Kugel

Newbie question... What's the difference in sound quality between a swimming pool route and a standard s/s/s route?

I thought about the clear pickguard solution, but with a strat, that means that all the wiring, pots, etc. will show through. And, I'm not that neat at wiring, yet. I didn't think about the flaking paint problem when I take the pickguard off. I thought I could dip, hang, and then remove the pickguard before the paint set up. I'm not an artist, but maybe I'd be better off trying to paint the swirl pattern onto the pickguard, and use a clear pickguard as a protector over the painted one. I can just add that to all the challenges I'm already taking on with this crazy project. I think I'll pass on the pickup covers, though. I can't see myself sanding the little guys. But, maybe . . . I really think I ought to be committed to one of those nice, restful, "homes" somewhere. If I spent as much time practicing my guitar as planning this project, I might actually learn to play the thing!

Has anybody ever tried to swirl a pickguard and pickup covers at the same time as the body, so that they all blend into each other? My idea is to somehow attach the pickup covers to the pickguard (maybe duct tape on the back?), screw the pickguard to the body, and dip.

Several questions for "newbie" who thinks she died and went to Swirl Heaven! (Thanks for all the great info, already!) 1. I'm going to be swirl-painting a Squier Strat. I've sanded the old finish off, and the wood grain appears to be very smooth. Do I still need to use grain filler? (I can actually see parts that were filled at the factory.) 2. The plan is to use sanding sealer (could use a recommendation); then the B.I.N.'s shellac primer-sealer; painting a base coat of color; and dipping the body in a borax/water/swirled paint mixture. 3. The swirling process requires an oil-based paint. So, in order to use lacquer, I think I'd have to clear coat with shellac, first, correct? 4. Finally (optimistic, aren't I!), if I'm spraying outside, using a respirator, do I still need a spraying booth? After spraying, can I bring the body into the house for drying? I'm open to any suggestions for better choices, methods, etc. (except for the spray booth part, which I really don't want to deal with). Thanks in advance for your input. P.S. I've really got "the bug" bad, and all I've done so far is put together a '62 Fender Strat Reissue from parts. But, it was so much fun, and I was so surprised that it worked and that I didn't electrocute myself when I plugged it in!