I recently got some kent armstrong hot single coil pickups for my strat and they sound great but are quite noisy! Ive heard you can sheild a guitar with foil or metal paint does anyone know anything about this and how to do it? Also does anyone know anything about potting pickups and if it worth while? THank you.

Completely cover the surfaces of the control cavity, and the underside of the pickguard, assuming there is one, with aluminum foil tape, same as sheet metal workers use. It takes a long time, but is more effective than shielding paint. Do NOT shield the pickup with the tape. It will darken the tone, if not interfere even worse. Pickups with plastic bobbins can not be wax potted - they might warp or melt. Forbon or fibre bobbins are made to be immersed in wax. But the wax need not penetrate the windings too deeply, and this is followed by wrapping with a cloth-like ribbon. Wax potted pickups are indeed quiter than non-potted pups. Strat Man Dwight