Repainting and the screw holes

[VtheMech]

I'm painting a Squire P-Bass...

Do I need to cover up the screw holes (that i will still use) when I put on the sanding sealer/ paint/ clear coat??? Or just leave them as is and then re-open then when things are complete?

Also, should I shield the cavity before or after the paint job?

Thank you

[Rhomco]

some grief and lightly fill them with spackle or grain filler before you refinish it. This will keep liquid out of these holes when you wet sand and keep the holes from swelling.
Good luck,
Rob