!! Thank you so much for doing this. My anxiety about not really knowing what to do is gone! Now I can start the journey of finishing my Strat!
"Oh, so that's what I was doing wrong..." I said to myself over a dozen times. Great work guys, keep it up.
Matt has such a great attitude for a learner, that patience is awesome!
Excellent presentation. Something tells me that Matt is more than competent in real life, but I enjoyed the banter, and showing us how to recover from errors is priceless.
I’ve done five builds/refin’s from the ground up and kinda thought I knew what I was doing. But as they quoted/joked at the beginning, “you gon’ learn today!”
I learned a lot with each of my previous projects, and yes, some of it was by trial and error AND learning how to correct those errors (after trying not to cry or destroying the whole piece out of frustration). I learned SO much during this series and I can hardly wait to apply this new knowledge to the next build.
I guess it’s true that “you don’t know what you don’t know” …until you learn it.
Many of the lessons taught in this series, I can truly say “OMG, been there, done that, already made that mistake”. Now I’ve learned some smart techniques on how to avoid certain pitfalls and make better builds smarter and easier than before.
Patience is the biggie!
Thanks Chris, Matt and Stewmac!
Thanks guys. This series is the best of seen by a country mile.
StewMac and Driftwood Guitars, awesome collaboration. Thank you for the in depth tutorial.
Having watched all 3 in this series, it is Soooo very refreshing that an excellent craftsman is also an excellent teacher. Mahalo nui loa for the posts.
The amount of details you two packed into these videos is impressive. Thanks for the videos guys!
This guide is by far the best
"Paint Your Guitar Guide" out there.
Thanks guys great work
This 3 part video series provides a professional sequential finish process explained & demonstrated well. So much of the finish process on the solid body electric guitar can be applied to other aspects of wood finishing in general as well. Good job, enjoyed the humor, appreciated the depth of why & how. Thanks to Dan, Stew-Mac, Chris & Matt.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
Well done to StewMac, Chris and Matt! The time invested in your project will show in the final product. That is probably the most important lesson to be learned from this series and one that will provide benefits for a lifetime. Anyone ready to build their next StewMac kit?
Awesome series guys! I got so much out of the information. But what was really awesome was how you delivered it. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with you.
Thank you.
Tremendous job guys! Thank you so much for bringing Chris and Matt up to do this series. Really inspiring!
Fantastic job! With all the work that it took to get a "factory finish" I have much more respect for the quality that the manufacturers to produce and how affordable their guitars are. Keep up the good work.
...quality the the manufacturers are able to produce...
Chris is great at describing what he is doing and why. He needs his own show! Thanks for these videos!
I have wanted to refinish my guitar for some time, but I was afraid to attempt it. Other videos that I watched on RUclips were unclear or confusion and left me more reluctant to try it. Other videos that I watched were clearly done by people that were just winging it and didn't really know what they were doing. But this video series was excellent and demystified the process breaking it down into the step 1, step2, step 3 process that anyone can follow. I am so impressed with these videos that I would like to download them so I will have them for reference. Great job guys, and thank you for the instruction. After watching these I feel confident that I can move forward and attempt to refinish my guitar.
It’s a video series like this that is the reason I’ve been a stewmac customer for over 15 years. You truly provide amazing value to your customers, with the products AND the content. Thank you StewMac
The most thorough & detailed tutorial on the subject I have seen. Definitive process outline and tips. Great job and thank you very much.
Glad it was helpful!
Thats got to be one of the most in depth guitar finishing courses i have ever seen, learned a ton, and you have convinced me to give it a go. Thank you
The best diy video in the guitar industry so far...congratulations..!!
I've only recently entered into the luthier space and this is the absolute best series of videos I've seen on the topic. Crazy good. The comments have also been super helpful. Thank you so much! I thank you, and my clients thank you!
Thank you...and welcome to the world of lutherie!
Absolutely loved this demonstration on painting guitars with aerosol paint...I've never seen such an entertaining in-depth tutorial with so much information that covers mistakes and how to fix them down to the tactile nuances that are so important to the development of this skill...I have tried to paint guitars with aerosols a couple of times and now know why I failed at them. What I've learned is that Patience and Knowledge ( the actual science behind the process) are paramount to success...Hats off to Matt for being all of us want to be guitar painting professionals in this process. I have a feeling that he is much more astute than he portrayed in this video...You the Man Matt!!! You guys have inspired me to give it another go...Chris and Matt, Thank You So Much!!! And also StewMac for the platform and being a repository for all the parts and tools of us guitar mad enthusiasts!!!
