The world of guitar pedal customization is amazing, and whether you want to put a finishing touch on a new pedal build, or add a personal touch to an existing pedal, painting the guitar pedal enclosure is an excellent start.
Considering the amount of wear and tear guitar pedals can go through, looking at factors such as durability, while keeping in mind the visual appeal it will provide is important when considering the type of paint to use for this project.
Acrylic, Enamel, and Spray paints are considered the best options for painting a guitar pedal enclosure. However, the importance of different features such as drying time, durability, and ease of application all help narrow down these three to the right one for your project.
Let’s dive into these three types of paint, and what each one brings for different situations to help determine which paint is right for you.
Understanding Pedal Enclosure Materials
When dealing with paint, something that is important to know before applying paint to a surface is what that surface is made of.
Knowing this aspect of the project will give you an idea of both the best application method, as well as what makes certain paints better than others for its application.
In general, most enclosures that will be encountered with guitar pedals will be made of metal, typically die-cast aluminum.
There may be on occasion the possibility of plastic enclosures, but these are far less common.
Knowing that the surface you will be painting is of metal, it is important to prep the surface appropriately no matter the paint type used to greatly increase your chances of getting that perfect finish.
This prep work will help ensure better adhesion along with the durability and longevity of the paint job.
Performing a light sanding with some fine grit sandpaper, and cleaning the surface to where it is dust-free will certainly be noticed in the outcomes.
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paint when used for guitar pedal enclosures is known for its ease of use, and its versatility.
It’s often a popular choice, from beginner to expert because of how easy it is to apply to the pedal, and the quick drying times it provides.
It is especially great if you have the desire to incorporate detailed design work on the pedal, as it also has many options for color choice.
The best way to ensure a quality finish is to first apply a primer to the pedal, and once that dries apply several thin coats of paint.
To add an extra layer of protection and durability to the paint, you may want to finish with some type of clear coat.
Enamel Paints
What enamel paints will provide your pedal enclosure is a durable and long-lasting finish?
These are oil-based paints that are known for their resistance to chipping, which is important since the pedals will be getting bumped and hit by your foot, or other pedals as they move around, get carried, and many other ways.
These paints will have longer dry times, taking anywhere from 48 hours to up to several months depending on how thick you put a coat on.
If you decide to use enamel as your paint, be sure to use adequate ventilation as well as consider using a paint thinner to make the application of the paint smoother on the enclosure.
Spray Paints
If looking for paint that can help provide quick and even coverage, look at using spray paint.
Spray paint types and quality can vary greatly, and so can their price, but in general this will be the cheapest option for paint.
They will come in various colors, and many finishes like matte, glossy, metallic, and specialty textures such as hammered finish which allows for a wide array of creative flexibility.
When choosing a spray paint, consider looking for ones that are made for metal applications as this will give the best possible application.
Though a slight addition of cost, consider using spray paint such as Krylon Fusion All-In-One since it contains both paint and primer and is an acrylic-enamel paint giving a great smooth finish, while also providing some of the protection and durability brought by enamel.
When using spray paint, apply multiple light coats instead of a single heavy one to avoid drips and a smoother finish.
And remember to use a well-ventilated area and a mask for safety.
Application Tools
When using paint, the choice of tools is as important as the choice of paint and will play a significant role in the outcome.
Brushes, sponges, and sprayers will all provide different effects, with each having their purpose.
Brushes are great at creating detailed designs, sponges will give unique textures when applying paint by hand, and if used with a brushing technique may help in applying a smoother finish.
Sprayers are excellent at providing a smooth and even paint application, however, thinning of the paint may be required depending on the paint and sprayer being used.
Paint and applicator tools are the start of items needed to paint your guitar pedal. To learn about all the items you need read my article here.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Paint For You
Choosing the right paint for your guitar pedal project is all about balancing the looks and functionality, and deciding which is of more importance.
Consider the material your pedal is made of, the overall use the pedal will receive that may impact the durability of the paint, and finally, the goals that you have for your pedal and expectations of what would be considered a successful finish.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different paints and brands to find the perfect finish, as well as test the paint on an insignificant portion of the pedal, or a spare piece to make sure the dried finish and color are what you are expecting and wanting.
With the right prep work and paint, you can transform your next pedal project into a work of art.