ShortScale.org

I think I am almost ready for my first refinishing job, except for one thing: the color! I am thinking about getting a can of Lake Placid Blue from Reranch. They advertise that a can is enough for "one body" -- can anyone confirm to me that this is the case? (I don't want to order and find out that I have not quite enough paint, and wish I had gotten another can!) What about if I want to do a matching headstock as well? (I will be clear coating after the color, of course, and priming white before it)

Thanks in advance!

what are you re-finishing?
and i can should be enough. i know i usually only used half a can, or less at times.

A very cheap Squier strat from craigslist. Nothing valuable, at least until I get really good at it.

righto,
one can will suffice.
whats the story with the jag in your avatar?

That's mine! A '62 body and neck with replacement pickups (someone wanted to be Kurt Cobain at some point in the 90s is my guess) and locking tuners that I found an absurd deal on. I love it! I put some pictures in another thread, I think.

Oh! Another question. If I am going to replace the headstock decal (as I will need to if I try to do a matching headstock), do I apply that OVER the color, but then UNDER the clear coats?

if this is your first time refinishing, i would recommend getting two cans just in case. one is usually enough and then you just dump tons of clearcoat on. but if you end up sanding through the color coat and don't have any paint left over, you're screwed.
as for the decal, vintage fenders have the decals on top of the clear coat.

Hmmm, all right! So the decal can be applied right to the top clear coat with nothing over it?

I'd spray a little over it, but not much. You could put it under the clear coat but its easier to put it on top.

You guys are really helpful, thanks! Is there a good resource you could point me at as to obtaining a Fender decal?

thanks for asking this question, now i don't have to!

Is there a good resource you could point me at as to obtaining a Fender decal?

no
I may have an extra laying around.Which style decal do you need?

Ideally something vintage-styled, like: http://www.classicvintageguitars.com/fe ... dstock.jpg

type in "headstock decal" on ebay, there are a few guys selling decals there. i suspect one of them might be decal joe since his site was shut down.

I didn't realise he was shut down. I suppose it was only really a matter of time anyway.

Thanks guys. I am doing a bit of poking around.

I have always gotten mine from Geocha at Reranch. I think one can would do you, but metallic colors can be like playing musical chairs--you may get enough on there, but want to empty the can, and the last shot out may have an odd color mix to it. Better to stop while you are ahead with most of the can, and leave a little extree for repairs. I bury my decals under clear to keep them safe, but Fender has done it several ways. My mandocaster (copy) has the decal on top and it has torn in places. It looks more authentic that way, but makes me nervous.