Really incredible series. You guys did a wonderful job articulating ALL of the intricate details necessary to make finishing a positive experience! Thank you to Stew Mac for their organization of this resource and for the awesome work that they do in supporting us luthiers to help us succeed at our craft, their incredible selection of tools and products and second to none customer service.
That turned out great. Dan giving his approval says a lot. I'm really glad you chose that color. I was looking to find a blue like that. I appreciate how thorough this video series is. It is definitely going to help me on my projects. I will soon see if I'm sandbidextrous like Matt. Thanks
Thank you guys. I have three instruments lined up waiting for final assembly and finish. Now I know it’ll take months ´til I’m done but it’s worth it.
Well, that’s a lot of patience and work which provide a lot of reward.
This was incredible info! Driftwood really came correct with all of their knowledge. I got so many tips and techniques to help my finishes. Wow!!!!!
Best tip I learned was sanding the edge of the tape on the neck so not to pull finsh off ,that was just a amazing tip and will never forget ,very nice series really enjoyed it!!!
On Thanksgiving Day I sat down to start the three part video on aerosol guitar finishing and had to go all the way through. Best how to video I've ever seen, hands down. I am just starting to try my hand at building/repairing after 50 (!) years of playing, 40 years full time. Thanks for your clear, concise, fun and really instructional videos. I've just subscribed and look forward to more. You're never too old to learn something.
Glad you like it, and it's awesome you're getting in to it and still willing to learn! Kudos to you, never too old and we're always here to help! Thanks!
I’ve just finished my first guitar using this 3 part tutorial. I really couldn’t have done it as well as I did without these guys and stewmac. Thanks Chris and Matt for your expertise. I followed along every step of the way and I appreciated your attention to detail and mini tutorials for fixing common mistakes. I made quite a few mistakes but I was able to fix most and the few I couldn’t are thankfully under the pick guard. I’m actually feeling kind of emotional because you guys have been there with me throughout this six week process and now it’s done. Nitrocellulose finishing is possible your first time and I am thrilled with the results. So much so that I’m going to do it again!
@Beholderguitars Huge congrats on a successful first finishing job! That's amazing! And thanks so much for the feedback. We're so glad the content helped guide you along the way. Keep it up! 👍
That's what I call Quality work! Well worth the time spent watching this!
For the DIY'ers I made my buffer out of an old swamp cooler that was headed for the dump. I took the 2-speed motor that spins the shaft at 450 and 650 rpm, the pillow blocks, shaft & pulleys and mounted them on a 1 1/2" piece of plywood. The only expense was the buffing wheels and plywood - actually 2 pieces of 3/4" laminated together.
Absolutely Top Class series of videos. saw the first video was an hour and thought "I'll just skim through this". 3 hours later I am buzzing and will probably watch again from the start. Brilliant
The moment of truth, the sound check. You did a fantastic job, guys!
Thanks StewMac and Driftwood Guitars for the school, much appreciated.
This is the best DIY finishing video series on youtube. Great job!
Thank you for this - it’s life-changing. I’ve built a few partscasters so far, and my aim is to create my own professional works of art. There’s nothing else out there like this demonstration, so you probably saved me a year or more time of research, and trial & error. Thank you ☕️
I do prefer to wet sand with a sponge, not only is it lighter to the touch but when flattened creates that suction feedback to let you know the peel is knocked down. I do soak the whole sandpaper in water. Commercially sure i can see the Festool, but for demo purposes to a DIY crowd i probably would have shown wet sanding by hand. Having said that, great series, you guys all did a nice job and methodically took your time. And the “oops” moments are invaluable for encouragement!
Great job, guys! This video series is really impressive work. While most of us will never build an acoustic guitar, virtually everyone can build an electric guitar kit and follow these instructions to get a great finish. Thanks Chris and Matt!
I have no intention to do this, but I still watched all three videos from start to finish to learn!
The finished guitar looks amazing
Thanks!
Watched all 3 episodes in one sitting......wow that was so helpful guys !!! Thanks
That is so great to hear... thanks!
This series is perfect for all levels of experience, but definitively will instill the confidence for the first timers! I liked how he slipped in, not to go crazy on areas the eye doesn't eventually see (under the pickguard).
By far the most valuable presentation on finishing. What a delight to hear expert experience speak.
Thanks so much!
