If you are staining, depending on the product you are using, you can grain fill either before
or after. In most cases I’ve found grain filling first results in a more even application, and a
better result.
There are a number of different grain fillers available, including solvent, water and oil based
options, along with pre-tinted options. Oil based grain fillers penetrate deeper into the wood,
but water is obviously easier to work with with regard to drying times and clean up.
Using a tinted grain filler is also a great option if you would like to accentuate the grain
pattern of the guitar as the excess will be removed when sanding but the filler used to fill the
pores will remain in place and emphasize the grain pattern of the wood.
Below are the steps required for applying grain fill:
1. Mix up enough product to grain fill the entire guitar. Follow the recommendations for
the product you are using in terms of application, cleanup and safety, then mix your
grain fill into a workable paste in a spare container.
2. Apply to the guitar using a clean rag, working in line with the grains pattern of the
wood. Next, work across the grain really pushing the grain fill into the wood, making
several passes.
3. Once finished applying, leave the guitar for ten minutes and then wipe away any
excess using a clean damp rag.
4. Once dry, sand back to the surface level of the guitar, working through the grades of
sandpaper from 120 grit to 240. Sand sufficiently to remove the excess grain fill but
not enough to dig into the wood and create more open pores.
5. Inspect the surface of the guitar and repeat the process if required.
Masking
You should also mask the neck pocket, and body cavities of your guitar when spraying a
finish of any kind.
Mask the tuning peg holes on the headstock to keep the holes clean, along with the holes
for the bridge and tailpiece and pay special attention to the truss rod. You should also mask
the fretboard when spraying the back of the neck.
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Summary of Contents for SG-style Guitar Kit
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