Decided to put a facelift on my slime (Finished 2/24/2013)

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Over the next few weeks I'll be redoing my washburn dime slime. I am just not too happy with the way that they did this finish. The dark green edges and piss yellow center are just a horrible attempt at a slime paint job. I know they got better over the years but this particular guitar is way off track. I'm not doing another slime job, but it will still be green as hell. So far I've almost got the top sanded down.

original finish

here you can see the piss yellow stain that covers the entire front of the guitar.

current progress

Im about 9 hours in. Today I will finish sanding the top and I will strip the headstock and apply the veneer I bought on evilbay so it will match the body of the guitar.

Here is an example of the color I will be shooting for.

I'll try and keep updating as I come along with progress. The back of the guitar will be a natural finish like the american dimes. This is my first transparent paint job so it will take some time I'm sure to get the color just right. I bought some stain from stew-mac and I will first go over with a light coat of black, then sand it down to where the black fills the darker strands of the maple only. If any of you have used stew-macs dye in the past, let me know how you felt about the product.

Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 4912 Location: Brooklyn, NY

Sick. Cant wait to see it!

Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 368

Can't wait to see it myself!

Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 1368 Location: Lutz, Fl.

I wish you all the luck in the world. I know some guys are like Michaelangelo when it comes to refinish/ finish work. Me? It is my Achillies heel. I loathe finish work, and will farm it out when I can. I kneel to your ability to do any kind of finish work. Take care and good luck. (Pats you on the back.)

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:25 pm

if you are not refinishing that fretboard...tape is a good thing.

Good luck!

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Thanks for checking my project out fellas. An update from last night is that I got the whole top done and finely sanded down with 320 grit and the flame is really popping out now that its pretty slick. I'll start on the back and the neck today and I'm hoping it has a little less paint on it then the top did because it was thick! At least I don't have to worry about burning through the veneer on those parts, but I will still take the time and ease I did on the back with the front. And yes lol, I will not paint the fretboard. I like to "feather" in the clear on the binding so there will not be a definate paint line on the guitar when I'm done. Basically, I will leave some of the clear on the neck binding So that when I tape it off and clear the neck, I have some material there to smooth it out. At this point I have a few concerns: One being is the laminate top thick enough to double stain. I will have to stain black, sand down, and then go over with the green. I think I will be ok there, it seems to be pretty thick from what I can see in the pickup cavity. My other concern is simply getting the veneer on the headstock and shaped. I have to make a trip to hobby lobby this week and get a new exacto knife. The tuning peg holes and the truss rod hole are the biggest areas of concern, but I am pretty confident in being able to get it done. If not, I got a crapload of veneer and I'll just start from scratch if I'm not happy with the results.

Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 4912 Location: Brooklyn, NY

koury73 wrote:

Thanks for checking my project out fellas. An update from last night is that I got the whole top done and finely sanded down with 320 grit and the flame is really popping out now that its pretty slick. I'll start on the back and the neck today and I'm hoping it has a little less paint on it then the top did because it was thick! At least I don't have to worry about burning through the veneer on those parts, but I will still take the time and ease I did on the back with the front. And yes lol, I will not paint the fretboard. I like to "feather" in the clear on the binding so there will not be a definate paint line on the guitar when I'm done. Basically, I will leave some of the clear on the neck binding So that when I tape it off and clear the neck, I have some material there to smooth it out. At this point I have a few concerns: One being is the laminate top thick enough to double stain. I will have to stain black, sand down, and then go over with the green. I think I will be ok there, it seems to be pretty thick from what I can see in the pickup cavity. My other concern is simply getting the veneer on the headstock and shaped. I have to make a trip to hobby lobby this week and get a new exacto knife. The tuning peg holes and the truss rod hole are the biggest areas of concern, but I am pretty confident in being able to get it done. If not, I got a crapload of veneer and I'll just start from scratch if I'm not happy with the results.

The trick to it is to sand ever so lightly using the highest grit you can. There are no room for errors but it's possble.

Joined: 21 Jul 2008 Posts: 613 Location: Yorkshire, England

Not tempted to leave it natural?

