How to bedazzle a guitar

What to know first

A guitar body is a hard surface, which would normally make it a simple glue job. The difference is the finish and the value: nitrocellulose and some other lacquers can soften under solvents, glue is hard to remove cleanly, and a permanent decoration affects resale. That is why many players decorate a spare pickguard instead.

What you need

• Spare pickguard, or a body you are happy to alter
• Glass flatbacks in several sizes
• E6000-type adhesive or two-part epoxy
• Low-tack masking tape

Step by step

1. Remove strings, pickguard and any hardware you can.
2. Test the glue on a hidden spot and wait a day.
3. Mask pickups, controls and the bridge area.
4. Work outward from a focal point in small patches.
5. Cure fully before restringing.

Avoid

• The neck and fretboard
• Vintage or valuable instruments
• Glue near electronics