StewMac Guitar Kit Build: Applying Conductive Shielding Paint

Welcome back to the workbench! We’re diving back into the StewMac T-Style Guitar Kit build (aka "Stewie"). After I spent some quality time fixing those rough fret ends and getting the finish just right, I decided it’s time to shield the cavities before we get into the final assembly. In this video, I’m walking you through my process for applying conductive shielding paint. I’ll show you why I prefer it over copper tape, how I handle the connecting holes, and why you’ve got to stir that "molasses" paint like your life depends on it. I’m also sharing a bit of a personal story about friendship, honesty, and why I might say "acoustic" a little differently than most. Grab your popcorn and a Diet Coke—let’s talk guitars and life! What’s Happening in the Shop: Stewie Update: A quick recap of the fretwork and body finish progress. The Shielding Strategy: My tips for using paint and getting into those tricky spots. The Process: Why I paint the connecting holes first and how I use different light angles to check my work. Life Talk: A story about a friend, my history with speech therapy, and why I don't let the "critics" get me down. Next Steps: Planning out the drilling for the ground wires. Amazon Affiliate Links* Rustins G Shield https://amzn.to/4rpMCos Pro Grade - Acid Brushes https://amzn.to/3PvBzwI Timestamps: 2:18 – My dilemma: Drilling the ground wire hole before or after shielding? 3:56 – Starting the shielding: Rustins G Shield vs. Copper Tape. 5:14 – Stirring the paint (My non-technical explanation). 6:56 – Shoutouts: Strings and Pucks & the Yamaha video success. 8:08 – Lesson Learned: Shielding the internal connection holes first. 10:45 – Surrounding yourself with people who champion you. 12:22 – Applying the first coat—don't be frugal! 14:20 – Tool Talk: Blue tape vs. the Music Nomad shield. 17:50 – Pro Tip: Finding the "chinks in the armor" with better lighting. 19:15 – The "Acoustic" Story: Friendship, honesty, and speech impediments. 26:22 – Handling the YouTube comments and the "mean old algorithm." 27:50 – Why I leave the output jack hole bare. ____ Shoutouts: @StringsnPucks (Jeremy) @j-mansgearcave (J-man) @plentyobass (Shawn) Checkout our playlist page for more series and journeys https://www.youtube.com/@TedTalksGuitars/playlists Special Thanks to our channel members "The Jacks" Want to support the channel? Feel free to explore Channel membership options: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBr6kaWeOvldTHvntB3tnMg/join Ted Talks Guitars & Life Merch Store: https://tedtalksguitars-shop.fourthwall.com/ Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3W3PZox *If you click on this link to shop at Amazon the channel will receive a modest financial commission from your purchases. Guyker Referral Link: https://www.guyker.com/?ref=tedtalksguitars If you use the link you will save 15% at Guyker Use the coupon code: TEDSMITH #GuitarKit #StewMac #Telecaster #GuitarBuild #Luthier #GuitarRepair #Shielding #DIY #GuitarTone #TedTalksGuitars