Question about basswood prep

[klegacy]

Hey folks:

So, I got my SH-1 kit, and I am super impressed with the quality and smoothness of the parts. I am looking at a vintage yellow metallic paint and clear coat on the body. From what I am seeing online, basswood is not very open grained. Would I need a grain sealer on it, or just sanding with say 220 and perhaps 400 or so and then sanding sealer, sand some more and ready for priming and paint? Would appreciate any tips. Planning on a high gloss finish so want to prep it properly.

Thanks!

[mjg]

I did 180, 240, 320 sanding before primer on basswood. I used some Timbermate for grain filling, but I don't think it did anything. The primer has gone on ok with that.

I found the basswood very soft, so beware of sanding too much. I had issues with the middle piece of wood being on a different grain to the two outside 'wings' - which meant the middle sanded down much more quickly than the outsides with the 180 paper.

[klegacy]

Thanks for the tips .. it seems so smooth right out of the box. I used some 220 and 400 on the front, and after this it is really smooth. It definitely is a very soft wood. I am taking it to my paint guy tomorrow to see what he thinks. You have to be careful not to re-shape the wood when sanding too. I assume ash or something would be easier to work with, but the closed grain of this wood seems like a bonus too. I had this same fella paint a tele for me a while back and he sealed it himself before he shot the paint and clear.

[Simon Barden]

I recommend looking at Phrozin's description here of using rattle cans to get a great finish (and he does). For solid colours, this is the way to go. http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...l=1#post129444

Basswood doesn't need grain filling but can benefit from some initial sealing to help the paint stop sinking in to start with. He uses CA glue (superglue), but that stuff is pretty nasty is large quantities, so needs to be done outside. If you don't want to try that, then you'll probably just need some more primer coats.

[klegacy]

I have the body sanded with 220 and 400 grit now, and it is really smooth with no visible imperfections. Waiting on my JCustom FX bridge, and meeting with my paint guy today to see what he thinks. It really didn't take much sanding to get it to where it is now. Compliments to Pitbull for that, as it was a great place to start right out of the box. On the right path I think.

[wazkelly]

Basswood is very soft and best to use a sanding block as it is very easy to drop below 'sea level' if going too hard at it or in just the one spot or section.

Only done stains so cannot comment on what is required for a solid paint finish.

Cheers, Waz

[klegacy]

Step one .. the neck is ready.