The Art of Creating Sunbursts on Guitar Tops

Have you ever wondered how the vibrant, sunburst finish on a guitar top is achieved? This intricate process has been perfected over the years, and now we’ll explore the methods and techniques used by skilled guitar makers to create these stunning visual effects.

The Role of Nitrocellulose Lacquer

The sunburst effect on a guitar is often created using hand-sprayed colored nitrocellulose lacquer. This material is renowned for its ability to replicate the appearance of well-aged string instruments, such as violins with their French polish shellac finishes. The use of nitrocellulose lacquer not only provides a rich, visual appeal but also enhances the instrument's overall sound quality.

Forms of Sunburst Finishing

There are two primary methods of creating a sunburst effect on a guitar top: painted and stained.

Painted Sunburst

The simplest and most cost-effective method is to use overlapping paints without hard edges. This technique is known as "overspray" and does not require a hard edge. The process is straightforward and easy to apply, making it the go-to method for budget-friendly guitars. However, the results may be less spectacular compared to the stained method.

Stained Sunburst

A more labor-intensive and expensive process, staining involves applying stain to the wood, allowing it to set for a certain period, then wiping it down in a specific manner. The process is repeated until the desired effect is achieved. This method is typically found on more premium guitars due to its time-consuming nature.

Professional Techniques

I’ve had the opportunity to witness the sunburst finishing process at the Gibson factory in Bozeman, Montana. The artists employed there use airbrushes to achieve their stunning results in less than a minute. The finishing is done inside a spray booth where the instrument is suspended from a line. The precision and speed of these professionals are truly remarkable.

DIY Sunburst Techniques

For those interested in creating a sunburst at home, there are various methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it can be done:

Sanding and Lacquering

First, the wood is sanded to prepare the surface. Then, a light layer of lacquer is applied. This layer is allowed to sit for a brief period before being sanded down, and the process is repeated twice more for a total of three layers. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, even finish.

Applying Darker Colors

Using a spray gun, a darker color is applied around the edges of the guitar. This technique causes the darker lacquer to bleed into the lighter middle section, creating a natural sunburst effect.

Replicating Sunburst for Home Projects

For those who are DIY enthusiasts, replicating a sunburst finish can be a rewarding project. As an example, I built a guitar from a Telecaster prototype body and a second-hand classical guitar neck. The top was finished with a water-based Keda dye.

The center was created by mixing a yellow tint with a hint of red to achieve an orange color, which was later rubbed onto the wood using a soft cotton rag. A browner color was applied around the edge, and the two colors were blended by rubbing them together with another clean, soft rag. This technique created a visually stunning finish.

The binding around the guitar was achieved through a clever trick. Prior to dying, the guitar edge was coated with clear nail polish, which acted as a barrier. The nail polish was removed with acetone to reveal a contrasting edge, mimicking the appearance of professional binding.

Conclusion

Creating a sunburst finish on a guitar top is both an art and a science. Whether you are a professional craftsman in a factory or a DIY enthusiast in your garage, the techniques and processes involved can be learned and mastered. The result is a guitar that not only looks beautiful but also radiates the warmth and character of the sunburst effect.