Sanding Guitar Bodies: Smooth Prep for Stunning Finishes

A guitar’s finish not only protects the wood but also defines its appearance. Proper sanding is the foundation of a flawless paint, stain, or lacquer job. Whether you’re building from scratch or refinishing, sanding ensures the body is smooth, even, and ready for finishing. This guide explains how to sand guitar bodies step by step.

Why Sanding Guitars Matters

Wood grain, factory sealers, and imperfections can affect how finishes adhere and look. Sanding levels the surface, highlights the wood grain, and creates the perfect foundation for color and clear coats. Skipping sanding can result in uneven finishes and poor adhesion.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (120–400 grit)
• Sanding block and foam pads for curves
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Wood filler (for dents or holes)
• Primer, stain, or lacquer
• Protective mask and gloves

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Strip sealers and shape the body.
• 180 grit: Smooth surface after coarse sanding.
• 220 grit: Refine the grain and prep for primer.
• 320–400 grit: Final sanding before paint, stain, or lacquer.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Guitar Bodies

1. Disassemble the guitar. Remove hardware, neck, and electronics.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to strip factory sealer or old finish.
3. Smooth with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit (50-pack) for an even surface.
4. Refine with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) before primer or stain.
5. Finish with 320–400 grit. Sand lightly for a silky smooth base before final coats.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with tack cloth.
7. Apply primer or stain. Finish with lacquer or clear coat as desired.

Special Cases

For solid-color finishes, stop at 220 grit for primer adhesion. For transparent or stained finishes, progress to 400 grit to highlight the natural grain without scratches.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches showing through clear coats.
• Use foam pads for curves and contours.
• Fill dents or chips before final sanding for a seamless finish.

Aftercare

• Let finishes cure fully before polishing or reassembly.
• Clean with guitar-safe polishes only.
• Avoid extreme heat or humidity that can affect finishes.

FAQs

• Do I need to remove the old finish? Yes, sanding ensures even adhesion of new coatings.
• What grit before lacquer? 320–400 grit is best for smooth lacquer application.
• Can I hand sand the entire guitar? Yes, but blocks and pads help maintain even pressure.

Watch & Learn

Sanding guitar bodies properly is the first step toward a flawless, professional finish. Stock up on wet/dry sandpaper sheets—packs of 25, 50, and 100 available in all grits. Shop guitar sanding sheets here.