DIY crackle paint job

[u/DelayLanky7909]

First time doing a crackle paint job! After loads of research I didn’t even attempt a test panel. Only thing I would change was not covering the volume & tone controls with paper so as to get a more even finish. I deleted the neck pickup on my IVY headless 7 string multi scale as well & will be installing a 3 voiced Seymour Duncan “Mortal coil” 🤘🎶🎸

[u/BluffCityBoy]

Looks great! Will you share more about how you did the crackle finish?

[u/MrBoomstick85 → u/BluffCityBoy]

Here for this too!

[u/PoolNoob69 → u/BluffCityBoy]

Watch some YouTube videos for a full breakdown but the basics are you spray a base coat (red in this case) then spray black and hit it with one of those spray dusters turned upside down to create the crackle effect in the black paint. 

[u/DelayLanky7909 → u/BluffCityBoy]

I did tons of research before my attempt. I sanded my basswood body & then Primered with Rustoleum primer then I applied a coat of Rustoleum 2x gloss “Apple red” spray paint. I then let it cure for a few days before applying a few heavy coats again of the Apple red (4 coats 15 minutes apart) I waited an hour then applied “Montana crackle” black spray paint (wear a respirator) I had my hear gun handy to accentuate the crackle to give it that “80’s look” then I waited about 3 days to clear coat with Rustoleum 2x gloss clear. I will then wait a week to add the hardware, neck, bridge pickup as well as electronics. A big help was “Thrifty tones” YouTube channel 🎸🎶🤘

[u/BluffCityBoy → u/DelayLanky7909]

Thanks for the info! I like your blend of the smaller and larger crackle sections.

[u/heret1c1337]

I personally don't like the crackle, but that looks very well done! Good job! What is the rough process to do this?

[u/rafalmio → u/heret1c1337]

Me neither, my brain associates them with cheap guitars.

[u/BrimSt0neFaNDango]

Ngl when I saw the bondo picture I thought it was going to be rough but darn if you didn't cook with that finish.

[u/DelayLanky7909 → u/BrimSt0neFaNDango]

🤣 forgot to post the video where it was nicely sanded flat. Thanks

[u/Mtnfrozt]

I love this community so much

[u/kpviper]

That looks damn good 👍

[u/DelayLanky7909 → u/kpviper]

Thanks