Abrasives...questions about sanding and polishing.

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#1

What products to you guys recommend for the sanding and polishing process after the epoxy is cured?

I’ve watched manufacturers use a wet sanding technique with sandpaper and various compounds.

I see 3M has an extensive product line-up. What do you recommend?

What grit sandpaper(s) should I order and what polishing compounds? I’m going to start out doing everything by hand so I was planning to get wet/dry sandpaper and 3M polishing compounds.

I’ve used 3M Finnese-IT on my car…but that’s about it.

Thanks!

#2

I’ve got a grip of 3M 1000, 1500 and 2000 grit sandpaper in the shop for wet sanding. As far as buffing, whatever you use, don’t use anything with silica in it. It’s messy and bad for your lungs.

#3

I go as low as 220 wet sometimes depending on how messed up my piece is :smiley:

But the norm would be anything from 500 to 1500 wet. I think I might have some 2000 grit but they’ve been untouched. For buffing, I use some 3M product. The painter and helpers order this stuff so I actually don’t even know exactly what they like to use. As long as it comes out nice and shiny.

#4

I’ve been reading about the advantages of wet sanding and that’s what I’m planning to do. I like the versatility that wet/dry sandpaper offers and it’s really not that pricey.

I have a friend that’s a big time automotive detailing guru so he’ll be guiding me through the selection of buffing and polishing compounds. I’m pretty set on using 3M products just because I’ve used them in the past for previous projects with good results. :smiley: