Refinishing, how far do i have to sand?

[SilverSurfer2]

I have a guitar that i want to repaint, the body has no dings, dents or any thing of the sort so basically it is clean to begin with. Instead of sanding all the way down to bare wood, can i sand the top coat enough to create good adhesion for the paint, and then apply the top coat on top of that?? If so, what grit of sand paper/sanding material should i use for this??
or will i need to use a primer first on the sanded topcoat, paint, then new topcoat?

Or will this just create peeling or finish defects later?

[AnDr3wYoN]

Guitar Reranch states that for most polyurethane cleared guitars you can sand the top layer with some 220 grit sandpaper and then prime over it.

But I've heard lots of arguments that having to much paint on the guitar ruins the sound or something.. I personally think it's all in your head but to each his own I guess.

[SilverSurfer2]

Originally Posted by AnDr3wYoN

Guitar Reranch states that for most polyurethane cleared guitars you can sand the top layer with some 220 grit sandpaper and then prime over it.

But I've heard lots of arguments that having to much paint on the guitar ruins the sound or something.. I personally think it's all in your head but to each his own I guess.

bottom line is if you like the sound that your guitar puts out........then thats what matters.


Since this is just a practice guitar i'm talking about, its not a big deal. Actually i'm debating even putting a top coat on it. i want a guitar where i can noodle some stuff on it kind of like what satch does on his black dog.........but i want to use a paint brush to noodle on the guitar, i have some designs that i want to incorporate on a guitar. The top coat is not important......i want the ability to change designs without having to get through a coat of poly...........

[makotvjr]

Pro finisher says use finer grit 400-600 for better results use sealer not primer(its thinner) Wet sanding is best, just not too wet, dont get water on bare wood or inside routs, mask off.use base/ catalyzed clear. House of Colors works great and can be purchased in small quantities, has all necessary components, stick with one "system" to avoid any compatibility issues... KEEP IT THIN SKIN! ... KG