Polishing Guitar Finishes: Smooth Sound & Shine (400–2000 Grit Guide)

A well-sanded guitar finish not only looks stunning but also enhances playability and protection. Whether you’re building, refinishing, or repairing a guitar, sanding with the correct grit sequence is essential for achieving a professional-grade glossy surface.

Why Sand Guitar Finishes?

Guitar finishes often have imperfections such as dust nibs, orange peel, or uneven clear coat. Sanding levels these flaws and prepares the surface for polishing, resulting in a smooth and reflective finish that highlights the wood grain.

Best Tools for Guitar Sanding

• 9x11 in silicon carbide wet/dry sandpaper sheets
• Soft sanding block or foam pad
• Spray bottle with water and a drop of dish soap
• Microfiber cloths
• Polishing compound and buffing pad

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 400 grit: Level orange peel and surface irregularities.
• 800 grit: Smooth scratches from coarse sanding.
• 1200 grit: Refine clarity and prepare for polish.
• 2000 grit: Final wet sanding before buffing.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Guitar Finishes

1. Clean the guitar. Wipe the surface free of dust and oils.
2. Start with 400 grit. Wet sand uneven areas lightly. Use 400 Grit (25-pack).
3. Move to 800 grit. Smooth sanding marks and refine the surface. Try 800 Grit (50-pack).
4. Refine with 1200 grit. Achieve a satin-like clarity before final polish. Stock up on 1200 Grit (100-pack).
5. Finish with 2000 grit. Lightly wet sand to prepare for buffing and polishing.
6. Polish. Apply polishing compound with a microfiber cloth or buffer until a mirror-like shine is achieved.
7. Optional wax. Protect the finish with a thin layer of guitar-safe wax.

Special Cases

For vintage guitars, avoid aggressive sanding that removes too much finish—light polishing may be enough. For new builds, follow the full grit sequence for maximum clarity.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand to reduce scratches and prevent heat buildup.
• Sand gently around edges to avoid cutting through the finish.
• Use microfiber cloths for polishing to prevent swirl marks.
• Work slowly—finishes are thin and easy to damage.

Aftercare

• Clean your guitar with a soft cloth after each use.
• Store in a case to protect the finish from dust and UV damage.
• Reapply polish periodically to maintain gloss.

FAQs

• Can I dry sand a guitar finish? Wet sanding is strongly recommended for finer grits to avoid scratches.
• Do I need to remove all the old finish? No, only if you’re refinishing. For polishing, just level imperfections.
• Will sanding affect tone? No, sanding affects only the finish, not the wood resonance.

Watch & Learn

For flawless guitar finishing, explore our ultra-fine range in the Super Fine Sandpaper Collection.