About the black finish, i'd go to sherwin williams for paint, i wouldn't use any Wal-Mart special sale paint. Dont spray it on thick, just fog it in a few times in a day. Stand back away from the guitar, then spray it may take a wile but it's better. I can paint a guitar solid, and make it look good but not stain it. Oh Yah make sure you use some 400grit sandpaper on the original paint or finish before painting or it wont stick. Dont spray any W-D40 anywhere near it before you paint it and, Clear coat it when you're done.