Advice on paint supplies

[JimTidmarsh]

I have decided to re-spray my Sunburst P-bass copy to Fiesta Red.

I'm quite happy about how to go about this & get the desired finish but I'm doubtful about where to get the 'right' colour paint. From the web, I've come across Manchester Guitar Tech and North West Guitars who both sell the relevant aerosol sprays, but I wondered if any members here have experience of either of these suppliers or know of somewhere else. I don't want to open the debate about Fiesta Red again (please!!) but want to get a finish closest to an accepted colour.

Any suggestions?

[Iain Purdon]

I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice. Ian and Linda Harper (old romantic on this site) who run the Scarborough club know a lot about this and Ian has sprayed many a guitar to a satisfying Fiesta Red colour.

[old romantic]

Hi Jim,
Have sent you a message so you can if you wish speak to Ian about spraying guitars. Would advise against aerosols though!
Regards
Linda

[Hank2k]

Hi jim

Aerosol from halfords in flame red as per the new style ford ka is perfectly acceptable for fiesta red

[alanbakewell]

Hi jim

Aerosol from halfords in flame red as per the new style ford ka is perfectly acceptable for fiesta red

Ford Flame Red is quite close to some versions of Fiesta Red. But to endorse Linda's response aerosols really won't do the guitar justice.

Cheers Alan.

[JimTidmarsh]

Unfortunately, I have no alternative but to go down the aerosol route due to lack of funds & equipment!

[JimN]

Steve Robinson of Manchester Guitar Tech is a first-class bloke and guitar-repairer. I'm sure he'll see you right.

[Billyboygretsch]

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I have used aerosols on a few projects now and they are quite acceptable. They are not as easy to use as using a compressor gun. The main thing is in the preparation and not hurrying things. It also depends to some extent on the guitars original finish. Also if using n/c which is what I presume you want remember unless using catalysed clear coat it will take months to harden. I show a picture of Vibra Artiste body I used with paint and finish from Halfords which cost about £30

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Good luck with the project

[Billyboygretsch]

Sorry to say what you see on the headstock is what happens if you don't prepare properly had to rub down and do that again.
The fiesta red aerosols I bought from North West and they were good. These were N/C

[alanbakewell]

Jim, point taken on your resources.
Your question was "What colour would be close to Fiesta Red"?
So, my advice would be, take a trip to you local Ford dealer and ask to see their colour samples for reds.
Flame Red will be there. You can judge for yourself if this is suitable or not.

If you don't have a Ford dealer close, have a look for a paint and bodywork refinish shop and ask to see their
Ford colour chips. Tell them what you're doing. They should have Flame Red and give you five minutes of their time. ( I would ).

If all else fails, send me your address and I'll send you the blessed colour sample.

If you don't like the result after your repaint, as my Dad used to say, "Nobody died". You take it off and start again.

For the record, In my previous employment I has access to a colour matching computer. I took my "Fiesta Red" CS Strat.
and matched it with the computer. This gave me a P.P.G. formulation that, as you might expect, matched exactly.
The system doesn't give you a name, just a formulation. ( Sadly lost a few years back ). I do, however still have a postcard
sized sample that I've compared with many other "Fiesta Red" Strats. Not surprisingly, non of them matched mine, ( Or each other ).

Good luck with your repaint job.

Cheers, Alan.