The hardest thing

[Dave M]

I've finally reached the stage of wet sanding the current build. Which is great. I can't wait to get some strings on and hear how it sounds.

BUT just about the hardest thing in the whole process is when you have to throw a dollop of warm, soapy water on to this lovely construction that you have carefully nurtured to fruition. You have carefully controlled humiditity for weeks and now they tell you to pour water all over it!!!!!

It gives me the collywobbles every time I do it.

Fortunately I always seem to have a thick enough layer of lacquer that the wood doesn't rise up in anger but I still have real mental shivers doing it.

Tell me I'm not alone in this quivering wreck inducing syndrome?

Still it's wonderful when you hit micro mesh about 3000 and the shine starts appearing! And then gets better and better. With those smaller grits you pretty much know you are not going to go through the finish so you can scrub away.

[Allen]

You definitely don't need nor want a big splash of water. You soak the wet dry paper in water. Overnight is recommended, but honestly, I'm lucky if I let it go more than 1/2 hour.

The water that sticks to the sandpaper is all that you need. Rinse / dunk the paper often and wipe the slurry and residue off the instrument each time you rinse the paper.

[Dave M]

Thanks Allen I'll remember that next time.

[demonx]

Exactly what Allen said above, the water is only to lubricate. You don't need much at all.

I tear the sheet into four, I usually only use one or two pieces per grade to do a entire guitar, depends how well or badly I sprayed. If I had a bad day on the gun I'll start at 1000 grit for a slight cut and then move to 2000 followed by 3000 and then a fine polish. If I had a good day on the gun or if I had flow coated I can start at 2000 and go from there.

I let the paper soak for about as long as it takes me to set up, so not very long as I'm always set up, then the second half is soaking for however long I use the first half. When it start to dry out a bit, simply dunk, shake it off a little and then continue wet sanding away.

If you hear slight scratching noises, it is because its scratching, so check why. sometimes it might be the corner of the paper where you tore it, so fold that over. Sometimes the paper might have something on it or it might just need another dunk. Usually best to turn it over or throw it and grab a new piece.

When wet sanding, a lot of it is done by feel. It will feel smoother when you've cut through that spot. I use an air hose to blow it (the guitar) dry, then wipe off the white dust with an old sheet or t-shirt, something that wont scratch, then you can continue again knowing where you're up to.