Can someone explain what wet sanding is for guitars?

Question

Hi I am restoring my first guitar. I have primmed it, painted it, and clear coated it. I am told I need to wet sand it and then buff it with a polish compound.

Can someone explain this method to me ????

Answer 1

There is a sandpaper made especially for this process. It comes in various grits, mostly fine (220) to very fine (400+). It is used mostly for finishing metals, but can be used for wood working where a very smooth finish is desired (like your project). Since the sand paper is so fine, water is used to release the particles sanded off from the grit, otherwise it would quickly clog and become useless.

So the method is to dip the paper into the water and sand using a circular motion to help feather out the finish imperfections. Occasionally, wipe off the surface so you can see how the process is working and whether or not to move on. Be sure to rinse out your sand paper to keep it from clogging and replace it when necessary. For wood, it is best not to use too much water or to soak it in water as the wood will eventually absorb it and it might be ruined.

As you might guess, this is a messy job and can take a considerable amount of time to complete successfully. But you will get a finish like no other. The polishing compound is a super fine abrasive used after everything else to buff the surface to a high gloss.

Good project, best of luck to you.

Answer 2

Daffy has the 10 point answer. It's used for vehicle painting and is more a garnet based cloth bound sheet in very fine, and various grits specifically designed to add lubrication to the sanding process.

Without knowing if YOUR piece is a solid body electric or an open body acoustic, I'd be wary of water/power source and/or water and wood combinations.

Also without knowing what your clear coat is, since you've gotten that far, surfaces coated with Poly Eurothane for example are often rubbed out with fine steel wool, then a tack cloth is used, then a possible next coat?

You don't mention air bubbles, or orange peeling, or the current sheen of the finish.

Steven Wolf

Obviously as a "First" it might be one you'll keep forever? Even if you move on in upgrades, and should look decent.

Answer 3

you sand it with very fine sandpaper dipped it water. Get it at an auto parts store.

Answer 4

get some h2o, and some sand paper, and put them together, and make friction