Refinish Guitar Body with 150, 800, and 3000 Grit Sandpaper for a Showroom Finish

A worn or scratched guitar body can lose its visual appeal and smooth feel. With a careful sanding process using 150, 800, and 3000 grit sandpaper, you can strip old finish, smooth the surface, and achieve a professional gloss-ready look before refinishing.

Why This Method Works

150 grit removes old lacquer and minor dents. 800 grit smooths and levels the surface for a uniform base. 3000 grit polishes the wood or finish layer for a glassy feel prior to applying new coats.

Tools & Materials

• Wet/dry sandpaper: 150 grit (100-pack), 800 grit (25-pack), 3000 grit (100-pack)
• Foam sanding block
• Masking tape for fretboard and pickups
• Microfiber cloths
• Vacuum or dust brush
• Refinishing lacquer or polyurethane

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 150 grit: Strip and level surface. (100-pack)
• 800 grit: Smooth and prepare for finish. (25-pack)
• 3000 grit: Burnish for a high-gloss prep. (100-pack)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation. Remove strings, hardware, and electronics. Mask off the fretboard and neck if refinishing only the body.
2. Initial sanding. Using 150 grit sandpaper, sand evenly to remove the old finish and level imperfections.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Switch to 800 grit sandpaper to refine the surface and prep for the final finish layer.
4. Final burnish. Lightly sand with 3000 grit sandpaper to produce a smooth, glossy-ready surface.
5. Finish application. Apply lacquer or polyurethane in thin coats, letting each cure before sanding lightly with 3000 grit between coats if desired.

Special Considerations

Be cautious near guitar edges to avoid sanding through veneer or contours.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with light pressure to maintain even surfaces.
• Use circular motions with 3000 grit for a uniform gloss prep.
• Consider wet sanding for the final stage to enhance smoothness.

Aftercare

• Keep the guitar in a case when not in use to prevent scratches.
• Wipe down after each session to maintain finish quality.

FAQs

• Can I skip 800 grit? No—800 grit ensures a smooth transition between coarse sanding and ultra-fine polishing.
• Will 3000 grit make it too shiny before finish? It will create a satin sheen that enhances the final coat.
• Can I use this method on electric and acoustic guitars? Yes—works on both, but take extra care with thin acoustic finishes.

Watch & Learn

Get your wet/dry sandpaper kit and give your guitar a fresh, professional-grade finish.