Using Acrylic Paint On Acoustic Guitar – What You Need to Know?

Traditional acoustic guitars are crafted using woods such as spruce, cedar, and mahogany. When it comes to painting them, acrylic paint is a preferable option due to its cost-effectiveness, availability, and compatibility with the guitar’s surface.

To paint an acoustic guitar with acrylic, you don’t need any special solvents or thinners; the paint dries quickly without leaving any spots.

However, it’s crucial to have a good understanding of choosing the right type of paint, preparing it correctly, and applying it carefully to achieve the desired finish. If you don’t use the paint correctly, it can chip easily and negatively impact your guitar’s sound and value.

Below in this article, I have detailed everything you need to know, along with a detailed step-by-step guide.

Painting Acoustic Guitar with Acrylic

Acrylic paints are synthetic water-based paints. They were first created in the 1930s and have since become very popular among artists because of their versatility and ease of use.

When shopping for acrylic paint for your guitar, look for high-quality paint specifically designed for wood use. These paints are usually labeled as “acrylic enamel.” Once you have the right kind of paint, here are the steps you will need to follow…

1- Prepare the guitar for painting

Preparing your guitar correctly is crucial as it ensures proper paint adhesion to the surface and prevents chipping off quickly.

To prepare a guitar for maintenance or repair, first remove all of its strings, electronics, knobs, and, if applicable, detachable neck. If needed, you can remove the pickups and reattach them later after everything dries.

Keep all the parts in one box or a designated place to avoid mixing or losing the guitar parts.

2- Sand the surface of the guitar body

Next, sand down the wooden guitar surface with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.

Be extra careful and do not rush through this step, as you don’t want to sand down too much and damage the wood. Just sand enough to create a smooth surface for the primer and paint to attach.

Remember that the body of an acoustic guitar is typically made with a fragile wood layer, usually no more than 1/10-inch thick. As the thickness of the wood can greatly affect the resonance and sound of the guitar, it’s important to be careful when sanding it.

3- Apply a wood primer to the guitar

After sanding, apply a thin layer of wood primer to the guitar body with a paintbrush. This acts as a glue to help acrylic paint adhere to the wood better and provide a nicer-looking, even base for the coating.

While you can use regular latex primers by brands such as Kilz, I highly recommend using a Gesso white (by Liquitex, Handy Art, or any other). This is specifically designed to be used with acrylic paints and will help you achieve better results.

4- Let the primer dry and sand once again

Once the primer is applied, let it dry for at least 24 hours. Then, sand the surface again with extra fine-grit sandpaper to create an even smoother surface for the paint.

If required, apply a thin coat of primer and sand once more before proceeding to the next step.

5- Draw the design on the guitar body

Now it’s time to get creative and draw the design you want on the guitar. This step is optional but can help you create a beautiful and unique guitar.

To sketch the designs and patterns, use any paint marker like Sharpie or a sharp carbide pencil. Or choose to print out the design and use it as a template.

Designs such as flowers, vines, geometric patterns, or anything else you think of will work great and are readily available online as a printable design to download and use. When picking the design, just make sure that it’s not too complex or detailed, as that will make it difficult to paint.

6- Paint your acoustic guitar carefully

Once you have added the design to your guitar body, it’s time to start with the painting process. For best results, use high-quality artists’ brushes and add only thin layers of acrylic paint.

Don’t try to apply too much paint at once, as that will result in an uneven, sloppy finish.

For the choice of acrylic paint, there are two types to use:

• Heavy body: This acrylic paint is buttery thick and covers the surface well. However, it can be challenging to work with and can result in an uneven finish if not applied correctly.
• Fluid: This type of acrylic paint is thinner and easier to work with. It provides a more even finish but doesn’t cover the surface as well.

I recommend using heavy body paint for the first coat and then switching to fluid paint for the second. This will help to even out any imperfections on the guitar body, giving a more professional finish.

Brands like Liquitex, Grumbacher, and others have great options for both types of paint, and you can buy them online or at any art supply store near you.

7- Let the paint dry and apply the sealer finish

Once you are done painting, let the paint dry completely, which can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the type of acrylic paint and the thickness of the layer.

After the paint is dry, apply the finish of your choice – either a clear lacquer, shellac or a Polyurethane sealant. I like to use a Minwax Polycrylic clear sealer to seal the acrylic paint on wood projects since it’s easy to use and provides an excellent finish.

No matter what sealer you pick, just make sure you use a product compatible with acrylic paint and follow the instructions carefully. Apply it nicely over the painted surface, and let the finish dry completely before using or playing the guitar.

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Will Acrylic Paint Affect the Tone of My Guitar?

Yes, paint can influence the tone of your acoustic guitar—but let’s keep things in perspective. The effect is typically subtle to the point of being negligible, especially for casual players or home recording setups.

However, if you’re a tone purist or a professional musician performing under sensitive microphones, you might notice the difference.

