Painting a Red Bullseye on my LP Custom

[rvcasrfr]

Hey guys,

So I'm getting the itch to try some custom work. I've been in love with this design for a long time and would love to mod my Alpine Epi LP Custom like that if possible. That pic is a Chinese knockoff BTW. Anyway the problem is - I've never done anything like this before. I have a good friend who has painted a few (sweet ass) guitars and said he would help me, but I'd like to gather as much knowledge as I can before diving into it.. So I've got a few questions for you all...

Can I just get a sticker like this to use as a stencil? If so, do I have to sand down the LP and repaint both the white and red, or can I just paint the red bullseye and refinish over that? If I sand down the neck on my LP Custom will the wood look like this underneath? Overall how difficult of a job would you say this is and how high of a risk do I run of really f'ing up my LP? It all looks a little too easy...

Thanks in advance for the help

 

[standard man]

I like the look, I just wish I could help you. Lots of experience on here though. Goodluck mate!

 

[purevilpleasure]

Luthier's Corner - My Les Paul Forums

Ask these great folks over in this forum...good luck.

 

[rvcasrfr]

I like the look, I just wish I could help you. Lots of experience on here though. Goodluck mate!

Thanks man. The red is a pretty powerful color and I know it's not true to Zakk's actual red/vintage bullseye combo but I think it's a jaw dropping combo

Luthier's Corner - My Les Paul Forums

Ask these great folks over in this forum...good luck.

Thanks brother

 

[Mr Teeny]

Check out this thread

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/custom-shop/141078-flying-v-zakk-wylde-project.html

 

[Lizzy4Life]

The ZW model has a maple neck, which is lighter than the usual mahogany neck on a Les Paul like yours. Expect brown wood underneath the finish of the neck. Good luck with the paintjob! Am looking forward to see the result!

 

[Mr Teeny]

Also remember epi's (unless it's MIJ) have scarf joints in the neck too, so that'll be exposed if you sand it back. Might not look as pretty as you'd expect so consider that before sanding the neck as you'll have a nightmare trying to blend in any new finish if you change your mind later.

 

[rvcasrfr]

Also remember epi's (unless it's MIJ) have scarf joints in the neck too, so that'll be exposed if you sand it back. Might not look as pretty as you'd expect so consider that before sanding the neck as you'll have a nightmare trying to blend in any new finish if you change your mind later.

Yep. Have already scratched the idea of sanding the neck. I'm just hoping the guys in the Luthier's corner can give me more info on how to get the paintjob looking as prescise, bright, and clean as the one in the pictures. I'm worried I'm going to give this a shot and it's going to come out like the one below... BARF

 

[RobinOC]

I'm not a luther or painter but I have a painter friend who works in wood and cars that I've picked up a bit from hanging around his garage. I would think that

1- you'll need the right kind of paint
2- you'll need a base coat to help the paint bond better to the wood
3- my guess is paint it all white first then add the red since the red will look brighter on top of the white. If you want the red to look deeper consider black or grey underneath.
4- lots of thin coats with sanding in between to get that paint to look smooth and perfect.
5- learn to mask off the areas without paint bleeding under the edges of the tape.
6-learn how to use a can of spray paint or paint gun. Basically slow light spray, hold the can/gun parallel to the surface through the entire stroke. Bring the stroke well past the surface before shutting it off or doing a return stroke.

Let us know if any of these are recommended by the experts.

 

[dspelman]

Painting a Red Bullseye on my LP Custom

Excellent. I have some brand new .338 LaPua loads ready.

 

[CoatedCrimson]

Nice!!!

 

[GERRYGTR62]

hate to burst the bubble here, but that's a fake, LOL!!! check out the diamond-inlay, that's usually on Epiu LPCs [except for the Elite/Elitist line]

 

[bridge500t]

you could try this if you don't want to take the chance of messing the guitar up.
GuitarRaps.com - Customised Vinyl Graphic Designs and Decals for your Guitar

 

[Kamen_Kaiju]

hate to burst the bubble here, but that's a fake, LOL!!! check out the diamond-inlay, that's usually on Epiu LPCs [except for the Elite/Elitist line]

The 2nd or 3rd sentence in the Original post says, "this is a Chinese Knockoff."

I don't think any bubbles are getting burst.

 

[rvcasrfr]

hate to burst the bubble here, but that's a fake, LOL!!! check out the diamond-inlay, that's usually on Epiu LPCs [except for the Elite/Elitist line]

I know this kind sir. Which is why I have to attempt to do a custom job if I want to own this guitar. I would be very tempted to finally buy my first Gibson if this was an official Zakk Wylde guitar made by them