I finally got the painting on the body completed. After many coats of black paint and a lot of cursing, the job is finished. Is this a work worthy of Michaelangelo? Of course not. Is it OK for a first time painter? Of course not. But it is the best that I am going to do on this guitar without stripping it down to the bare wood again and starting over. That is not going to happen at this time. This may be something I attempt if I want to get into refinishing guitars.
When the paint was dry, I put on 3 coats of clear coat to protect the paint. Two light coats and 1 medium coat. Then I let this dry/cure for 5 days before sanding it down and then polishing it. Three more sandings using 800 grit, 1000 grit, and 2000 grit. First time using anything this fine. I have to say, I like it. It scratched the hell out of the clear coat as intended. Sorry, I forgot to take pics. However, all is not lost. I used a rubbing compound and then a polish to bring it to a nice shine. Still lots of marks in the paint job, but it looks good. Note to self: buy an orbital sander and a polishing tool. I did everything by hand and my arms are about to fall off.
During the 5 or more days since the last post, I also finished the neck. I went through lots of websites as to what to use, and finally settled on using Tru-oil and gun stock wax. Several experienced luthiers use this method for finishing necks, so that is what I decided to use. 6 coats of tru-oil and 3 coats of wax, the neck is finished. I like the feel so far. Time will tell after the guitar is assembled.
Next steps: Learn how to solder so I can assemble the electronics. Then put all of the pieces together. Stay tuned… there will be more to come.
Painted and Clear Coat – Front 
Painted and Clear Coat Back 
All Shined up – Front 
All Shined Up – Back