Sanding schedule

[live4ever]

I typically sand bare wood to 180 or 220.  I have been getting great results with Brilliant2 at 220 and my new ETS 150/3.

The question is which sandpaper to invest in for sanding between finish coats and polishing/rubbing out.  What do you like to use between coats?  With my Dewalt sander and non-Festool paper, I was using 400 or 600 between finish coats (usually Target Coatings EM2000 or 6000).  Would Brilliant2 at 400 be a good choice?

In the past I have used the Micromesh abrasives for polishing/rubbing out the topcoat.  I am still considering that route, as it's considerably cheaper than stocking up on every grit of Platin.  Do you find you need every Platin grit, and has anyone compared Micromesh to Platin? 

Thanks!

 

[ajones]

why not have a look at the new granat paper

 

[live4ever]

right - so thoughts on how Granat would fit into my question are also welcome. 

 

[Tim Sproul]

Between coats - hand sand (I use Norton 3x 240 grit or finer).  Machine sanding removes way too much material.  You just need to remove small bumps/imperfections so they don't telegraph to the next coat.  Some finishes don't need sanding between coats if you appy the next coat soon enough.

For polishing to a piano finish - I use Titan and then switch to Menzerna polishes with sponges/wool pads.

 

[oldie]

+1 Tim.
I think sometimes (depending on the job in hand of course) hand-sanding is a 'baby thrown out with the bath water.'
Not long after I started using my RO150, I was talking with a co-worker about how impressive the machine was.
Was ready to put final coat on door.  So, perhaps to show off  [big grin] I put a (new) Brilliant 320 disc on, gently applied to door; in an instant had the most perfect circle you can imagine.  LOL.  Oh dear!
Still on a learning curve, so this sort of post still useful, although has been covered a few times I think.

 

[sancho57]

Depends on the finish you're using.

I use a water based finish, enduro coat. 100/120/180 grt