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Razorback16 wrote:

Not tempted to leave it natural?

Actually yes I was. When I originally bought the guitar that was my intention but I want to do something a little different and make it more unique. Plus I have a Naked Lady ML already and I didn't want it to look too much like the southern crosses. It sure would be pretty though.

Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 8254 Location: Ontario, Canada

Good job. It's fun to see something different being done. Good luck!

Joined: 06 Jul 2011 Posts: 122

can't wait to see it!

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Quick update of my progress last night. The pic shows me getting the maple veneer roughly shaped and I snapped a pic before I glued her down and clamped her. Tonight, I'll sand down all my edges and tuning peg holes. Now the carpet matches the drapes!!

Joined: 04 Jun 2012 Posts: 347 Location: South-West Ohio

Loosk like you do excellant work! I can't wait to see it when it is finished!

Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Posts: 99 Location: WV

Looking good! If you don't mind me asking,how much of the wood had to be sanded off to get rid of the old finish?

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

She is looking good! Man I hope you nail this!

A nice pic for some Inspiration

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

87 rampage wrote:

Looking good! If you don't mind me asking,how much of the wood had to be sanded off to get rid of the old finish?

Only a very thin layer if any had to be removed to get all of the old finish off the top. They actually didn't use a "stain" on the top like I will be doing but more of a transparent clear from what it looked like coming off while sanding. I can tell you this though, the layers of clear on the top of the guitar are thick as hell. Its looking like the sides and back will be much less tretorous to get through.

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Got the headstock all sanded and shaped last night. The process was not too horrible. One challenging thing was getting the tuning peg holes sanded out. You can't really use any power tools with this veneer because it will chip. I just rolled some 80 grit paper and slid it through the smaller holes I had cut out with a razor blade and slowly took away the excess material. The hardest part was getting the veneer to lay flat while gluing. Once the veneer gets wets from the glue it wants to roll up and if you don't clamp it down well it tries to bubble. Once that work is done, it's all downhill from there. Heres a pic of the stain-ready headstock.

And, some full frontal nudity!

Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 379 Location: Kent, UK

Naked Lady!

Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Posts: 99 Location: WV

koury73 wrote:

87 rampage wrote:

Looking good! If you don't mind me asking,how much of the wood had to be sanded off to get rid of the old finish?

Only a very thin layer if any had to be removed to get all of the old finish off the top. They actually didn't use a "stain" on the top like I will be doing but more of a transparent clear from what it looked like coming off while sanding. I can tell you this though, the layers of clear on the top of the guitar are thick as hell. Its looking like the sides and back will be much less tretorous to get through.

That's good to know,I figured they might have used a yellow stain instead of paint.Can't wait to see your guitar when it's finished!

Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 352 Location: Illinois

87 rampage wrote:

koury73 wrote:

87 rampage wrote:

Looking good! If you don't mind me asking,how much of the wood had to be sanded off to get rid of the old finish?

Only a very thin layer if any had to be removed to get all of the old finish off the top. They actually didn't use a "stain" on the top like I will be doing but more of a transparent clear from what it looked like coming off while sanding. I can tell you this though, the layers of clear on the top of the guitar are thick as hell. Its looking like the sides and back will be much less tretorous to get through.

That's good to know,I figured they might have used a yellow stain instead of paint.Can't wait to see your guitar when it's finished!

I was going to ask the same question. I'd imagine a carved top guitar being a much bigger pain to sand down for fear of losing... well, just that. It's "carved" top. Can't tell from the pics if it was a carved top or not.

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Well the double staining process is done. Pics don't do it justice, it looks much more limey in person. Its not clear coated yet, and the flame is going to go nuts when its all said and done. You'll see a little variance in color in the first pic, it's just because some of the guitar is drying and some is still wet. I was really kind of nervous about this when I started the project, but now I'm really glad I did because it's turning out great so far. Now I just gotta get the back sanded and get this puppy cleared. Then, the next step is the hard part. Saving for a floyd original, pickups which I haven't chosen yet, cts pots, etc. . . But I have the chrome grover tuners for trade on the for sale section, if anybody could swap me for some black grovers I'd sure appreciate it.

