How Much Does It Cost to Refinish a Guitar Body in the UK?
One of the first questions people ask when considering a guitar refinish is simple: how much will it cost?
The answer depends on the guitar, its existing condition and the finish you want. A straightforward colour change and a complex custom finish can involve very different amounts of preparation and work.
At 81 Guitar Works, I publish prices for a selection of guitar refinishing services so you can get an idea of the cost before getting in touch.
What affects the price of a guitar refinish?
1. The type of guitar
A bolt-on guitar body, a set-neck instrument and a separate neck can require different amounts of work.
The construction affects access, preparation and, where necessary, the work involved in stripping down and reassembling the instrument.
2. The existing finish
Is the body already stripped, or does it have an old finish that needs removing?
A previous refinish, thick paint, damaged lacquer or underlying dents may affect the preparation required. Stripping a finish is a separate part of the process and can add to the overall cost.
3. The colour and finish
A straightforward solid colour is different from a burst, metallic finish or metal-flake effect.
Specialist finishes can involve additional stages, materials and careful application. The precise requirements depend on the desired result.
4. Repairs and preparation
A refinish is an opportunity to address suitable surface imperfections, but not every defect can be corrected without additional work.
Deep dents, damaged edges, previous repairs and other problems need to be assessed before the finishing process begins.
5. Additional work
Dismantling and reassembly, additional components, a setup and shipping can affect the total project cost.
Make sure you understand which of these are included in your quote and which are separate.
What does refinishing cost at 81 Guitar Works?
The following prices are published on the 81 Guitar Works website. They are examples of listed service prices, not a guarantee that every guitar will qualify for the same price.
For bolt-on bodies, the listed prices for spray work with a modern 2K top-coat lacquer are:
Clear coat: £390
Flat colour: £450
Burst: £495
Metallic: £500
Metal flake: £560
A full strip is listed separately at £95.
Set-neck bodies have different listed prices, and nitrocellulose finishes, neck work and additional services have their own requirements and costs.
Please check the current refinishing price list before making a decision, and contact me for a quote specific to your instrument. Prices are subject to change.
Is refinishing worth it?
That depends on the guitar and your reasons for doing it.
You may have an instrument you love playing but dislike the colour of. You might be restoring a project guitar or building something that needs a particular finish.
Refinishing isn't automatically the most economical option for every guitar, so it's worth considering the instrument's value, sentimental importance, condition and the cost of the complete job.
A professional refinish is best approached as a considered improvement rather than simply a way to increase resale value.
How do I get an accurate quote?
The easiest starting point is to send photographs of the front and back of the guitar body, explain its current condition and describe the finish you want.
Mention whether it has already been stripped, whether any repairs are needed and whether the body is still assembled.
If you're not sure which finish to choose, we can discuss the available options.
Thinking about a guitar refinish?
Visit the 81 Guitar Works refinishing page to see the available options and prices, then get in touch to discuss your project.
Email: 81guitarworks@gmail.com
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