Best Spray Paint for Guitars

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Customizing your guitar with a fresh paint job is one of the most satisfying DIY projects in music. Whether you’re restoring an old axe, building a partscaster, or just want a new color, the right spray paint for guitars will give you a smooth, durable, and professional-looking finish.

But not all paints are created equal—some chip easily, some melt your plastic binding, and others just don’t give you that glossy showroom shine. This guide covers the best spray paints for guitars, what to look for, and how to get killer results.

What to Look for in Guitar Spray Paint

Your guitar isn’t just any surface—it needs a paint that’s:

  • Durable: Resists chips, scratches, and fading

  • Fast-drying: Reduces risk of dust or smudging

  • Compatible with clear coats: Especially nitrocellulose or polyurethane

  • Smooth and glossy: Especially for solid-color or metallic finishes

Types of paint typically used:

  • Nitrocellulose lacquer: Vintage look, thin, fast-drying, used on Fenders and Gibsons

  • Acrylic lacquer: More durable than nitro, easy to apply and sand

  • Enamel spray paint: Durable and glossy, but requires longer cure time

  • Polyurethane (or 2K poly): Industrial strength, used on many modern guitars

Best Spray Paints for Guitars (2024)

1. ColorTone Aerosol Guitar Lacquer (StewMac)

Best Overall Spray Paint for Guitars

ColorTone is a top-tier choice among luthiers and DIY guitar painters. Designed specifically for instruments, it’s a nitrocellulose lacquer that builds up thin and buffs to a high-gloss finish.

Why It’s Great:

  • Made for guitars—won’t damage plastics or react poorly

  • Wide color selection (vintage hues, metallics, clears)

  • Smooth spray pattern and consistent pressure

  • Compatible with StewMac clear coats and sealers

Best For: DIY builders, restorers, and anyone wanting authentic vintage-style finishes

Price: ~$18–$22 per can

2. Montana Gold Acrylic Spray Paint

Best Artist-Grade Spray for Bold, Custom Finishes

Montana Gold is a professional artist paint, but it works beautifully on guitars. It’s known for its ultra-smooth spray pattern and wide color palette—perfect for unique, modern designs.

Why It’s Great:

  • Low-pressure spray = precision and smooth coverage

  • Massive color range (over 200 shades)

  • Fast-drying, low-odor acrylic base

  • Great for layering and blending custom fades

Best For: Modern custom paint jobs, bold colors, fades, or stencils

Price: ~$10–$12 per can

3. Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover

Best Budget Spray Paint for Guitar Projects

This enamel spray is widely available and budget-friendly—great for beginners or one-off custom jobs. It covers well and offers a durable finish when paired with a quality clear coat.

Why It’s Great:

  • Affordable and accessible at most hardware stores

  • Good color saturation and coverage

  • Works well with sanding and clear coats

  • Many colors, including metallics and gloss finishes

Best For: Beginners, budget builds, and test projects

Price: ~$6–$8 per can

4. Dupli-Color Perfect Match Automotive Paint

Best for Metallic and Automotive-Style Finishes

Originally designed for car touch-ups, Dupli-Color’s auto paint line offers stunning metallics, pearls, and gloss colors that translate beautifully to guitars.

Why It’s Great:

  • High-gloss and metallic finish options

  • Fast drying and sandable

  • Works with Dupli-Color clear coats

  • Automotive durability = great scratch resistance

Best For: High-gloss, metallic, or custom hot rod-style guitar finishes

Price: ~$10–$14 per can

5. Reranch Guitar Paint

Best Vintage-Correct Nitro Colors for Guitar Restoration

Reranch offers a curated selection of vintage Fender and Gibson colors in nitro lacquer. It’s a favorite among vintage restoration enthusiasts for accurate hues and authentic feel.

Why It’s Great:

  • True-to-vintage color tones (e.g., Lake Placid Blue, TV Yellow)

  • Real nitrocellulose lacquer

  • Compatible with wet sanding and polishing

  • Dedicated to guitar-specific use

Best For: Vintage restorations and classic Fender/Gibson color fans

Price: ~$20–$24 per can

Quick Comparison Table

Brand Paint Type Best For Finish Options Price/Can
ColorTone (StewMac) Nitrocellulose Authentic guitar builds Solid, metallic, clear $18–$22
Montana Gold Acrylic lacquer Artistic, colorful modern designs Matte, gloss, many shades $10–$12
Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Enamel Budget builds, beginners Gloss, satin, metallic $6–$8
Dupli-Color Perfect Match Acrylic enamel Auto-style high-gloss or metallics Metallics, pearls $10–$14
Reranch Guitar Paint Nitrocellulose Vintage restorations Classic Fender/Gibson hues $20–$24

Tips for Painting Your Guitar with Spray Paint

  1. Prep the surface: Sand old finish down to bare wood or primer; clean thoroughly.

  2. Use a sealer or primer: Especially if the wood is porous—this helps color coat adhere smoothly.

  3. Spray light, even coats: Hold the can 8–12 inches away and keep your hand moving.

  4. Let it cure: Allow at least 24 hours between color and clear coats, and a full week+ before wet sanding.

  5. Clear coat matters: Use compatible nitro or poly clear coat for gloss, durability, and polishing.

Final Thoughts

Spray painting a guitar can feel intimidating—but with the right paint, some patience, and attention to detail, you can achieve a pro-level finish right in your garage or workshop.

Here’s the bottom line:

  • Use ColorTone or Reranch for vintage-authentic, nitro-style finishes.

  • Pick Montana Gold for creative color control and artistic freedom.

  • Go with Rust-Oleum or Dupli-Color for budget-friendly builds with durable results.

Ready to customize your tone machine? Grab the right spray paint, prep your surface, and start creating a guitar that sounds—and looks—like your own signature masterpiece.

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