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Pic of the matching flamestock!

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

I will be darn close once mines cleared!

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

One reason it might look more "Limey" or brighter in person as opposed to this pic is cause the camera you might of taken it with , has to do with the lighting. Either go outside with good Sunlight or get a nice camera with a good flash. If it's in the house and you got a newer phone, with a lot of pixels the true color should come out. My iPhone 3GS sux butthole at bringing the true color of my Slimer out or anything bright for that matter, made my B.B. look a whole different color.

I really like what you did bro!

Joined: 06 Jul 2011 Posts: 122

Looking Good!

Joined: 09 Mar 2009 Posts: 362

Even the imports have more flame than my Dime-3 slime lol, I've thought about refinishing mine but that might be sacrilegious.

Looking good!

Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 8254 Location: Ontario, Canada

I love it. Looks really good.

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 3:48 pm

NICE!!

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

We'll, It will probably be a few more days till I update on this thing because all I am doing is sanding down the back of the guitar. Once thats done though, some shinier pron will be on the way!! Also, my graphics guy is MIA so if anyone here knows where I can get some headstock decals made, pm me and let me know.

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Yes ,Rampage should have some templates, let me know if he doesn't & I will chk around for ya!

Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Posts: 99 Location: WV

Hey koury if you need a vector image and any measurements
PM me and I will hook you up

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Hey Koury my phone does not copy & paste but I am gonna get someone to put a what I think you should do to the back of the Slime. They will post the pic up here in a bit...But you wanted an idea for the back part of your Slime, do it like the Confed. Slime! Although I personally do not know how to do HOLOGRAPHIC 3-D Paint. Would be the BEEZ NEEZ tho! Twisted Evil

Joined: 07 May 2012 Posts: 357 Location: Hellhole

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

It'll probably be that color of green minus the lightning because I am definately no airbrush artist lol. I saw this d3 slime on ebay a few months ago, and thanks to dbtoolfan he helped me track down a few pics of it. This is probably the way I will go. It looks pretty darn cool imo and I have so many natural back guitars anyways. So I may try this for something a little different.

Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 12282 Location: Twin Cities

looks a million times better

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

rridner wrote:

looks a million times better

I could be wrong (and Correct me Koury) but I don't think that's his. I think that was CFHMachados or SuperCops Boogie Slime with the Candy Apple back. I think he's just trying to go for that color, front & back. I think anyways, & if not then you did an AWESOME Job Bro!

Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 12282 Location: Twin Cities

dbagtoolfan wrote:

rridner wrote:

looks a million times better

I could be wrong (and Correct me Koury) but I don't think that's his. I think that was CFHMachados or SuperCops Boogie Slime with the Candy Apple back. I think he's just trying to go for that color, front & back. I think anyways, & if not then you did an AWESOME Job Bro!

from this:

to this:

is a million times better Wink

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Thought u meant the one above your post sitting on the Zebra spread Wink

Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Posts: 12022 Location: Nevada

Looks great so far.

Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 1413 Location: Dallas, TX

Awesome job....clear coat on yet?

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Did you get a Picture of the back of the Candy Apple one? I got a pic of the back if you need it!

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

no I didn't get a good one. send it my way if you will.

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Can u PM me your email and you can post it , doing this from a phone and the picture of the back of the guitar is on my email...It's a Nice shot too! Cool

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Quick update, sanding should be complete today and I will start with the sealing and leveling of the back. Should be wearing paint within the next week or so. I decided to do the candy apple back since I have several natural backs in my lineup. This is a pic of the color. Its very similar to the new green Camaro color.

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Even though I love Naturals , I love the fact you are doing your own thing! That Particular guitar was Wanted by a LOT of people, & was just on eBay! If you can get it somewhat close then YOU ARE THE SHIZNIT!

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

update-back is painted.

Have to do final dye of the front and clear it. Its almost done. I think I came real close on the back to the color I wanted. I'm very pleased so far!

