Newbie grain filler question

[OCCP]

Hey guys...new member here, going to start finishing two strat bodies.. I stumbled across this site a few weeks ago and have learned a ton! A lot of you guys really seem to know your stuff. I'm impressed and intimidated!!!

Anyway, here are my questions:

Are wood fillers and grain fillers the same thing?
Do all woods need to be filled?
What is sanding sealer and why/when would I use it?

I apologize in advance for sounding like a complete amateur, this is my first attempt at finishing a guitar. I recently stripped the ploy finish off a solid colored mid 90's American strat(what a pain in the butt), and it revealed a very thin maple top.  I'm not quite sure what finish I want to try but I'm confused id have have to fill it and spray with sanding sealer before starting the actual finish itself. Thanks in advance.

 

[AutoBat]

I know the answer to the second question: Not all woods need to be grain filled, that depends on the type of wood.

 

[jackthehack]

"Are wood fillers and grain fillers the same thing?"

Depends on semantics, and if you're not from the US/Canada could denote different products. Generally speaking, anything labeled "grain filler" is specifically for that usage. Here most things labeled "wood filler" are more suitable for filling nail holes/small cracks and may not be suitable for grain filling a guitar body or neck.

Do all woods need to be filled?

No. Some woods like alder/maple don't need any filler at all. There are some finishes that manufacturers/builders use that leave the grain unfilled for effect. Generally, if you want a smooth, uber-glossy finish you will need to fill the grain should the wood used characteristics demand it.

What is sanding sealer and why/when would I use it?

You don't necessarily HAVE to use it, depends on the finish you're doing/application. I typically use it two ways:

1.) After dying/staining/tinting wood like alder/maple that don't need grain filler, I'll lay down 3-4 coats of sanding sealer prior to shooting gloss top coats.
2.) If I'm doing a finish that involves shooting color/toner, I'll always shoot 3-4 coats of sanding sealer over the bare or filled wood prior to shooting toner.

In either case, I'll sand the sealer back with  #400 sandpaper. I do it as it provides a thicker base that makes it less likely to sand through the finish to wood when doing final leveling/polishing of the finish. As I always shoot nitro, toner coats on top of the sealer will "melt" unto and impart some of the color toner into the sealer coats.

 

[bagman67]

What is sanding sealer and why/when would I use it?

You don't necessarily HAVE to use it, depends on the finish you're doing/application. I typically use it two ways:

1.) After dying/staining/tinting wood like alder/maple that don't need grain filler, I'll lay down 3-4 coats of sanding sealer prior to shooting gloss top coats.
2.) If I'm doing a finish that involves shooting color/toner, I'll always shoot 3-4 coats of sanding sealer over the bare or filled wood prior to shooting toner.

In either case, I'll sand the sealer back with  #400 sandpaper. I do it as it provides a thicker base that makes it less likely to sand through the finish to wood when doing final leveling/polishing of the finish. As I always shoot nitro, toner coats on top of the sealer will "melt" unto and impart some of the color toner into the sealer coats.

Do you sand the sealer wet or dry?

Thanks

Bagman

 

[jackthehack]

You have to wait until it is completely dry/cured a bit, time dependent on temperature/humidity. I always sand "dry". Not sure which one you mean?