Wet sanding clear.

[James Mills]

When sanding Urethane clear what am I looking for when I sand with 1200 (are we just looking to dull the gloss before the buffing)?


Thanks,


James

[john e. holliday]

You need to get a copy of Phil's  "Diva" article that was in "Model Aviation".  DOC Holliday

[Mark Scarborough]

from my perspective.
The purpose behind sanding Urethane clear is only to remove imperfections and any texture, ie orange peel that you may have obtained when spraying. Depending upon how minor or major the imprefections are , I personally start with 1500 to remove the major portion of the texture It is important to use some sort of pad when sanding to reduce the pressure points, and also if you dont use a pad you wont eliminate the texture completely without sanding excess material off. When I am removing something significant, say a sag, or a dirt speck, I have even used a short peice of paint stick as a backer for the paper to insure that you are cutting it flat. After removing the majority of the imperfections with the 1500, (or 1200 if they are significant in nature) then fiinal cut with 2000 grit. this will minimize the amount of polishing you need to do to get rid of the sanding scratchs. As you are sanding, periodically clean the surface, if you are doing it right, you will be sanding the tops off the texture and the valleys will still be shiney. Depending upon how perfect of a job you are after, and how much clear you have to work with, determines when you stop sanding.

Phil's article was VERY informative and is a must read.

[RC Storick]

When sanding Urethane clear what am I looking for when I sand with 1200 (are we just looking to dull the gloss before the buffing)?


Thanks,


James

I have never read the article. I use warm watter adn a few drops od dish soap in it. I tear 1500 grit sandpaper onto 2 inch wide strips and let soak. I always use a soft rubber block. Bring the clear to a dull smooth finish. Repete th eprocess with 2000. Buff with micro fine rubbing compund followed by micro fine finishing compound. Swirl remover after words works wounders. The ZEN of sanding will take you to another world. You must become a sander of airplanes.

[Dwayne]

I remember the first time I heard of wet sanding, I was 15 and a car nut, a friend of my older brother just had his car painted and he wanted me to help him sand it, I thought..What! Are you nuts?!!  But I trusted him and we wet sanded the whole car using prety much the same techniques as listed above, Then he taught me about rubbing compounds and how to buff out a finish, it took us days but when we were finished I  couldnt believe the difference! Wow what a finish, now if I could just have the patience to do that on a model, I so much respect the guys that cover with silkspan and dope and spend hours and hours wet sanding and buffing and buffing and buff...