Sanding Guitars Before Finishing: Smooth Tonewood Prep

Building or refinishing a guitar requires precision at every stage, and sanding is one of the most critical steps. Proper sanding not only prepares the wood for paint, stain, or lacquer but also highlights the natural beauty of the tonewood. With the right grit sequence and careful technique, you can achieve a flawless surface that enhances both appearance and sound quality.

Why Sanding Matters for Guitars

Guitar bodies and necks are crafted from fine woods that respond to finish differently than standard furniture. Sanding removes mill marks, smooths curves, and ensures even stain and lacquer absorption. Skipping grits or rushing leads to visible scratches and uneven finishes that can dull the instrument’s look and tone.

Essential Tools

• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper
• Sanding block for flat surfaces
• Foam pads or sponges for curves and cutaways
• Tack cloth or microfiber rags
• Optional orbital sander for rough stock removal

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Initial shaping and rough smoothing.
• 180 grit: Refine contours and remove coarse scratches (180 Grit (50-pack)).
• 220 grit: Standard prep before sealing (220 Grit (25-pack)).
• 400 grit: Final sanding before lacquer or clear coat (400 Grit (100-pack)).

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Guitar

1. Inspect wood. Look for scratches, dents, or tooling marks and circle them with pencil for focus.
2. Start with 120 grit. Smooth the raw body and neck, removing machining marks.
3. Move to 180 grit. Sand curves, contours, and edges with foam-backed abrasives.
4. Switch to 220 grit. Create a uniform, smooth surface for stain or sealer.
5. Raise the grain. Lightly dampen the wood, let it dry, and sand again with 220 grit to prevent roughness after finishing.
6. Finish with 400 grit. Sand gently before applying lacquer or clear coat for a flawless base.
7. Clean thoroughly. Use tack cloths to remove all dust before finishing.

Special Cases

For guitars with figured maple tops, avoid oversanding—too much pressure can flatten chatoyance (the 3D shimmer). On softwoods like cedar, stop at 220 grit to prevent clogging pores and blotchy finishes.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain, especially on necks and tops.
• Use pencil guide marks to ensure even sanding across curves.
• For high-gloss lacquer finishes, consider wet sanding with 600–1000 grit after curing.

Aftercare

• Allow lacquer to cure fully before polishing or buffing.
• Maintain guitars with soft cloths—avoid harsh cleaners.
• Store in controlled humidity to protect the wood and finish.

FAQs

• Do I need power sanders? Not always—hand sanding gives better control, especially on curves and edges.
• What grit is best before staining? 220 grit ensures even absorption without sealing the grain.
• Should I sand between lacquer coats? Yes, a light 400–600 grit sanding helps each coat bond smoothly.

Watch & Learn

Sanding is the foundation of a flawless guitar finish. Stock up on fine sanding sheets to prepare your instrument for stunning results.