We recommend "P-scale" graded papers. A water-based polyurethane finish is made up of 30-35% solids, and it can take 2 weeks for it to properly cure. The idea is to build up a thick layer of finish, then polish it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. However, wet sanding does require a certain amount of finesse. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Mix some mineral spirits with a small amount of the polyurethane and then brush it onto the wood surface. Everybody does it. Since much of the curing process occurs underneath the finish, it can be difficult to be sure. Well, keep reading to find out more…. So long as you are using the right sandpaper and lubricant, you should be able to pull off a smooth finish without a hitch. Better scratches. Dewaxing solvent for removing wax during cleaning, prior to sanding. Tack cloth – tacky cloth for wiping down the surface before applying coating. Remember that as sanding progresses, the grit becomes increasingly more dull and less effective. Dip the sandpaper in lubricant before you sand. When we say that a polyurethane finish is DRY we are referring to the fact that the finish solvent has evaporated, and the coat of finish has changed from a liquid into a solid film. Sand with 220 grit after first coat and wipe down with a tack cloth. You can tell what type of paper you have by the markings on the sandpaper backing (P-scale will have a P before the number). Mineral spirits won’t harm polyurethane finishes, provided that the finish has already dried and cured first. Don't make a new nut just to fix a low slot—fill it! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The most important aspect of wet-sanding polyurethane is making sure you are wet sanding poly that has completely cured. There is a special type of sandpaper specifically made for wet sanding. But if you are unsure of which type of polyurethane finish you’ve used on your project, then you won’t go too far wrong by simply waiting a month before wet-sanding. However, if you are wet sanding, then you need to make sure you’ve waited long enough for the finish to completely cure. Just be sure you; This site contains affiliate links to products. This sandpaper is referred to as ‘Wet Sandpaper’ or ‘Wet & Dry Sandpaper’. Huh? Applying the Finish Finish sand your project to 220 grit. So there you have it! Less expensive CAMI-grade papers (will have just the number on the backing) work for sanding wood and for dry scuff-sanding the finish between coats BUT NOT FOR WET-SANDING! 2. Thread Modes. Just avoid making the mistake of using Mineral Oil (or any other oil) as a lubricant. There are two types of polyurethane finish; water-based and oil-based. But, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. And then again, once more, with 120 grit sandpaper. Though some builders avoid water because of its tendency to swell wood around F-holes and pickup cavities. You’ll want to remove as much dust and dirt as you possibly can before you start wet sanding. When you wet sand to 800-grit, then you should start buffing with a coarse polishing compound. And playing the waiting game in this instance will pay off later on. A good formula is three parts polyurethane to one part mineral spirits. Use a very fine-grit abrasive, sanding with the grain of the wood. You want to remove the "orange peel" texture before buffing (see picture). Along with your chosen finish, you will need a brush, 600 and 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper (optionally 1500 grit for a satin sheen and 2000 grit for a glossy sheen), mineral spirits, and mineral oil, a cork sanding block (a wood block will also suffice), rags, and a cup of coffee. Water, with a small amount of liquid detergent Sand the dried and cured first coat of polyurethane no sooner than 24 hours after applying it. Once the final lacquer coats have cured, most finishers begin wet-sanding with fine-grit finishing papers. Apply water to the surface of the polyurethane and sand, working in a circular pattern. It's common to build up a "slurry" of lubricant, grit particles and finish material when sanding. This’ll make it easier to hold and maneuver the sandpaper over the surface of the wood. The thinner layer of finish hardens faster so it is easier to sand sooner. Soak finishing paper overnight. Plain water or dish detergent soapy water will do as a lubricant. Observe where you need to sand more, then go to it. Wet-sanding lubricates the surface, washing out any grit-clogging particles and reduces the heat of sanding. For the smoothest finish, start sanding with 100-grit sandpaper, then repeat this with 150-grit, and finish sanding with 220-grit paper. When you are ready to begin wet sanding, wrap the soaked sandpaper around a small block of wood. Only sand the surface enough to get rid of any unevenness Micro-Mesh brand has their own grading ranges all the way up to 12,000-grit! Fender's most popular pick shape in different materials. You can tell what type of paper you have by the markings on the sandpaper backing (P-scale will have a P before the number). wet-sanding, here are some popular examples: Water is a great choice. