How it started:
2025-05-17
I picked up this Amahi Under the Sea Soprano Ukulele at a thrift store for $8 yesterday.
It appears to have had nail polish spilled on it. The strings were covered in it and there were spots and smudges all over the whole thing. I removed a lot of it with acetone before thinking to take before photos.
Today, while poking around the shop, I decided to start sanding it. I managed to get most of a first pass with 80 grit done before I ran out of energy for today.
How it’s going (so far)
2025-05-20
I did some more sanding today. I still have plenty to go with the 80 grit. But I wanted a peek at the wood, so I went back over some areas with 120.
I recognize that it would have made a lot more sense to lightly sand and paint over the old paint. But I like having a slow, meditative project to chip away at sometimes. Plus, I could use the sanding/patience practice.
It’s a cheap ukulele and the wood grain won’t be spectacular, but I’m planning to stain and seal it. Probably with some painted details as well.
2025-05-23
Done with the 80 grit! The top layer of whatever paint was on there was a real pain to get through. I’m glad to be done with that part.
I’ve got the ukulele and some sandpaper scraps stashed on the back porch, so I can chip away at it any time I’m sitting outside enjoying the weather and want something to do with my hands. It’s very satisfying.
I am forgoing wearing a mask because of the casual nature of this “project”, but I do keep a moist rag handy and frequently wipe away the dust. Not the best solution, but good enough for light work I’m hoping.
2025-05-24
Almost done removing the paint with the 120 grit. Each of these sanding sessions is anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours of hanging out on the porch whenever I feel like it. It’s nice!
