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

Bill’s Bass: A Custom Build Honoring a Friend
Bill’s Bass: A Custom Build Honoring a Friend
When Jim Larsen set out to build a bass guitar, his goal was not just another instrument. He want...
Read now >
How to Plug and Redrill Bridge Holes on a Guitar Body
How to Plug and Redrill Bridge Holes on a Guitar Body
Sometimes during your DIY build, you’ll decide to swap out a bridge, maybe to upgrade to higher q...
Read now >
The Art and Heart of Ken Pfalzgraf’s Guitars
The Art and Heart of Ken Pfalzgraf’s Guitars
Step into Ken Pfalzgraf’s workshop — better known online as Paul Mero Junkpile Guitars — and you’...
Read now >