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I am finishing up my Ash Baja Tele project and it's time to paint the body. This is my first guitar project for me to be doing the painting myself. I am planning on using ReRanch for paint and finish. I want to let the grain of the Ash wood to show through some. I originally was going to do Fiesta Red (still might), I just bought a Fiesta Red Musicmaster body and I am not sure if I want two Fiesta Red guitars. Contribute to the poll to help me decide.

http://reranchstore.stores.yahoo.net/fencuscol.html



I need help understanding the painting and finishing process. Here is what I understand so far.

1)Help make the Ash wood grain pop: I have heard different ways to make this happen and I would love to hear what you have used before

2) Paint in multiple thin coats. I know it's important to keep coats thin to avoid messy runs. I need help understanding wet and dry sanding. What's the difference? How much is necessary.

3) Nitro Finish. How much do I put on? Is it more personal preference? Will I need to sand the finish as well? I assume I would if too much finish in one area. Can I give the guitar a more vintage look if I use more nitro?

I am basically a guitar painting noob so please shower your paint and finishing wisdom upon me. I know I will make some mistakes, but I would love any help you can offer.

Vintage Cream / black guard

dezb1 wrote:Vintage Cream / black guard

+1

mrperson wrote:

dezb1 wrote:Vintage Cream / black guard

+1

Niet: you've worked hard on making this, so I see no reason to paint it the same colour as an off the peg Baja; go Sonic Blue.

Surf green:
hehe.

from the poll, Daphne Blue.

benecol wrote: Niet: you've worked hard on making this, so I see no reason to paint it the same colour as an off the peg Baja; go Sonic Blue.

Actually thats true, I'd go with a shade of blue actually.

mrperson wrote:

benecol wrote: Niet: you've worked hard on making this, so I see no reason to paint it the same colour as an off the peg Baja; go Sonic Blue.

Actually thats true, I'd go with a shade of blue actually.

I am of that opinion as well. I don't want someone to think I just made an exact copy of production guitar. Though the limited edition LPB Baja Tele is nice.

That's why I thought Fiesta Red would be nice since it's more rare. Of course Sonic Blue or Fiesta Red would make the Tele the same color as a Jag-stang. (nothing wrong with that!)

i don't see pink on the list.

hotrodperlmutter wrote:i don't see pink on the list.

I will do a pink guitar at some point, but not on this particular guitar. It's a great color and I do want a Shell pink guitar down the road.

Honestly. I can't believe so many have voted for boring old cream.

I voted Daphne. Just not red, yeah?

Here are some good examples I found of some of the colors to help you vote:
Fiesta Red


Daphne Blue

Sonic Blue

LPB Metallic

Shell Pink (for HotRod)

I voted LPB, you don't see it that often on teles, and I love that color.

I think Fiesta Red with a mint guard. Teles don't really get much better, in my opinion.

Oh damn I'm going to say sonic blue or shell pink now. Theyre both sweet, plus sonic blue reminds me of the 60s strat I played a while ago.

Not LPB or Cream as Bajas come in that as standard (or close enough).

I would definitely do Sonic Blue - love it on Teles.
But standard non-poll answer is obviously Shell Pink!

Daphne with a vintage tint.

Noirie. wrote:Daphne with a vintage tint.

I really like that idea. This picture has the same neck i have and it's pretty hot. I could use the Tinted Clear Coat from Reranch with the Daphne Blue to get the aged look while letting some of the Ash wood grain show through. Anyone used the Tinted Clear Coat on a project?

^Those pictures just changed my mind, do that finish! Man I'm glad its you guitar not mine, I can't decide on what colour I would want.

mrperson wrote:^Those pictures just changed my mind, do that finish! Man I'm glad its you guitar not mine, I can't decide on what colour I would want.

It's been the hardest decision so far for sure. I have plenty of colors I like, but I don't like doing the same boring color everyone else does. The other problems i I have at least 3 more upcoming builds and I don't want to use the same color twice.

i think you should leave the wood grain, and then paint a ladybug with it's wings spread, with an american flag on it's back.