Sanding Guitar Bodies: Smooth Prep for Stunning Finishes

Whether you’re refinishing an old guitar or preparing a new build, sanding is one of the most important steps to achieving a flawless finish. Proper sanding ensures paint, stain, or lacquer adheres evenly and highlights the natural beauty of the wood grain. Here’s how to sand a guitar body like a pro.

Why Sand Guitar Bodies?

Guitar bodies need a perfectly smooth surface before finishing. Sanding removes machining marks, evens out imperfections, and opens the wood grain for stain or paint. Without it, finishes can appear blotchy, uneven, or rough to the touch.

Recommended Tools

• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Sanding block or foam pad
• Detail sanding sponge for curves and cutaways
• Tack cloth or microfiber rag
• Respirator and safety glasses

Choosing the Right Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Removes machining marks and levels surfaces.
• 220 grit: Smooths the wood and prepares for sealer or stain.
• 320 grit: Refines surface before lacquer or paint.
• 400 grit: Light final sanding between finish coats.

Step-by-Step: Sanding a Guitar Body

1. Start with 120 grit. Level surfaces and remove scratches using 120 grit (25-pack). Always sand with the wood grain.
2. Move to 220 grit. Smooth the body with 220 grit (50-pack), focusing on edges and contours.
3. Refine with 320 grit. Prepare the surface for paint or lacquer using 320 grit (100-pack). This grit eliminates fine scratches and ensures even coverage.
4. Optional 400 grit. For high-gloss finishes, lightly sand between coats with 400 grit sheets.
5. Clean thoroughly. Wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust before finishing.

Special Cases

Curved cutaways: Use a sponge or flexible pad to follow contours.
Softwoods: Sand gently—too much pressure can cause dents.
Repairs: Blend patched areas with surrounding wood using progressive grits.

Pro Tips

• Always sand in the direction of the grain.
• Check progress under bright light to spot scratches.
• Don’t skip grits—each step removes marks left by the previous one.

Aftercare & Next Steps

• Apply sealer or grain filler before staining for an even finish.
• Use lacquer or polyurethane for long-lasting protection.
• Allow finishes to cure fully before final buffing.

FAQs

• Can I use a power sander? For flat areas, yes, but hand sanding gives better control around curves.
• Do I need to wet sand? Only between lacquer coats—initial sanding is done dry.
• What if I sand through the veneer? You’ll need to reapply veneer or adjust your finishing plan—be cautious with thin tops.

Watch & Learn

Sanding a guitar body takes patience, but it sets the foundation for a stunning finish. With the right grit sequence and careful technique, your guitar will not only sound great but also look like a work of art.