I began these steps in the process of guitar building with sanding the guitar body. I started with a 220 grit sandpaper working with both a sandpaper block and sandpaper (folding it into thirds) per the recommendation. I did a grain raise with a wet paper towel. I used 320 grit following the 200 for another sand and grain raise and then one more 400 grit sand and raise. (remembering to keep with the grain of course).

Now once I had sanded the body and some on the back of the neck too following the same instructions.

I began the Tru-Oil application (a Linseed oil based product). I was sure because of it’s exothermic properties to keep my rags flat from one another. Applying Tru-Oil was the most time-consuming part of the process and I used approximately one entire week to do a really nice finish. I didn’t use gloves the entire time for applying Tru-Oil so my hands were quite sticky I will say! I began to let the Tru-Oil with an initial application to the body of the guitar. At first, I started the True Oil application on top of a box covered with a plastic bag. I later found some camping utility cord and hung the guitar on that for the final coats (which worked out quite nicely!)

I began the filling (Swarf) technique, and scuff sanding with my 220, 320, 400, and 600 grit sandpaper, making sure to wipe excess off with paper towels across the grain.

I made sure to seal the pockets as well with a very light coat of Tru-Oil.

I had 1500 grain for finish coats and did the wet sandpaper application and followed by an application of Tru-Oil. I’m not sure exactly how many coats I applied, I didn’t follow through with the naptha/steel wool/polishing due to time.

I then covered the neck fretboard with painters tape and did a few applications following the protocol above, but far less than I did for the body to give it more of a satin finish.

Skills Required:

Patience, Consistency, Documentation Ability, Grit (like the sandpaper)

I honestly wish I had had more time, as that could have improved the process immensely for me. When it comes to repetitive tasks, I’m a bit of a perfectionist although as you can see by my organization in the photos below, I’m also a participant in organized chaos. If I had a larger variety of materials (sandpaper) I believe this process could be improved as well. I would highly recommend journaling (I did this for this portion) to keep track of where you are in the process.