Refinishing Guitar Bodies: Wet Sanding for a Mirror Gloss Finish

A beautifully finished guitar body not only looks stunning but also feels silky smooth to the touch. Achieving that flawless mirror gloss requires precise wet sanding after the final clear coats. This guide explains how to level and polish lacquer or polyurethane finishes on guitar bodies using ultra-fine grits for a professional showroom shine.

Why Wet Sand Guitars

Sprayed finishes often leave a thin orange-peel texture or dust nibs. Wet sanding flattens those imperfections without cutting through the color coat. When done right, the result is a glassy, reflective surface that enhances depth and color vibrancy.

Tools & Materials

• Soft sanding block or foam pad
• Spray bottle with clean water and a few drops of dish soap
• Polishing compound and microfiber cloth
• Guitar stand or padded workbench
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets: 1000 Grit (25-pack), 1500 Grit (50-pack), and 2000 Grit (100-pack).

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 1000 grit: Levels dust nibs and orange peel texture.
• 1500 grit: Refines scratches for a satin-smooth surface.
• 2000 grit: Prepares for final compound polishing and mirror gloss.

Step-by-Step: Wet Sanding a Guitar Body

1. Confirm full cure. Ensure the lacquer or polyurethane has cured completely—usually 2–4 weeks depending on brand and temperature. Premature sanding can cause wrinkling or dull patches.
2. Start with 1000 Grit (25-pack). Wet-sand lightly in circular or crosshatch strokes, keeping the surface lubricated. Focus on high spots or orange-peel texture until the surface turns uniformly matte.
3. Progress to 1500 Grit (50-pack). Smooth out the previous sanding pattern, working evenly across curved contours. Wipe frequently to check progress.
4. Finish with 2000 Grit (100-pack). Use light, consistent strokes. The surface should now appear satin-smooth and ready for buffing.
5. Polish and buff. Apply a small amount of compound using a microfiber cloth or foam pad. Work in small circular motions until the gloss deepens to a mirror-like reflection.

Special Cases

For colored or metallic finishes, sand carefully around edges—those areas are easiest to burn through. If you cut into the color coat, reapply clear and let it cure before restarting. For satin finishes, stop at 1500 grit and skip compound for a smooth but non-reflective surface.

Pro Tips

• Keep your sandpaper clean—change sheets frequently to prevent swirl marks.
• Always sand by hand on curved horns and edges for full control.
• Use a drop light at a shallow angle to reveal high spots and sanding streaks.
• Never dry-sand a guitar finish—it builds heat and dulls the shine permanently.

Aftercare

• Let the polished surface cure 24 hours before handling extensively.
• Use a clean microfiber cloth for daily dusting—avoid paper towels or rough fabrics.
• Rebuff occasionally with 2000 grit and fine polish to maintain gloss depth.
• Keep guitars out of direct sunlight and extreme heat to prevent finish softening.

FAQs

• Can I use an orbital sander? For flat areas, yes—but use low speed and plenty of lubrication. Hand sanding gives better control around contours.
• What compound should I use? Use an automotive-grade polishing compound safe for clear coats or guitar finishes.
• Can I wax the guitar after polishing? Yes, after a 48-hour cure. Use non-silicone wax to avoid residue buildup.

Watch & Learn

Using 1000 Grit (25-pack), 1500 Grit (50-pack), and 2000 Grit (100-pack) in precise sequence transforms a cured guitar finish into a flawless, reflective surface—worthy of any professional luthier’s standard.