best wet sanding ...

[phatmanmike]

hello, i wold like to know how to wet sand. i have done it on 2 of my boats, and im sure there MUST be a better way. <br /><br />heres what I did....<br />1 bucket of water<br />1 3m sanding block loaded with 400g wet/dry paper<br /><br />dip block in bucket about every foot or so along hull, and what i get are streaks like the old sanded gelcoat isnt washing away, but its leaving chalky swirls.....<br /><br />m ikey

 

[rnsi]

Re: best wet sanding ...

I just sanded mine down, very carefully with 600, and followed that with 1500 and 2000 grit. Kept it all very wet, and a lot of rinsing. Finished up with rubbing compound and polishing compound.<br /><br />Maybe the 400 is taking too much off?

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: best wet sanding ...

You could maybe use a spray bottle to keep spraying water on as you move along.<br /><br />I also think 400 is probably too corse.

 

[detailer]

Re: best wet sanding ...

instead of a bucket, keep a hose w/spray nozzle running (you can turn the water off when your arms need a break). I hold the hose, on mist, in one hand and sand with the other. I haven't seen your "chalky swirls" but my guess would be you need to follow up like rnsi with finer grit papers, compound, polish & WAX.<br /><br />Good luck<br /><br />btw, i also agree... 400 is too much

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: best wet sanding ...

A couple of drops of dishwashing liquid (preferably Dawn brand)in your bucket of water really helps the sandpaper glide better. My brother has been doing auto body work for 25+ years and taught me this little trick. It works well. It doesn't take much soap either, just a few drops in about 2 gallons.

 

[rnsi]

Re: best wet sanding ...

sangerwaker-<br />why Dawn in particluar?

 

[detailer]

Re: best wet sanding ...

Dawn cuts grease out of your way, we use it to dewax a vehicle before a major detail. Makes sense to me! I've never used soap being to wet sand, stays pretty slick with a hose

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: best wet sanding ...

Put a few drops of dishwashing liquid (preferably Dawn) in your bucket of water. Doesn't take much, only 4 or 5 drops in about 2 gallons.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: best wet sanding ...

Not sure, that's what my bro said, and I take his word on car stuff since he has been in the biz for so long.<br /><br />P.S. Sorry about the double post.

 

[detailer]

Re: best wet sanding ...

this link might help (just looked it up), it's on new paint though... CarCraft - How to Color-Sand a New Paint Job