olive drab – 500ml can
Olive drab is a duller shade of olive green. It is widely used as a camouflage colour in military uniforms and was particularly associated with U.S. troops during the second world war. Drab is actually a colour name from the 1500s, which refers to a dull light brown colour like that of undyed homespun wool. Therefore, the name “olive drab” refers to the fact that the hue is brownish-green in appearance.
Gibson used this colour on SGs from the mid ’60s and started using it again in 2013 for its famous (and very limited) signature Chris Cornell ES-335. These days Olive Drab is frequently used by Gibson/Epiphone and Fender, for both lower range and custom shop guitars.
Nitrocellulose lacquer gloss aerosol spray
At NitorLACK we have developed all our guitar colours in spray format nitrocellulose so you don’t need professional painting equipment to paint your guitar. You can achieve a professional finish with our entire range of products, from coloured base coats from our entire range up to nitrocellulose top coat lacquers in gloss and matte.
How much spray product do I need to buy to paint a guitar?
It will depend a lot on the type of wood and the amount of product that is applied for each coat and the desired finish, mirror effect or “open pore”. But in general, to paint a guitar with a medium wood pore:
• Electric guitar neck: 2 cans of nitrocellulose clear finish (gloss or matte)
• Electric guitar body: 1 can of nitrocellulose coloured base coat, 3 cans of nitrocellulose clear finish (gloss or matte)
• Classic or acoustic: 1 can of nitrocellulose coloured base coat, 4 or 5 cans of nitrocellulose clear finish (gloss or matte)
• Ukulele: 2 cans of nitrocellulose clear finish (gloss or matte)
• If you want to apply any colour between the base coat and the clear finish you should add 1 or 2 cans of the desired guitar colour.
Spray application tips
Shake vigorously for 2 to 5 minutes before applying. It is recommended to apply the spray in thin layers and with an ambient humidity that is as low as possible. Apply with a uniform movement and with a distance of approximately 20 cm. It is important to apply a primer and sand with 400 grit sandpaper before applying the spray, to achieve a uniform surface before colouring or finishing. Sand between coats and allow to dry for 12 to 24 hours between coats. Apply in ventilated areas.