Well, here’s the science behind it –

The soundboard (top plate) of your guitar is designed to resonate freely, translating string vibrations into the rich acoustic tone we all love. When you apply paint—particularly thick or multiple layers—it can increase the mass and stiffness of the wood. This slightly dampens vibration, which may result in reduced resonance, brightness, and sustain.

That said, a thin, properly applied acrylic or lacquer finish generally has minimal tonal impact. Modern finishes are engineered to be lightweight and flexible enough to move with the wood fibers, preserving most of the instrument’s natural character.

If you’re working with a high-end model like a Martin or Taylor, it’s wise to be extra cautious. Instead of coating the entire exterior, you might choose to paint the interior cavity for subtle customization while keeping the soundboard and tonewoods untouched—the parts that contribute the most to tone projection and warmth.

And one golden rule: avoid thick coats at all costs. A heavy layer of paint acts like a muffler—it may look shiny but can choke your guitar’s voice, introduce unwanted overtones, or even alter its natural frequency response.

What Type of Finish is Best to Use On Acoustic Guitars?

Acrylic paints for an acoustic guitar come in various finishes, such as glossy, satin, and matte, each giving a different character to the guitar’s appearance and feel.

A good rule of thumb is to match the new finish to your guitar’s existing vibe.

If your acoustic has a natural or oiled wood look, go for a matte or satin acrylic finish. These replicate the subtle sheen of bare wood and help maintain that organic, earthy charm without making the surface overly reflective.

On the other hand, if your guitar body already has a factory gloss or lacquer coat, a glossy acrylic finish will blend more seamlessly. It enhances color depth and light reflection, giving the body that “fresh off the stage lights” shimmer.

But there’s more to think about than looks—durability and protection matter too. Acrylics on their own can chip or wear with heavy use, especially around the soundhole and edges. That’s where a protective topcoat steps in.

If your guitar often sees sunlight or outdoor gigs, sealing the paint with a clear polyurethane or acrylic lacquer topcoat is a smart move.

Polyurethane, in particular, offers excellent abrasion resistance, UV protection, and moisture shielding, ensuring the finish doesn’t degrade or peel over time.

Just remember: while polyurethane provides maximum protection, it can also slightly harden the surface and dampen wood resonance. Poly also won’t dry correctly if applied too thickly. So apply it in light, even coats, allowing each layer to cure fully for a smooth, durable finish that looks—and sounds—professional.

Can You Paint Electric Guitars – What Paint to Use On Them?

You can paint electric guitars. However, it’s not recommended for beginners since the paint can affect the finish and sound quality – if you use the wrong paint or painting process.

As a professional, if you’re set on painting your electric guitar, use high-quality paint designed for your instrument and follow the correct process.

Nitrocellulose Lacquer: The Vintage Standard

For builders prioritizing a classic look and authentic vintage feel, Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Nitro) is the finish of choice. It is chemically designed to be thin, allowing the wood to breathe and resonate—a feature highly valued by purists.

Crucially, Nitro does not fully cure; instead, it remains slightly soft and chemically reactive, allowing it to age gracefully by developing “checking” (fine hairline cracks) and a subtle yellow patina over time. This makes it ideal for achieving the coveted “relic’d” or worn look.

However, Nitro is fragile, susceptible to scratches, and requires an extremely long curing period—often several weeks—before it can be buffed and played.

Due to high VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), it must be applied in a well-ventilated area, and specialty suppliers like StewMac or ReRanch are the most reliable source for high-quality, guitar-specific lacquer in the US.

Polyurethane/Polyester: The Modern Workhorse

For most modern, mass-produced instruments and projects where maximum protection is paramount, Polyurethane (PU) or Polyester (PE) finishes are the industry standard.

These finishes cure quickly and result in an extremely hard, resilient coating that is highly resistant to scratches, dings, and UV damage, maintaining a flawless, glossy appearance for many years.

Because poly is so durable, it is difficult to repair, as new coats do not chemically “melt” into old ones.

While polyurethane is the most practical choice for a touring or daily-use guitar, critics often find its thick, hard layer—especially when applied heavily—feels like a “plastic shell” that dampens the natural wood feel and potentially restricts resonance.

The Conclusion

Using acrylic paint on an acoustic guitar can be a fun and creative way to give your instrument a personal touch—but it’s not something to rush into.

The right finish does more than just make your guitar look good; it also plays a role in protecting the tonewood, maintaining resonance, and extending the instrument’s life.

Acrylics are easy to apply, fast-drying, and safe for most woods, making them a great choice for DIY enthusiasts—just remember to keep your coats thin and even.

For electric guitars, the story changes. Their solid-body design and electronic pickups mean the paint type has virtually no tonal impact, so you can focus more on looks and durability with finishes like polyurethane or nitrocellulose lacquer.

In short, whether you’re refinishing a cherished acoustic or giving your electric an artistic upgrade, the key is balance—beauty, protection, and tone—all in harmony.