heppnerguy Posted June 14, 2015 Report Share Posted June 14, 2015 I have fought to obtain the smooth finish on my work but it seemed no matter what I tried I still had problem. I used light coats and several layers but I still do not obtain the results I am after. I bought 350 grit sand paper and I even waxed to try to get what I was after and then one day. I was looking in the auto section of Wal Mart and I saw 500 grit sand paper so I bought some and that worked. It gives me the smooth finish I have been after but does not leave any saw dust on my product when I use it. I also bought some 1000 grit bt found it was too fine and did not work as we'll. if you are having the same problem I was. Give this a try Dick heppnerguy Scrappile and oneleggimp 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgman Posted June 14, 2015 Report Share Posted June 14, 2015 Hey Dick, I use a folded sheet of brown paper from a grocery bag. It works like 600 grit sand paper, does not leave any sandy residue and it's free! I use to sand down any dust nubs between coats of spray lacquer. After the final coat I use it to even out the finish and to take down the shine as I don't like a high shine on my projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjR Posted June 14, 2015 Report Share Posted June 14, 2015 Thanks to BOTH of you--good advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrolling Steve Posted June 14, 2015 Report Share Posted June 14, 2015 This is good to know...Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ike Posted June 14, 2015 Report Share Posted June 14, 2015 I use 600 grit . I have used it for years. I got the idea in the machine shop we used it to polish parts that require a good finish it didn't change the finish much but it did look brighter, hey always said in the machine shop if you can't make ti right ;make it pretty amazingkevin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted June 14, 2015 Report Share Posted June 14, 2015 I'm not happy with my finishes either, way too much time wasted prepping and finishing,but when you get it right it take on a whole new look. oneleggimp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldhudson Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I have up to 4000 grit in the shop but I don't sand beyond 320 in woodworking, but I'm pretty careful about starting with a coarse enough grit and carefully working through to the end. I vacuum the work between coats. Often I apply some naptha to help see scratches in the surface. Mineral spirits does the same thing but naptha 'flashes off' faster. Finally, I think you should try sanding between costs of finish. I use the finer grits for sharpening plane irons, chisels blah blah instead of oil or water stones. oneleggimp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodduck Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I generally use 240 grit then work down to 600 or 800 Grit & dilute my varnish with about 30% of penatrol to even out the finish & hide those brush marks.Not sure if you Guys can buy it over there but if you can give it a go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I use 0000 steel wool between coats. The steel wool will leave behind particles, so I use an air compressor to blow it off. Just be careful with it getting caught in the fretwork and breaking delicate frets. I think sandpaper as mentioned would be safer, but this is what I use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.