Joined: 14 Aug 2012 Posts: 95

Oh man! that colour is amazing!! Making me want to do one that colour now Very Happy

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

I really Hope this turns out Great Koury, you need to come to my neck of the woods someday and JAM with me! Either way keep up the GREAT work Buddy, you seem to going at it pretty well, & can't wait for the end result!

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

chuffed-addick wrote:

Oh man! that colour is amazing!! Making me want to do one that colour now Very Happy

I've got about 7/8 of a quart of it left. When I'm done if you want to buy the paint, I'll sell it to you cheap. It was 77 bucks a quart. Theres enough left to paint 3 guitars with it.

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Zombie Apoc wrote:

I really Hope this turns out Great Koury, you need to come to my neck of the woods someday and JAM with me! Either way keep up the GREAT work Buddy, you seem to going at it pretty well, & can't wait for the end result!

I cant wait to see it finished either. The hard work is behind me now, and it WILL be done this weekend lol. I've been workin' on it here and there for weeks now. Its time to put the hammer down on it and get it up and running. And yes we gotta get together and jam. Next time I'm up that way, I'll hit you up!!!

Joined: 14 Aug 2012 Posts: 95

koury73 wrote:

chuffed-addick wrote:

Oh man! that colour is amazing!! Making me want to do one that colour now Very Happy

I've got about 7/8 of a quart of it left. When I'm done if you want to buy the paint, I'll sell it to you cheap. It was 77 bucks a quart. Theres enough left to paint 3 guitars with it.

wow! cheers for the thought! not sure they'll let it ship over to UK though. Sad

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Ah yea true. Well, I can at least hook you up with the paint code I used on it.

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 11:18 am

awesome lookin update!! man that's one mean green machine!!

Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 6291 Location: Jacksonville, TX.

Looks AWESOME so far. Thinking about sliming my Razorback. Cool

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

The best update yet now! The guitar is cleared and it is freakin' crazy awesome looking. I had to darken the edges just a little to tie the back color to the top, but I am very happy how it turned out.

Joined: 25 Dec 2004 Posts: 1949 Location: NY

Looks awesome!

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12247 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

man I was really skeptical at first but after seeing it now. wow. great job. way better than the original. looks pro

Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 814

nice job dude !!

Joined: 04 Jun 2012 Posts: 347 Location: South-West Ohio

wow! very nice!

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 7:09 pm

BLOODROOT wrote:

man I was really skeptical at first but after seeing it now. wow. great job. way better than the original. looks pro

This

WOW!!! Amazing looking.

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

A little more pron!

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

NICE

Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 6291 Location: Jacksonville, TX.

I like that ALOT. Very Cool. Cool

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

That Flame is Popping! Shocked

& I can already tell from the PICS the color is a LOT better looking in person than in the pics...You just Handy or you have any Luthier experience?

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2013 10:49 am

that flame is sick!!!

Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 8254 Location: Ontario, Canada

That looks awesome. I love the flame and the color. The clear really makes it pop.

Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2013 3:23 am

Awesome job!!

Joined: 15 Sep 2010 Posts: 972 Location: Rock Hill,SC

that just looks so damn sick. I'm envious of your ability sir. Just beautiful.

Joined: 14 Aug 2012 Posts: 95

koury73 wrote:

Ah yea true. Well, I can at least hook you up with the paint code I used on it.

Oh yeah! that'd be awesome!! Very Happy

Great finish, very nice work.

wonder if that colour and candy apple red would work together...

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Well it's all buffed out. Now I just have to wait a few more days for it to fully cure and then put it together. I appreciate all of the kind words. I really think it turned out nice. I've painted 6 guitars in the past, but this was my first transparent finish job. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of work. I definately think it is greatly improved over the original finish. A little more pron.

outside

my daughter thought it was pretty cool

inside

I'll get pics of the final assembly on here when I get it done. Hoping to get some decals made for the headstock this weekend as well.

Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2013 2:34 pm

That, my man, is the shizzle. Mr. Green

Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Posts: 558 Location: Sydney Australia

Awesome work!

Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 4912 Location: Brooklyn, NY

That's friggin awesome!

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

And shes assembled.

This was quite a project. Definately ran into some bumps in the road along the way, but it was a great learning experience. I can't believe it looks as good as it does. Still waiting on my decals, but I'm just gonnna apply them over the clear coat. That way I can change it up in the future if I want to. I can't believe all the views this thread got. I truely appreciate all the nice comments I've gotten on her!!

Joined: 04 Jun 2012 Posts: 347 Location: South-West Ohio

wow... just wow! super good job!

Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Posts: 99 Location: WV

I am amazed at how good that guitar turned out. You do great work man!

Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1189

Wow!!!

Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:17 pm

YES!!!

That new finish rawks..., awesome job brotha!!!

Surprised

Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 5763 Location: Joisey

87 rampage wrote:

I am amazed at how good that guitar turned out. You do great work man!

+1! KILLER job, man!

Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 12282 Location: Twin Cities

looks killer - amazing job!

Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Posts: 5453 Location: White Haven,Pa

rridner wrote:

looks killer - amazing job!

totally killer!!!!

Joined: 19 Mar 2012 Posts: 1581

Nice Work man, I bet that's a SWEET feeling, knowing you did that all by Yourself! The second she got completed, I bet you were , FUK YEAH! Wink

Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 4912 Location: Brooklyn, NY

I just realize something. Wtf is up with your floyd route? Ive never seen a Dean where the posts were beyond the route. Looks awesome though.

Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 2:48 pm

Berserker829 wrote:

I just realize something. Wtf is up with your floyd route? Ive never seen a Dean where the posts were beyond the route. Looks awesome though.

I noticed that too. Its just a kickass guitar anyway!

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

Its a Washburn. Their floyd routes are way different than dean routes. Their top mounted post, but they still cut a recess in the guitar for excessive whammy bar wankery action. I kind of like this setup because nearly any bridge will work on the guitar. Good eye though!

Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 2974 Location: UK

That is such an insane refinish Shocked

That has to be one of the nicest shades of Slime I've ever seen. Amazing work brother!

Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 8254 Location: Ontario, Canada

That looks awesome. I love the color.

Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 5598 Location: phoenix az.

way better!

Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 5598 Location: phoenix az.

way better!

Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 217 Location: Stafford, UK

Great job mate.....looks amazing...!

I did similar on a Washy Dime 333 and a Deanslime.

Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Posts: 99 Location: WV

blade.1966 wrote:

Great job mate.....looks amazing...!

I did similar on a Washy Dime 333 and a Deanslime.

Do you have a link to any pictures of that washburn? I would like to check it out!

Joined: 21 Sep 2010 Posts: 436

blade.1966 wrote:

Great job mate.....looks amazing...!

I did similar on a Washy Dime 333 and a Deanslime.

When I was looking for ideas on paint schemes I ran across pics of your refinish on your guitar a few times. It had me very temped to make a clone of it. If you ever want to sell her, pm me cause shes beautiful.

Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 217 Location: Stafford, UK

87 rampage wrote:

Do you have a link to any pictures of that washburn? I would like to check it out!

Here you go.....pics of both the Washy and Dean re-finishes.

http://s1311.beta.photobucket.com/user/blade1966/library/

koury73 wrote:

When I was looking for ideas on paint schemes I ran across pics of your refinish on your guitar a few times. It had me very temped to make a clone of it. If you ever want to sell her, pm me cause shes beautiful.

Thanks man, I certainly will Wink

Once again, killer job there....well done!

Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Posts: 99 Location: WV

Awesome guitars blade! You and Koury both do some killer work Wink

Joined: 11 Jan 2011 Posts: 63

koury73 wrote:

It'll probably be that color of green minus the lightning because I am definately no airbrush artist lol. I saw this d3 slime on ebay a few months ago, and thanks to dbtoolfan he helped me track down a few pics of it. This is probably the way I will go. It looks pretty darn cool imo and I have so many natural back guitars anyways. So I may try this for something a little different.

Haha. right on man , yours turned out Killer.