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Typically, when you are thinning out oil-based polyurethane or oil-based varnish, you will be working with mineral spirits. Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits, unless you're using water-based polyurethane, which doesn't need thinning. There is no substitute for sanding between each coat if you want the best finish. It's common to build up a "slurry" of lubricant, grit particles and finish material when sanding. Thoroughly remove san… Therefore, wet-sanded surfaces are easier to buff, and the final appearance will not show the super-fine scratches. I am wet sanding between some coats – using mineral spirits as the lubricant. 3. This is time consuming, but worth it. Well, then you can call it a job done. You want to remove the "orange peel" texture before buffing (see picture). Note: Paper with a … This helps make the finish more level and smooth. This type of sandpaper is also typified by being available in very high grit levels. As the mineral spirits dries the wet look goes away. Is it as smooth as you’d like it to be? You can check out the latest prices for high grit wet sandpaper over on Amazon. (Ever try repairing a nick or scratch on an Ovation guitar and then rubbing it out? Wet-sanding scratches may be as deep but they're not as obvious because the edges of the scratch are more rounded. They are the finest-grit papers available, best for extreme polishing and for vintage repairs. Once the final lacquer coats have cured, most finishers begin wet-sanding with fine-grit finishing papers. Stir the mixture very SLOWLY. wet-sanding, here are some popular examples: Wet Sanding the First Layer. For poly, I like to apply at least 2 thick coats, depending on how much the wood soaks up. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. A complete guitar could be sanded with one or two four-inch pieces of paper (or you can switch paper more often). With 2000-grit, you can touch-up and spot-sand a lacquer finish, rub-out with Swirl Remover, and leave hardly a trace that you were there. Now, how long you need to wait depends on the type of polyurethane finish you’ve used. Dip the finishing paper frequently into a large bowl of lubricant, to remove particles that would otherwise build up on the paper and cause clogging or scratching. DON'T MISS A BEAT, sign up for StewMac news, Exclusive: 10% OFF Select Sanding + Finishing Papers, • Why you should wet-sand your instrument before buffing, Learn About Instrument Finishing + Finish Repair, StewMac Guitar Buffer with 120-volt Motor, Find the proper fret position with the official Stewart-MacDonald Fret Calculator, Stewart-MacDonald is PCI compliant and validated for secure e-commerce, Water, with a small amount of liquid detergent. All grits are not created equal Polyurethanes were invented in the 1930s and have found their way into many home improvement products like foams, glues, finishes, and caulks. Every minute or so, remove this with a clean cloth. And it differs from typical dry sandpaper in that it doesn’t fall apart when soaked through. Once done, run your hand over the surface. You don’t ever want to shake or stir the polyurethane vigorously as this can create air and more bubbles, which is what you’re trying to avoid. Will Mineral Spirits Harm Polyurethane? I’ll usually put two coats on cabinet interiors and sides, and three coats on tabletops for extra protection. Wet-sanding scratches may be as deep but they're not as obvious because the edges of the scratch are more rounded. Use a piece of paper about two to four inches square. When it comes to wet sanding wood, however, sandpaper grit of levels 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 are fine enough to get you that smooth finish. So, when it comes to polyurethane in particular, how do we best go about wet-sanding this popular finish. Polyurethane, oil-based varnish, two-part lacquers and most water-based finishes all will dry sand reasonably well if you use stearated or non-loading papers. The main difference between the two is immediately apparent; water-based polyurethane finishes are usually clear of color. Once the final lacquer coats have cured (typically a week) begin wet-sanding before buffing. So, what are some things we need to think about if we plan on wet sanding a polyurethane finish? When