How to Paint a Guitar with a Spray Can Kit
From vintage bursts to modern metallics — refinish your guitar body with real automotive paint in a spray can.
What's in the box
- 1 color spray can
- 1 × 1K Epoxy Primer/Sealer can (gray or black to suit your color)
- 1 × 2K clearcoat can (gloss or matte)
- 2 gray scuff pads
- Q1 yellow masking tape, 1.5" and 0.75"
Coverage: one kit does a guitar body. The neck is not included in the coverage. White and other light ground-coat colors add a Wicked White can.
Before you buy: the kit does not include a body or neck. It needs a properly sanded body — poor prep means poor adhesion — and the epoxy seals it before color.
Safety First
2K clear contains isocyanates. Spray with good airflow, and wear a paint-rated respirator, gloves and goggles every time.
Step by step: guitar
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Inspect the body
Check the body is properly sanded and prepped. The kit covers the body only, not the neck.
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Clean off dust and oils
Wipe the body with isopropyl alcohol or Sprayway Cleaning Spray so no dust or finger oils are left.
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Scuff until flat
Scuff with the gray scuff pads until the whole body is flat and evenly scratched.
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Seal with epoxy primer
1K Epoxy Primer/Sealer spray can →Shake the 1K Epoxy Primer/Sealer can for 45–60 seconds. Spray 1 light coat, wait 5 minutes, then 1 medium wet coat. Let it dry, then wait 1 hour after dry to the touch.
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Spray the basecoat
Shake the color can for 45–60 seconds. Spray 2–4 coats, 10 minutes (or until matte) between, until the color is achieved.
💡 Bursts and metallics: finish with a light control coat so the effect lays evenly.Alpha guitar paint kit →
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Spray the clear — gloss or matte
Let the basecoat dry fully. Activate the 2K can (flip it, remove the plug and metal ring, put the ring through the lug on the bar, pull out and turn 360°), shake hard for 45–60 seconds, then spray 2–3 wet coats, recoating when it feels fingerprinty (about 10 minutes).
💡 Activate the clear only when you are ready to spray — it has a 24 hour pot life.2K HS clearcoat spray can →
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Let it cure 8 hours
Give it 8 hours before handling or assembly and 12 hours before polishing. Flip every can upside down and spray until it runs clear so the nozzle is saved for next time.
See our spray cans in action
Download the spray can cheat sheet
Download it now so you have the directions, coats & flash times and QR codes handy while you paint.
Guitar kit FAQ
Will it give a glossy, durable finish?
Yes. Guitar kits use automotive-grade paint and 2K clearcoat for a deep gloss (or a true matte) and a finish that stands up to playing.
Ask the paint expert about this →What's in the kit?
Your color, the epoxy primer/sealer, matching 2K clearcoat, scuff pads and tape — sized for a guitar body.
Ask the paint expert about this →Can I do a sunburst or custom finish?
Yes — pick custom colors to build bursts, metallics, pearls or candies. Find your color.
Ask the paint expert about this →Do I need a spray gun?
No — everything sprays straight from the can. You still need your own respirator, gloves and goggles.
Ask the paint expert about this →Does the kit cover the neck too?
No. The kit is sized for the body only. If you want to refinish the neck as well, add a second color can and clear can.
Ask the paint expert about this →Can I wet sand and buff the clear?
Yes. After 12 hours, wet sand with 1500–2000 grit and buff it just like gun-sprayed clear for a mirror finish.
Ask the paint expert about this →What safety gear do I need?
2K clear contains isocyanates. Spray with good airflow, and wear a paint-rated respirator, gloves and goggles every time.
Ask the paint expert about this →Paint your guitar body with a spray can kit
The guitar kit from inspecting the body to curing, one slide per step.
Tutorials & deep dives
Long-form how-tos from The Spray Source YouTube channel.
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Tommy answers your questions
Real questions from the community, answered by Tommy Nelson on TikTok.
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Still stuck? Ask the paint expert
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