There comes a time in our lives when we have this quest to take heavy machinery in hand. Often the job that seems like the easiest to conquer with heavy machinery is the ever popular "Power Sanding" (and of course it's counter part, hand sanding).
The right equipment and a lot of patience are often the main ingredients to this undertaking.
These are general recommendations. When using paints, varnishes, coatings, etc., follow manufacturers' application instructions.
Refinishing Application
|
Recommended Abrasive Type |
|
Bottom Paint | Stripping old paint | 24, 36 or 40 |
Light Sanding | 60, 80 or 100 | |
Between coats (if needed) | 80, 100 or 120 | |
Gelcoat | Stripping old Gelcoat | 24, 36 or 40 |
Heavy sanding | 60, 80, 100, 120 or 150 | |
Intermediate sanding | 220 or 320 | |
Finish sanding * | 600 or 800 | |
Fairing Compound | Heavy sanding | 24, 36 or 40 |
Intermediate sanding | 60, 80 or 100 | |
Finish sanding | 120, 150, 180 or 220 | |
Epoxy | Heavy sanding | 60, 80, 100 or 120 |
Intermediate sanding | 180 or 220 | |
Topside Paint | Stripping old paint | 36, 40 or 60 |
Intermediate sanding | 80, 100, 120 or 150 | |
Sanding prior to repainting | 150, 180 or 220 | |
Primer | Between primer coats | 150, 180 or 220 |
Painted Wood | Stripping old finish | 36 or 40 |
Intermediate sanding | 60, 80 or 100 | |
Finish sanding | 120, 150 or 180 | |
Varnish | Stripping old varnish | 60, 80 or 100 |
Between coats | 220 or 320 | |
Before final coat | 600 | |
On final coat * | 1200 | |
Metal | Stripping old finish | 36 or 40 |
Rust removal | 40, 60, 80 or 100 | |
Light sanding | 150, 180 or 220 |
* Before compounding and / or glazing if imperfections require, or brilliant gloss is desired.
These are considered the basics, and fine tuning the selection to your needs, application, and available machinery is suggested.
In other words, if your not sure, try it in a spot that won't show ...