Can i paint over headstock binding

[Markfresh]

Hi, on the lp style kit i have , the binding is attached so you would paint inside the binding,
i have done this in black and dont really like the look.
Is it possible to mask off the sides of the headstock and paint the whole face of the headstock black instead of inbetween with good results?

 

[ARandall]

Paint.....as in make the headstock black??
You usually tape then scrape if you want to see the binding, but you will see binding on the sides even if you cover the whole top.

How and what you paint is up to you of course, and yes.....masking is the method you use to stop any finish getting where you don't want it.

 

[Markfresh]

Sorry i should of explained better, the back of the headstock is stained the same colour as the neck which i want, and i want to be able to see the white binding on the sides, just dont want to see the top binding.
This pic is similar to what i have now

And this is what i want

Will the paint go over the binding ok etc?

 

[frozenotter]

You paint over it then use something like this:

It's the razor I used to scrape the binding on a job I did. The tape serves as a guide to keep it even. Easy does it!

 

[w666]

Sorry i should of explained better, the back of the headstock is stained the same colour as the neck which i want, and i want to be able to see the white binding on the sides, just dont want to see the top binding.
This pic is similar to what i have now
View attachment 409173




And this is what i want
View attachment 409172

Will the paint go over the binding ok etc?

You can paint the binding to achieve this look, but you will eventually see a shadow line where the binding is because it will expand/contract differently than the wood

 

[Markfresh]

Ok thanks i think i will tape and scrap.
Also another question, i am using rustoleum clear coat, on the can it say dry in 24 hrs , after searching google/youtube etc , i have read that people wait anywhere from 48hrs to 3 weeks to wet sand depending on the clear used and how its applied.
I have done 5 coats on the body, how long should i wait?

 

[ARandall]

That depends on the paint type. Most guitar builders are using nitro, which flashes off quickly but takes many weeks to fully sink and cure.
Some of the more plastic or poly based finished are ready to polish in a couple of days. You need to look at the can or website to see when they recommend and buffing work.

But some clears don't deal well with sanding through into different layers either.....

 

[Markfresh]

I contacted the manufacturer and got this reponse , i might wait a bit longer just incase.

"The coating will be dry enough to sand after 48 hours at 21℃ - if it is colder or the humidity is above 50% then you will need to allow longer. Make sure you also allow the surface to thoroughly dry before re-coating as moisture trapped on the surface will cause the clear to go milky in appearance."