How much does it cost to get a custom paint job on a guitar?

Answer 1

Well, it depends of two things. First off, do you know anyone who paints? Secondly, how exotic do you want it to be?

1st point. Get someone you know to do it. A body shop is likely not as excited about this paint job as you are. There are a lot of things to set up when you paint something. Most body shops paint sheet metal, not wood. They may not want to mess with it, but then again, many paint shops are slow with buisness right now, so call around and ask. It will definately be to your advantage to have someone you know do it instead. Ask all your friends if they know a painter and contact them yourself.

2nd point. You have to decide how exotic you want the paint job. Do you just want a fancy color? Or are you looking for custom graphics?

If you dissassembe the guitar yourself (remove EVERYTHING, including the neck, if you have a bolt on neck), and you give the painter lots of time (don't drop it off on Friday and expect it done Saturday morning), I would think someone would shoot a solid color for around 200 bucks. The more you add, extra colors, custom graphics, being a pain in their *ss, are all going to cost you extra money.