How to Sand a Guitar Body for a Smooth Finish (80, 120, 220, 320 Grit Complete Guide)

Sanding a guitar body is one of the most critical steps in the finishing process. Whether you’re refinishing an old instrument or preparing a brand-new build for paint or clear coat, proper sanding ensures the surface is smooth, flawless, and ready to accept finish evenly. Skipping steps or rushing through grits often leads to visible scratches, uneven absorption, and a less professional result. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through sanding a guitar body using 80, 120, 220, and 320 grit sandpaper to achieve a professional finish.

Why Sanding a Guitar Body Matters

The guitar body is the canvas for your finish. Wood grain, filler, and curves all respond differently to sanding. If you miss scratches or gouges during sanding, they will appear more prominently once stain, paint, or clear coat is applied. Sanding also opens the pores of the wood to accept finishes evenly and prevents blotching.

Some benefits of proper sanding include:

• Smooth playability: Sharp edges and rough spots are eliminated, making the guitar comfortable to handle.
• Better finish adhesion: Smooth, clean surfaces allow finishes to bond properly.
• Professional aesthetics: Sanding highlights wood grain and creates an even foundation for stain or paint.
• Longevity: Proper preparation reduces the chance of peeling, bubbling, or cracking finishes.

Understanding the Grit Sequence

Each grit has a specific purpose when sanding a guitar body:

• 80 grit: For initial shaping and removing rough mill marks. Use sparingly—too coarse for delicate areas.
• 120 grit: Smooths rough spots left from 80 grit and starts evening out surfaces.
• 220 grit: The main smoothing grit, preparing the wood for finer finishing.
• 320 grit: Creates the final finish-ready surface before stain, paint, or clear coat.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

• Sandpaper sheets: Choose high-quality sheets that resist clogging and last through extended sanding.
• Sanding block: Ensures even pressure on flat surfaces.
• Foam pad or flexible block: Perfect for sanding guitar curves and contours.
• Orbital sander: Speeds up sanding flat areas like the guitar back.
• Tack cloth or microfiber: Removes dust between sanding stages.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sanding a Guitar Body

1. Shaping with 80 grit. If the body is rough-cut or has heavy scratches, begin with 80 grit (25-pack). Use this only on problem areas or shaping edges. Avoid oversanding curves to prevent altering the guitar’s profile.
2. Smoothing with 120 grit. Switch to 120 grit (50-pack) to remove marks left by 80 grit. This stage prepares the body for fine sanding and begins to reveal the wood grain clearly.
3. Preparing with 220 grit. Use 220 grit (100-pack) for the bulk of sanding. At this stage, the guitar body should feel smooth to the touch and look uniform across all surfaces. This grit is critical for prepping the body for finishes.
4. Final finish sanding with 320 grit. Apply 320 grit (25-pack) to create the final surface before finishing. This ensures the wood is ready for stain, sealer, or clear coat without visible scratches.

Special Considerations

Curves and edges: Use a foam sanding pad or hand-sand carefully. Power tools can flatten contours unintentionally.

Wood species: Hardwoods like maple require more time at finer grits, while softer woods like mahogany sand more quickly.

Repairs: If filling dings or chips, sand filler evenly to avoid dips in the finish.

Pro Tips

• Sanding with the grain prevents scratches that will stand out under finish.
• Don’t skip grits—guitar finishes are unforgiving, and every missed scratch will show.
• Shine a light across the surface to reveal imperfections before moving to the next grit.
• Clean thoroughly between grits with a tack cloth to prevent old particles from scratching.
• Practice patience—slow, even sanding produces the best results.

Aftercare Before Finishing

• Vacuum or wipe away all sanding dust before applying primer or stain.
• Inspect under bright light to ensure scratches are gone.
• Seal the guitar body immediately after sanding to protect it from moisture and dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I skip 80 grit? Yes, if the body is already smooth. Only use 80 grit for shaping or heavy scratches.
• Is 320 grit fine enough for stain? Yes, it’s ideal. Going higher may close wood pores, preventing even stain absorption.
• Do I need to sand between finish coats? Yes, lightly with 320 grit between clear coats to ensure adhesion and smoothness.
• What if I sand through veneer? Stop immediately and apply filler or sealer. Veneers are thin and require gentle sanding.

Watch & Learn

Shop guitar sanding sheets: Get 80, 120, 220, and 320 grit sandpaper in convenient packs. Shop wood sanding sandpaper.

Closing Thoughts

Sanding a guitar body is the foundation of a flawless finish. By following the sequence of 80 → 120 → 220 → 320 grit, you’ll prepare your guitar for stain, paint, or clear coat with professional results. Take your time, respect the contours of the wood, and avoid rushing. A well-sanded guitar body not only looks beautiful but also feels smooth and comfortable to play.