Finished the series. A LOT more work than I thought it would be honestly. I don't mind the time, and I do have sanders and most of the supplies, but wowza! 3 polishing compounds, lost count on how many wet sands, 15 coats of clear coat, etc. All the dry sanding.
I'm just staining mine and clear coat. Thanks for the full monte on doing a spray coat like this!!! I guess my guitar won't be ready soon, but I'll get there!
Great job, Matt, for being such a good sport. Your mistakes are the same ones I know I’d make and so it shows me what to watch for.
I’m just honored to be a part of this! Thanks for watching.
I like to level sand with 1000, 1500, 3000, 8000 3M Trizact before buffing..... These videos have been awesome!
Awesome. The best finish walkthrough on RUclips. Easy.
Great series. Thanks to the Driftwood and StewMac team for putting this together.
I worked at Collings guitars doing the acoustic nitro finish for a few years after I got out of luthier school. This is almost exactly the way we did it there. Great video!
Absolutely Amazing, I've painted many guitars and I remember spending all summer watching videos and none of them were complete in explaining the process, this was absolutely complete and you even added in the "what if" situations for fixing errors. Now.. we need a video on how to put clear-coat on a maple guitar neck (topside); because I have done that to a couple cheap squires and it is beautiful, but most people would be scared to death to tackle it.
I'd like that too! I love a nice glossy maple fretboard, so I've done it both with clear lacquer and (believe it or not) with Tru-Oil, with great results with both. It is extremely labor intensive however... wet sanding between frets high up the neck is no fun!
Fantastic series. The end result is as good as anything from a factory, if not better. Great to see my idol Dan stop by. Been watching Driftwood for a long while now, and Dan/StewMac for as long as they've been on RUclips.
This is your best video - Thank you
So nice of you. Thanks!
Absolutely brilliant guys. Very well documented and put together videos. I had to learn the hard way since my first guitars in the 80's. You're helping a lot of DIY folks save a lot of time and money.
Watched all three episodes of this series. Very informative and the step by step instructions should help anyone....even if they are using HVLP. Well done!
Thanks!
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL end result, and brilliant techniques. perfection requires time and care.
Thank you very much!
Great series, didn't realise how much effort is involved, very inspiring
I’m working on the exact same guitar. Having assembled my first build with a body that was pre-finished on an LP kit, this is very challenging. Hardest part is the paint as I’m doing it in a garage with the doors open and a mask on. I have much more respect for Luthiers to say the least. Thanks for the outstanding videos!
Great suite of videos! More detail in the detailing - better than anywhere I’ve seen before, by other experts who are just so glib, and seem to think that almost everyone knows how to at least spray ‘auto’ (or cars as we call them in the UK). Thank you and also to Stewmac who have a series here to be proud of.
I learn every time from your videos; thank you so much from sharing these with us.
I did it, I made my own sunburst bass body with all your advices! It looks great!!! many many thanks
well worth the time to view and the hints techniques were spot on. Stew Mac always has the best supplies tools and as with these fellows the best in instruction. Thanks
Great to hear! Thanks!
So incredibly inspiring.. I have two guitars that are in need of a finish, and I’m seriously so very pumped after watching, and learning, from this series of videos that I believe that is something I could do myself, and I’m going to be placing an order and doing just that. Thank you VERY much!!!
Kudos to everyone! What a wonderful series of videos. I actually have some confidence now on doing a more involved finish when I put my first kit together. I am scared sh*tless when it comes to finishing wood, this helps immensely.
Absolutely beautiful. Been a pleasure watching I decided to upgrade and refinish my Squier Strat so I watched intently and did what you did I'm waiting for the finish to harden off before final sand and buff. I already love it. I got the same loaded pick guard so I was elated to hear her tone. Thank you it's been magic..
I’ve used oil finishes for guitars so far, as spraying is whole new skill set to learn. These videos have been awesome and I’ll definitely be trying this in the future. Thanks! 👍
Thank you to all who were involved in the filming of these three episodes. Everyone, even the camera person who was never mentioned.
I have learned a lot and will be using what I’ve learned in the future. I have finished several guitar and bass bodies using ColorTone Lacquer cans from Stemac with decent to very good results. From this point on my results will be much more satisfying.
Thank you again
JWard
Currently building & finishing the same kit, this presentation was perfect timing. Thank you for the detail with your presentation. & thank you so much Stewmac for sponsoring this.
