Flat Colors and Flat Clear Coats

[Flashback]

Ok I am in the process of painting two guitars, one is done. The other is a Squier 51 project that I am painting flat black primer and hoping to add a flat clear coat. I am wondering what kindof sanding processes should I do to the flat clear coat. Cause I dont want any shine just a nice flat coat to protect the original primer. Any suggestions?

[al heeley]

Are you painting or spraying? You'll end up with brush marks or some orange peel surface either way which will need sanding out. Sanding out = flattening the surface = gloss. You can then get hold of a matt varnish (commonly it has some fumed silica in which gives a micro-dimpled surface = no gloss) or you can rub down with fine wire wool and a scotchbrite finishing pad. This will take the flat surface off and give a silk or matt finish. Not really dead matt but not too shiney. Best thing is to try it out first on some waste wood pieces.

[jwells393]

If you have a good spray technique, get yourself some Deft Satin for your clear coat. If you're good with a spray can and have a dust free area to work in you should be able to get a nice finish with no sanding. If you do any wet sanding I wouldn't go above 1000 grit. If you go any finer it's going to begin to shine.