Edwards SG - 8 1/2 year old son wants to paint his own Clapton The Fool Tribute

[tildeslash]

So I am going to donate one of mine to him.
I foresee pokeman and batman and a bunch of superheroes stuff on it more than anything close to The Fool. Remember it's his own version of what I showed him and he is 8 1/2 year old.

Yes I know bad idea but the one I have is a keeper and I play it and his artwork would mean a lot to me and to him also.

It's lacquer painted and I can see and feel the grain.
Do I need to strip it or sand it smooth or just let him paint over it.
I'll clear coat it when it's all done.

Thanks.

[tildeslash]

Advice needed bump.

[Baxtercat]

If you're using opaque acrylics just sand the original paint a bit to give it some 'tooth' and scrub off the skin and dirt so the paint will stick.
What color....dark red or wine? That might take a coat or three before the white and light colors cover up. A spray can of primer is cheap enough, though.