Painting The Body Only On A neck Through Bass

[bagsieblue]

I'm more or less decided on painting this bass black - the natural body doesn't do much for me, a bit bland 

I want to paint the body but not the neck.  Will be a homemade job as the value of the bass doesn't warrant a pro job.

Looking for suggestions on:

 - The black paint to use

 - How to address the neck heel - I don't want to paint the neck, so what to do?  Tape it off and have a hard, straight line stop? - where exactly should I be looking to do that.

 - What prep work to the wood do I need to do?  I don't think the bass has a coating / covering - so paint straight on or not?

[AndyTravis]

So you could do PRS hard mask, or ESP style angular.

Id mask where the heel is and use that inherent “shoulder” as the stop point.

I tried a quick phone mess to illustrate 

[Dan Dare]

 

4 hours ago, bagsieblue said:

1. How to address the neck heel - I don't want to paint the neck, so what to do?  Tape it off and have a hard, straight line stop? - where exactly should I be looking to do that.

2. What prep work to the wood do I need to do?  I don't think the bass has a coating / covering - so paint straight on or not?

1. Given that nobody will see the back of the instrument (apart from briefly when you pick it up/put it down), does it matter?

2. You will need to key the surface to ensure the paint adheres properly and evenly. use very fine glass or emery paper (and mask off p/us, etc (unless you are going to completely remove them) because the dust will get everywhere. If you use fine steel wool, take the p/us and fittings off, otherwise they will be coated in a fine fur of metal fragments (especially the p/us - the magnets will attract and cause it to cling) that you will never be able to completely remove.

It would be very rare for there to be no finish at all on the body. Probably a satin finish lacquer or varnish if it appears there isn't any. If it is an oiled finish, you will likely find it will react with paint and look terrible or even not dry properly, meaning it will migrate to you when you play it. As oil sinks into the wood, you can never get it all off/out of the grain, so that would rule out painting it, really.

[TheGreek]

Personally I'd go down the Aria/ Ibanez/ Westone Thunder 111 route, leaving the centre of the neck natural and painting the body.

A bit 1980s but I think they all look amazing.

I'm not sure what colour your looking for but IIRC there are some beautiful wood finishes available.

Edited May 8, 2021 by TheGreek

[bagsieblue]

1 hour ago, Dan Dare said:

 

1. Given that nobody will see the back of the instrument (apart from briefly when you pick it up/put it down), does it matter?

2. You will need to key the surface to ensure the paint adheres properly and evenly. use very fine glass or emery paper (and mask off p/us, etc (unless you are going to completely remove them) because the dust will get everywhere. If you use fine steel wool, take the p/us and fittings off, otherwise they will be coated in a fine fur of metal fragments (especially the p/us - the magnets will attract and cause it to cling) that you will never be able to completely remove.

It would be very rare for there to be no finish at all on the body. Probably a satin finish lacquer or varnish if it appears there isn't any. If it is an oiled finish, you will likely find it will react with paint and look terrible or even not dry properly, meaning it will migrate to you when you play it. As oil sinks into the wood, you can never get it all off/out of the grain, so that would rule out painting it, really.

Thanks - Yes, not overly bothered about how perfect the finish is.  Value of the bass is relatively cheap so not precious about it.

I will of course strip all the hardwear off the bass first.

[bagsieblue]

1 minute ago, TheGreek said:

Personally I'd go down the Aria/ Ibanez/ Westone Thunder 111 route, leaving the centre of the neck natural and painting the body.

A bit 1980s but I think they all look amazing.

That did occur to me - not for the front but maybe for the back....

[TheGreek]

Alternatively, if you could veneer the body - there are some really special ones available, and because you're buying 0.6mm slivers they are generally inexpensive.

IIRC the sheet (enough for 2 or 3 basses) of "Iron on" veneer which @Andyjr1515 used on my Nanyo cost about £15. Loads left over.

 

Edited May 8, 2021 by TheGreek

[PaulThePlug]

Can we have a pic of the front? Back looks really nice, better than the 80's thru stripe. what make n model? looks a bit Ibby SR lower horn, but with a jazz-esque bump... Court?

Edited May 8, 2021 by PaulThePlug

[bagsieblue]

Spector NS94.

Great bass.

Visually looks like a cheap wardrobe....

[TheGreek]

My old one??

JOOI did you buy the 5 string as well?

[bagsieblue]

Just now, TheGreek said:

My old one??

JOOI did you buy the 5 string as well?

Yes, your old one.

Not me on the 5...

[bagsieblue]

I've got pickups and pre amp to upgrade.

Works so much better in black...yes??

[PaulThePlug]

I love the natural finish and plain and simple looks... elegant and fuss free.

Edited May 8, 2021 by PaulThePlug

[bagsieblue]

1 minute ago, PaulThePlug said:

I love a natural finish and plain and simple looks... elegant and fuss free.

Haha, I don't hence, wanting to paint it....

Edited May 8, 2021 by bagsieblue

[AndyTravis]

I love it in natural too

[BassTool]

22 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

Alternatively, if you could veneer the body - there are some really special ones available, and because you're buying 0.6mm slivers they are generally inexpensive.

IIRC the sheet (enough for 2 or 3 basses) of "Iron on" veneer which @Andyjr1515 used on my Nanyo cost about £15. Loads left over.

 

Who is the supplier Mick?

[TheGreek]

I bought it from eBay - over a metre for less than £20 - came safely boxed. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1311&_nkw=iron+on+veneer+sheets&_sacat=4713&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=4713&_dmd=2&_odkw=bass+guitar

Edited May 8, 2021 by TheGreek

[bagsieblue]

16 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

I bought it from eBay - over a metre for less than £20 - came safely boxed. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1311&_nkw=iron+on+veneer+sheets&_sacat=4713&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=4713&_dmd=2&_odkw=bass+guitar

Nice....still much prefer the black above though!.

[JohnDaBass]

10 hours ago, bagsieblue said:

Spector NS94.

I love this, simplistic, elegant and a refined beauty. I would really think twice about this , if you still wish to proceed have it done by a professional. OR sell it and buy another Spector in the colour combo you desire. Sorry for being such a miserable old Pensioner!

[Killed_by_Death]

 

Stain it darker, but don't paint it & cover that grain.

 

[Guest]

Ebonising might be something to consider. Done properly it gives a jet black finish but still leaves the grain visible.

Works best on tannin rich woods like oak.

 

Edited May 12, 2021 by HornetPinata
Listen to The Lewd or the Dead Boys.

[Aidan63]

or do a Crimson and BURN it 😈

[bagsieblue]

1 hour ago, Aidan63 said:

or do a Crimson and BURN it 😈

Aye, well the preamp is out but @AndyTravis is laying the guilt on a bit thick!!

[AndyTravis]

12 minutes ago, bagsieblue said:

Aye, well the preamp is out but @AndyTravis is laying the guilt on a bit thick!!

It looks nice. Embrace it.

[TheGreek]

3 hours ago, Aidan63 said:

or do a Crimson and BURN it 😈