Wet Sanding ?

[ncmtnrider]

What exactly is wet sanding ? I have just finished painting the bottom cowl (Using the excellent directions in Lou's how to paint post, thanks !), and I keep reading about following up with wet sanding. I thought it was just a trade phrase for using a polishing compound, but after reading bits and pieces I am thinking it is using sand paper while wetting with a sprayer bottle. Am I even close ?? Thanks

[DayKat]

Yep, either spray as you sand or dip the paper into the water and sand away.

[steves]

I usually use a small bucket and soak the paper myself.

[ncmtnrider]

OK thanks, I needed to make sure before I made a mess of things

[brooder]

Make sure you get paper designed for wet sanding. The standard paper will have a tendency to fall apart when wet.

[DayKat]

Again, Yep...Like steves stated, 5gal bucket of water and of course, a 12oz cold one right beside the said 5gal bucket!!!

[Slofuze]

Paint me cofused here..... I always wet sanded the primed job.....never the actual paint. Or...... is this because you're planning on using a clear-coat?

[ncmtnrider]

I thought you did both - wet sand the final coat of paint,clean, then clear coat, then wet sand again ? This is my first attempt at this so let me know if I am wrong - Thanks !

[DayKat]

Wet sand ALL coats EXCEPT for the final coat, whether it's color or clear. BUT you can also wet-sand the final coat and polish / buff it if desired.

Purpose of wet-sanding is mainly to reduce any imperfections (orange peel) in the applied coat, thereby "smoothing" it.

Have you ever re-finished (sand / stain / varnish) any wood products? Same principal.

[gobigorange189]

on the final coat to get rid of small imperfections

[Astro4x4]

Well, I didn't nor do I know anyone that wet sands between coats unless they are fixing something or missed the recoat window for some reason. Seems like a lot of extra unnecessary work to me. I wet sanded only my final clear and polished it up. Did you read Mojoe's post http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=68107

[DayKat]

No, I haven't read Mojoe's post. Don't plan on doing so either. He may well have a technique I haven't tried but, I know what has worked for me over the past 35 years. Mind you though, I'm not discounting any instruction Mojoe has provided.

For some "un-necessary" is necessary.

BTW...O.C.D. came BEFORE A.D.D., I.M.H.O.!!!!!!!!

[kidblooper]

lol.. sounds scarey to me.. i'd make sure to get somthing really fine..

[kahunah]

Depends on the paint. Metallic bases cannot be wet sanded. (That is to say, the last coat before the clear.) The only paint I have ever wet sanded between coats was back in the days of lacquer. I have used PPG DBC for nearly 20 years. DT330 and 2000 grit is what I use to sand severe imperfections in the base coat. 600 & 800 grit on the hook-it DA between base coats (except the last) will make the final coat flat and smooth. You can use the hook-it system to sand the clear and then apply 2 more coats (called flow coating) then 600, 800 hook-it, 1500 wet, 2000 wet, coarse cut compound with a wool pad, microfine with a foam pad and finally hand glaze. ALOT of work, but a mirror in the ed.

[DayKat]

Did I mention that in these present days, I suffer more from A.D.D. than O.C.D.?????
Just wondering...