Johnny
These guys presented an excellent series on finishing. Always good to learn new tips and tricks from the pros. I liked the trick using fine sandpaper to to cut tape when masking, and when you remove tape from the fretboard. Thanks StewMac for the great video. Thanks to Chris and Matt at Driftwood Guitars for sharing their knowledge with us!
honestly ive never enjoyed sponsored content this much. well done.
These videos have been an absolute perfect start to finish, well explained process that will give the knowledge and confidence to take painting and finishing to a new level. Great job Chris and Matt, and thanks to StewMac for providing us with the great video tools as always, and Dan's seal of approval at the end was icing on the cake.
I hope I can find all of Dans old videos too, like way back to VHS TAPES, this series is awesome , thank you all !!!!!!!!!!!
This Stewmac Series of videos is fantastic. The step by step information is by far super informative and easy to understand. I will be planning a build.
Great work. I’ve done a bunch of guitars this way. I had ran into all the problems you spoke about. The recovery methods you guys did answered everything. Great presentation as well good team . Thank you . Method notes. I’m using this on my next guitar . Thanks again. Recommend this video!!
Terrific series and great job, Chris and Matt! High praises from Mr E.
Much appreciated!
Happy to see Dan doing well in here, great series! Definitely will reference when I go to finish my projects.
Thanks guys! Now I know where I need to concentrate my efforts to get the best results. Excellent!
Excellent series, great camera angles and practical wisdom, thanks for creating this and really getting into the details on this.
Thanks for the comment, Carla!
I splurged and bought the Griots buffer. No Amazon knock off will do. Now I just gotta take a deep breath and just do it…
I love Griot’s attitude: “Are you ready to have fun in your garage” ✌️
an amazon buffer works just fine its all about how fast it spins and if it has enough torque. If you like spending more than you have,by all means enjoy your overpriced buffer
What an outstanding series. Thank you! I've been correcting automotive paint for more than 20-years, and I've really been wanting to do some re-fin work on a few instruments. These videos have given me much more confidence about that effort. Big kudos!
This series was just great! I am in the process of finishing my first electric guitar now. I wish I had seen this before I started. I haven't completed the project so I will watch the series again to improve what I have done and complete the project. Chris and Matt, you were a hoot!
wow i just finished three videos.. what can i say.. you are very articulate and very detailed on explaining things..
I think that was the best finishing series I've yet seen on RUclips. I've been finishing for around forty years, starting with bike gas tanks and then trinket boxes and mostly thereafter my guitar builds. And I learned, with the same hard and often painful knocks along the way - ''' ...Tell me how I know?'' For sure.
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My first sunburst paint finish was on a Flying V that I had to repair after a serious migrain-fuelled bout of 'Pete Townsend' Tourettes... That was the learning curve. The second was a sad Sunn/Musicman jazz bass, which I sealed using hand-brushed automotive grey undercoat - over a plywood body; the neck was maple, but the previous owner had ripped-out the fret-wires with a crowbar... So, reluctantly, I removed the original (really lovely) rosewood fretboard and fitted a stunning coal-black ebony slab, which remained fretless.
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The final 800-2000 wet-o-dry stage prior to the top coat, I actualy undertook in the bath (the whole guitar) - naked... Yep, I actually sat in the bath with my bass and spent a couple of hours (with frequent hot-top-ups and the SO making me cups of tea...) cutting back the undercoat, listening to WYWH and Echoes... After which, the guitar was silky smooth... However, my skin was not and I had a grey tide mark around my middrift and 'parts' and the bath 0!0 But hey! If you're passionate about your work eh...? The final finish was a silk-matt (gunmetal) over the entire body and neck. I finished-off with a carbon-fibre control plate and fittings are gold/brass hardware and brass rod side-fret markers, with a phos-bronze nut. The ebony fretboard came-up like glass... Electronics incorporated an active parametric and low Z pups. Stanley Clarke anyone?
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Ultmately what I learned, as Chris rammed-home here, *preparation is all,* if you want a great looking guitar without breaking the bank balance. And most of my work is still done by hand, though for some reason my right arm is exactly the same size as it was forty years ago.
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So everything in this series really resonated with me. WELL DONE DRIFTWOOD & STEWMAC! That was really enjoyable to watch.
Awesome awesome video. Thank you guys. My wife purchased a guitar strat kit for my Birthday Day last Dec. Very exited about starting it but didn’t know how to really approach it until now. Looks like a lot of work but I’m ready. Thank You. 😊
Thanks, SM, and to the 2 guys from Florida. I did my first Lacquer guitar but buffed it out with SM big 14" pedestal and now I need to wear sunglasses when I play it.