Wet Sanding

Posted by Mac on Apr 2, 2005

Just recently, a member mentioned that he didn't know when he had sanded enough between coats of varnish. I've recently come to realize that this is a difficult issue when dry sanding but oh so easy when wet sanding with 400 grit.

Take off the walkman, turn down the stereo and... listen. As you lightly wet sand into the minute nubs of the last coat, with it's microscopic dust and body parts, and then back on the return stroke, you'll hear a distinct difference in the whisper of the paper. Keep your paper really wet and when you don't hear any difference between the forward and backward strokes - you're done - move on.

This is one of the most satisfying experiences I've had building these kayaks - true Zen.

Real thin coats - real light pressure on the sanding block - always with the grain - oooohhh.

I'm hooked. This fits in perfectly with my "Fear of finishing". I'll just keep going until I run out of varnish. Or until Marjolaine threatens divorce if I don't help with the Spring cleaning.

The Zen of window washing? Bah

Replies:

• Re: Wet Sanding by Steve Miller on Apr 2, 2005
  • Re: Wet Sanding by ray on Apr 4, 2005
    • Re: Wet Sanding by Mac on Apr 4, 2005
      • Re: Wet Sanding by Paul on Apr 6, 2005
        • Re: Wet Sanding by Mac on Apr 6, 2005