Sanding Guitar Fretboards Without Divots

Fretboards take a beating over time, collecting dents, grime, and uneven spots. Sanding them smooth restores playability, but it requires care to avoid divots and uneven radii. This guide explains how to sand guitar fretboards correctly, keeping them smooth, level, and true to their radius.

Why Fretboard Sanding Matters

A properly sanded fretboard improves intonation, feel, and aesthetics. Poor sanding, however, can leave divots between frets, flatten the radius, or remove too much material, shortening the neck’s lifespan.

Tools You’ll Need

• Radius sanding block or beam matched to fretboard radius
• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (150–400 grit)
• Masking tape to protect frets (if not removed)
• Vacuum and tack cloth
• Ruler and straightedge for checking level

Best Grit Sequence for Fretboards

• 150 grit: For leveling uneven spots or deep wear marks.
• 220 grit: Refines scratches and restores consistent surface.
• 400 grit: Final polish for a smooth playing surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Fretboard

1. Secure the neck. Clamp the guitar neck firmly in a padded cradle.
2. Mask or pull frets. Tape off frets, or remove them for full resurfacing.
3. Level sanding. Use 150 grit (50-pack) on a radius block to flatten worn areas evenly.
4. Smooth the surface. Progress to 220 grit (100-pack) for refining the surface and eliminating coarse scratches.
5. Final finish. Use 400 grit (25-pack) to create a slick, smooth playing surface.
6. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum dust and wipe with a tack cloth before conditioning.

Special Cases

Rosewood and ebony fretboards sand differently—ebony is harder and requires more patience with finer grits. For maple fretboards with finish, sanding may require refinishing afterward to restore protection.

Pro Tips

• Always sand along the fretboard’s radius—never freehand, or divots will form.
• Check frequently with a straightedge to maintain levelness.
• Use fresh paper—dull grits can cause chatter marks in hardwoods.

Aftercare

• Condition wood: Apply lemon oil or fretboard conditioner after sanding.
• Re-crown frets: If frets were removed, ensure proper leveling and reinstallation.
• Maintain gently: Light cleaning and conditioning extends fretboard life between sandings.

FAQs

• Do I always need to remove frets? Not always—masking works if just cleaning the surface.
• Can I sand with higher grits? Yes, up to 600 grit for extra-smooth finishes.
• What if divots remain? Fill with dust and CA glue, then re-sand level.

Watch & Learn

Sanding fretboards takes precision and patience. By following the correct grit sequence with a radius block, you’ll restore smooth playability without risking divots or uneven surfaces.