We Paint & Refinish

High-end Vintage Guitars

Custom Guitars

Specialty guitars for discriminating guitar players .

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TIME ELAPSED PAINT JOB, START TO FINISH, WITHOUT CURE TIME, AND OTHER BETWEEN TASK OPERATIONS.

Expert Guitar Restoration
Custom Paint Services at MGC

At Mythic Guitar Company in Austin, TX, we provide high-end custom paint and restoration services for electric and bass guitars. We use top-quality materials like instrument-grade stains, nitrocellulose lacquers, and Polyurethane auto paint, ensuring superior durability and finish. Though our services may cost more, the long-lasting results and craftsmanship are worth the investment. Let us help you choose the perfect finish to enhance your guitar's look and stage presence.

We specialize in nitro finishes for a timeless, durable appearance.

Nitrocellulose Lacquer Guitar Finishes

Fender and Gibson used nitrocellulose lacquer on guitars until the 1970s, a finish prized for its smooth, glossy look and ability to age gracefully. Nitro finishes develop a unique patina over time, with cracking and wear patterns that many players find appealing. Unlike fully dried finishes, nitro remains flexible, making it resistant to minor damage.

The nitrocellulose process takes at least 6 weeks, with layers applied over several days, followed by weeks of curing, sanding, and polishing. Achieving a flawless finish requires 80-100 labor hours. Due to its toxicity, nitro paint jobs start at $1600. For a more budget-friendly option, consider polyurethane.

Polyurethane vs. Nitrocellulose

Your Finish Options

Polyurethane (Poly) is a durable, glossy finish commonly used on modern guitars. It offers excellent protection, resisting micro-abrasions and dings, though a strong impact can cause chunks of the finish to break off. Poly is available in over 175,000 color options and requires fewer coats, making it a cost-effective and faster option compared to Nitrocellulose. While relicing Poly finishes is more difficult, it’s perfect for customers seeking a sleek, long-lasting surface.

At Mythic Guitar Company, we prefer Poly for its durability and quick turnaround, though we offer both options depending on your preferences. If you're unsure of a color, we can easily match it using car paint codes or paint chips from your local store. For Nitro finishes, we can replicate iconic Fender and Gibson colors.

Note: We do not use acrylic paints or provide matte finishes.

Custom Guitar Paint Jobs

Pricing and Process

The cost of a custom guitar finish varies based on several factors, including the color, type of paint, number of coats, gloss level, and whether repairs like filling dents or sanding to bare wood are required. Additional charges may apply if we need to disassemble and reassemble the guitar for painting. Most paint jobs range between $700-$3200. For a precise quote, please call us today.

Our Painting Process

We typically sand the guitar down to the wood, apply grain filler, and then use high-quality spray guns to apply multiple coats of color and clear coat. Each coat is wet-sanded and buffed to a flawless mirror finish. The same process applies whether we’re using nitro or poly finishes. For bolt-on necks, we remove the neck and carefully tape cavities for a clean result.

Note: Acoustic guitars may sound slightly less bright with a painted finish, especially if multiple coats are applied.

Contact Us

For all inquiries, please note that quotes will not be provided via email. To discuss your project in detail, we kindly ask that you request a time for a consultation. We look forward to assisting you.

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