Skip to content

How do you stain a veneer?

A guitar veneer is a very thin sheet of decorative wood (typically 1 to 3 mm) that is cut and glued onto the top of your guitar body to enhance its appearance. Veneers make it possible to achieve striking visual effects without needing a solid figured wood top.

Here at Guitar Kit World (guitarkitworld.com), veneer options include flamed maple, spalted maple, and quilted maple. No matter which style you choose, staining is one of the most effective ways to highlight the figure and bring out the character of the wood. The video below demonstrates the full staining process step by step.

Sunburst finishing is another popular method for adding depth and color to your DIY guitar. For a full walkthrough, see this guide: How to Apply a Sunburst Guitar Finish

Take The Quiz

Want us to recommend you kits and tutorials for your DIY project? Take this 2-question quiz to find out instantly which guitar kits and tutorials are right for your DIY project!

Learn More

Everything you ever wanted to know about Guitar Strings
Everything you ever wanted to know about Guitar Strings
Not satisfied with the tone of your guitar? Usually when this happens the focus of our attention ...
Read now >
How to Choose the Right Guitar Pick for Your Playing Style and Skill Level
How to Choose the Right Guitar Pick for Your Playing Style and Skill Level
Choosing the right guitar pick might seem small, but it has a big impact on your tone, comfort, a...
Read now >
Addressing Glue Bleed-Through on Veneer Tops
Addressing Glue Bleed-Through on Veneer Tops
Building a kit guitar with a decorative maple veneer top can really add to the look ofthe finishe...
Read now >