Sandpaper

[FordWagonNut]

Ok, so I have dived into some good size body work on two of my currant projects. I have never really gone this far, so I'm still new at it.

I have been using Testors package of sand paper for years and have always been happy with it. But since my projects are covering major body areas, I would like even smother surface. I am afraid of a "ghost like" sand marks showing up in the paint work.

What do you guys use? Grades? 3-M paper? Ideas?

Edited December 23, 2009 by FordWagonNut

[935k3]

If you are talking before primer or paint use 320 grit for rough work then finish with 400 and 600 last. The 600 is usually smooth enough to paint with no marks. Get it at places like Tru-Valu hardware stores as you can buy it by the sheet. Always use with water. Higher grits should be used to sand primer like 1000 and 1500 grit. These higher grits are available in the Automotive section at Wal-Mart, these are made by 3M.

[FordWagonNut]

If you are talking before primer or paint use 320 grit for rough work then finish with 400 and 600 last. The 600 is usually smooth enough to paint with no marks. Get it at places like Tru-Valu hardware stores as you can buy it by the sheet. Always use with water. Higher grits should be used to sand primer like 1000 and 1500 grit. These higher grits are available in the Automotive section at Wal-Mart, these are made by 3M.

Doh! Forgot to say before or after primer.

But yea, its before primer. I am filling in holes on a hood of a '76 Pontiac Firebird, making it into a Esprit version. I saw another member on here doing a Rockford Files Firebird. That alone pushed me into doing one my self since I have been wanting to do one for about 15 years.

Thanks for your help!

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

240 and 320 will work before priming also.

[crazyjim]

In addition to a small supply of 3M wet/dry sandpaper in various grits, I also use sanding sticks in a variety of grits. I ordered the sticks through Scale Dreams. They don't last very long when using wet but they're very nice. I also get finger nail sanding sticks at Walgreens, CVS, and Wal-Mart.

I believe MR.Obsessive says in his tutorial to put a coat of Future over the surface to prevent ghosting. Something about sealing the plastic (I think).

[FordWagonNut]

In addition to a small supply of 3M wet/dry sandpaper in various grits, I also use sanding sticks in a variety of grits. I ordered the sticks through Scale Dreams. They don't last very long when using wet but they're very nice. I also get finger nail sanding sticks at Walgreens, CVS, and Wal-Mart.

I believe MR.Obsessive says in his tutorial to put a coat of Future over the surface to prevent ghosting. Something about sealing the plastic (I think).

I saw some of the sanding sticks at Wal Mart, wasn't sure about'm. I will get a few, see how they work with me.

I work for a chain auto store (yea for graduating college!) and we carry 3-M sand paper. Might as well use it to my advantage.

Thanks guys for the input.

Edited December 25, 2009 by FordWagonNut