Hello all, new member here, first build is IB-4

[Pat Rodgers]

Hello, everyone!
I ordered and received my kit a few months ago, but just now able to get a start (move to new residence got in the way
My plan is to go as water-based as possible, the only exception will be polymerized tung oil on the neck. First step looks to be sanding to 120 grit, then a coat of sanding sealer. I've been studying YouTube vids, hopefully all will go well. I'll post photos as I go, and will welcome any tips or advice. Cheers!

[Tgraham]

Good luck Pat it’s a load of fun, with touches of frustration thrown in for good luck.

[Trevor Davies]

Hi and welcome Pat. It is a good idea to start a build diary and ask lots of questions. Good luck.

[fender3x]

Welcome! 1+ on starting a build diary. I also try to use water based finishes. You may be able to start with a lower grit like 180 or 220 depending on how the kit comes.

[Pat Rodgers]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

fender3x, thanks for mentioning the grits. I plan to apply one coat of stain and then sand it down before another coat of stain (to enhance the grain contrast). What grit do you typically use/recommend to sand back the first coat?

[fender3x]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

fender3x, thanks for mentioning the grits. I plan to apply one coat of stain and then sand it down before another coat of stain (to enhance the grain contrast). What grit do you typically use/recommend to sand back the first coat?

I should mention that I am not the greatest at staining, so others may want to chime in. I typically don't go finer than 220. The exception is on end-grain, especially with very porous woods where I will sometimes use 320.

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[Pat Rodgers]

No worries, fender3x, thanks for the advice!

[Trevor Davies]

+1. I would normally sand up to 180 g or 240 g with for staining. I sand and then stain for my process.

Have you considered the option of grain filling the ash body. I have grain filled ash with a contrasting black filler to highlight the grain. See the link for my ash TLA-1 at https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...l=1#post213343. Grain filling also smoothes out the surface as Ash can be very textured.