Sanding

[Precision345]

Hi,

I recently have stripped the paint off of my Peavey Zodiac and I'm not sure what grade of sandpaper to sand with. I read somewhere (can't seem to find the webpage now) that says you should progressively work your way into a smoother sandpaper. So start with a rougher grit and work into a smoother grit. Anybody know what paper I should use and what progression?

 

[Hopkins]

Hi,

I recently have stripped the paint off of my Peavey Zodiac and I'm not sure what grade of sandpaper to sand with. I read somewhere (can't seem to find the webpage now) that says you should progressively work your way into a smoother sandpaper. So start with a rougher grit and work into a smoother grit. Anybody know what paper I should use and what progression?

Are you sanding the bare wood for finishing?

Sanding up to 400 grit is probably plenty.

 

[Musiclogic]

Are you sanding the bare wood for finishing?

Sanding up to 400 grit is probably plenty.

Hopkins pretty much covered it

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Well, it depends on what the wood looks like now, and what kind of finish you plan on putting on it. Since you've stripped the old finish off this body, that means the wood is probably still sealed up, at least over most of it. Unless you sanded off about 1/16" of wood, the original sealer is still down in the grain, and that's okay for most purposes.

If the wood appears to be pretty smooth, I'd sand it with 220 grit. Sand it by hand on a soft rubber block, and sand in a linear motion, following the direction of the grain. Don't go in swirling circles or across the grain. If you stay with the grain, then fine scratches that you miss will be hidden by the grain.

Note: If you're using an electric random orbit sander, I'd start with 400. A 220 disk on an ROS sander is pretty coarse.

Now, if you are planning on a conventional high-build finish (with color coats and clear top coats, buffed to a gloss), the 220 grit hand sanding is probably all you need to do. The buildup of coats will fill that easily.

If you are planning on an "oil" style finish (or any of the very thin satin or wipe-on finishes), then you should sand up to 400 grit. Again, hand sand, staying in line with the grain. The thin finishes will show the scratches easier, so you need to be much more perfect in your sanding preparation.

 

[Precision345]

Thanks guys

heres a picture for a better idea

 

[Precision345]

Here it is