Sanding a Guitar Body: Grit Guide for Smooth Finishes and Custom Paint

Whether you’re refinishing an old instrument or prepping a new build, sanding a guitar body is one of the most critical steps in achieving a flawless finish. Proper grit progression ensures smooth surfaces that take stain, lacquer, or paint evenly, giving your guitar a professional look and feel.

Why Sand a Guitar Body?

Sanding removes tool marks, scratches, and uneven grain while opening the surface for finish absorption. Skipping this step can lead to blotchy stains, visible scratches under clear coats, or poor paint adhesion.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets in multiple grits
• Sanding block, sponge, or orbital sander
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Vacuum for dust control
• Protective gear (mask and safety glasses)

Best Grit Sequence for Guitar Bodies

• 120 grit: Levels tool marks and rough spots.
• 180 grit: Smooths the surface evenly.
• 220 grit: Final prep before stain or sealer.
• 320 grit: Optional extra-fine sanding before lacquer or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Guitar Body

1. Initial sanding. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to remove milling marks and shape the wood.
2. Smooth with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit (100-pack) to refine the body contours.
3. Final sanding. Apply 220 grit (25-pack) to prep for stain or primer.
4. Optional finish sanding. For ultra-smooth paint jobs, use 320 grit (50-pack) before applying lacquer.
5. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth.
6. Apply finish. Stain, seal, or paint according to your desired style.

Special Cases

For softwoods like basswood, avoid sanding finer than 220 grit before staining, as it may reduce absorption. For dense hardwoods like maple, sanding up to 320 grit produces a more polished base for lacquer.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain to prevent scratches from showing through finishes.
• Pay extra attention to edges and cutaways, which are prone to uneven sanding.
• Use wet sanding with finer grits before clear coats for a mirror finish.

Aftercare

• Let each coat of stain, paint, or lacquer cure fully before sanding or recoating.
• Polish finished guitars with microfiber cloths only.
• Store guitars in climate-controlled environments to preserve finish quality.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand between lacquer coats? Yes, lightly with 400–600 grit for best results.
• Can I sand through sealer? If you expose raw wood, reseal before finishing.
• Is orbital sanding safe for guitars? Yes, but hand sanding is better for curves and contours.

Watch & Learn

By following the right grit sequence, you’ll achieve a guitar body that looks and feels professional. Stock up on 120 to 320 grit sandpaper sheets to make your next guitar project shine.