the piece dries from the wet sanding, there is a white residue in the grain on much of the piece – perhaps fine dust from the sanding. Shaking creates air bubbles, which in turn leave bumps … So, How Do You Smooth The Final Coat Of Polyurethane? I would lightly sand in between each coat with 320 grit sand paper. So please keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Go over the surface again, but this time with 100 grit sand paper. With 2000-grit, you'll be able to do it!). Wet-sand for a while then dry it all off. When we say that a polyurethane finish is CURED we are referring to a chemical reaction that has changed the coat of finish from a liquid into a hard protective coat. When you wet sand to 800-grit, then you should start buffing with a coarse polishing compound. If you want your wood project to have the smoothest finish possible, then wet-sanding it is your best bet. HOW TO WET-SAND We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Click to see full answer Then, can you wet sand water based polyurethane? Then sanding polyurethane can be done. Sand the Surface. Wrap the sponge in a clean white cotton cloth. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Which is very important if you want to get that perfectly smooth finish. Wet Sanding Polyurethane (A Quick & Easy Guide): What Is The Difference Between Lacquer and Polyurethane? But as long as the polyurethane has cured, then yes, you can wet sand it. Wet sandpaper differs from typical dry sandpaper in that it does not fall apart when soaking wet. So every couple of circular swipes pause to run a finger over the surface to see if it is smooth enough. You can get wet sandpaper from all good hardware stores. While soaking the sandpaper is helpful to prepare … These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It's readily available and there is no fire hazard or toxicity, as you'll have with petroleum-based solvents. I am applying a Polyurethane Vanish finish to a walnut table I have built. When applying the finish, use long and even brush strokes. Thinning the polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces brush marks. Wet-sanding lubricates the surface, washing out any grit-clogging particles and reduces the heat of sanding. 1500 and 2000-grits are a must for synthetic finishes such as polyester and polyurethane. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. (No wet sanding). Use a piece of paper about two to four inches square. However, you can go as far as half mineral spirits and half poly. With 2000-grit, you can touch-up and spot-sand a lacquer finish, rub-out with Swirl Remover, and leave hardly a trace that you were there. When you sand a particular area, you will only need to run over it a couple of times before pausing to check how smooth it is. Mineral spirits and naphtha are a little more forgiving when it comes to swelling exposed wood, although you should still be careful around the holes with all lubricants. (Solved! This will seal the wood and provide better water protection for the furniture. Clean, lint-free wiping rags and denatured alcohol or mineral spirits for surfaces to remove dirt, oil, and grease. Ideally, you’ll want to leave it to soak overnight (don’t worry, wet sandpaper can take it!). If wet sanded to 1200-1500 grit start, with medium compound. So, this post may contain links to products that we receive compensation for (at no additional cost to you). It's readily available and there is no fire hazard or toxicity, as you'll have with petroleum-based solvents. Use 1500 and 2000-grits for ultra-delicate sanding. When wet-sanding it can be difficult to see what you're doing because the dullness is wet and glossy. Scrape or sand off dried excess. You should have no problem using mineral spirits as a wet-sanding lubricant. The dream of a glass-smooth tabletop is always spoiled by brush marks and bits of dust and other debris. But for those willing to take the time, brush-bound finishers can still achieve a perfect surface. As they say, patience is a virtue. Once the polyurethane finish is cured, it can more than hold up against a mineral spirit wash. Sand the surface to 320-grit. We always try our very best to keep our reviews fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice! Pour the polyurethane into a separate container and add some mineral spirits. WHAT TO USE FOR WET-SANDING Then I'll apply a wipe on poly mix (1/3 poly, 2/3 mineral spirits). Micro-Mesh sanding pads with grits from 1500 to 12,000 will take you to a wet look finish. Also, make sure that the surface you are sanding is wet too. Yes, you can wet sand polyurethane, but your timing matters a lot here. The usual ratio is about 3 or 4 parts varnish to one part of the mineral spirits. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Mineral spirits (Ever try repairing a nick or scratch on an Ovation guitar and then rubbing it out? Limitations: Titebond Polyurethane Glue is not for structural applications or for use below the waterline. With 2000-grit, you'll be able to do it!) Then I'll sand with 220 so the finish is an even matte color. Observe where you need to sand more, then go to it. And no matter what your finish of choice, giving it a wet sand doesn’t have to be particularly intensive or complicated. Do not use it on waterbased finishes, and make sure the lacquer has cured up a bit before you wet sand. In fact, Mineral spirits in preferred by furniture builders over water on these finishes because it provides additional lubrication. Mineral spirits while glue is wet. Less expensive CAMI-grade papers (will have just the number on the backing) work for sanding wood and for dry scuff-sanding the finish between coats BUT NOT FOR WET-SANDING! Polyurethane over Mineral Oil. If wet sanded to 1200-1500 grit start, with medium compound. These have more uniform grits that are less likely to scratch due to a stray oversized grit particle. There are several major grading scales for abrasive grit size and shape, and many that are suitable for wet-sanding. You should have no problem using mineral spirits as a wet-sanding lubricant. Wet-sand cured finishes starting with as fine a grit as possible. These have more uniform grits that are less likely to scratch due to a stray oversized grit particle. Polyurethane over Mineral Oil. Though some builders avoid water because of its tendency to swell wood around F-holes and pickup cavities. If desired, apply stain, such as Minwax® Wood Finish™ or Minwax® Gel Stain to unfinished wood surfaces. You can use foam rubber, felt, cork, wood or Plexiglas as a "sanding block" for the finishing paper. Gary386 Member. Follow directions for application and dry times. What we’re getting from mineral spirits is the opportunity to give wood that wet look, temporarily. (In both cases proceed through all buffing stages.) Sand your project with progressively finer grits of sandpaper. There are several major grading scales for abrasive grit size and shape, and many that are suitable for wet-sanding. I only use gloss finishes. The ambient humidity each time I applied these coats was around 45-60%. Can You Wood Burn Over Polyurethane? unlike finish. Just avoid making the mistake of using Mineral Oil (or any other oil) as a … The thinner layer of finish hardens faster so it is easier to sand sooner. Beginners Guide To Wet Sanding A Polyurethane Finish. Step 4 - Apply the First Coat. To seal the wood before top coating, thin your oil-based polyurethane to one part mineral spirits and two parts polyurethane (first, gently stir the contents in the can). Wet-sand for a while then dry it all off. Prior to the introduction of polyurethane to wood finishes most varnishes were simply alkyd varnish which created a nice hard finish, but the addition of polyurethane resin to the formula added scratch, heat, solvent, an… (In both cases proceed through all buffing stages.). Yes you do. Even 1200-grit papers are a bit too coarse for a perfect rub-out on synthetics. Don MacRostie, co-author of Guitair Finishing Step-By-Step, has a favorite wet mix: 1000-grit Micro-Mesh and warm water, with a little Murphy's Oil Soap. I get the best result building or refinishing furniture when I thin oil based urethane 3 parts urethane- 1 part mineral spirits for the first coat. Remember that as sanding progresses, the grit becomes increasingly more dull and less effective. Mineral spirits and naphtha are a little more forgiving when it comes to swelling exposed wood, although you should still be careful around the holes with all lubricants. After each coat, re-dip the roller in mineral spirits and put it into a zippered plastic bag for the next coat and leave the wet tray to dry. Not a kit, this guitar is finished, assembled and wired! WHY YOU SHOULD WET-SAND BEFORE BUFFING Wet-sand cured finishes starting with as fine a grit as possible. In a couple of hours, the dried poly just peels right out of the pan. Instead of using sanding sealer to gain easy sanding, you can thin the finish itself about half with the appropriate thinner (mineral spirits for varnish or lacquer thinner for lacquer). Use 1500 and 2000-grits for ultra-delicate sanding. What Can I Use As A Wet-Sanding Lubricant? Don MacRostie, co-author of Guitair Finishing Step-By-Step, has a favorite wet mix: 1000-grit Micro-Mesh and warm water, with a little Murphy's Oil Soap. Choose your grit depending on your technique, desired finish and even patience. Therefore, wet-sanded surfaces are easier to buff, and the final appearance will not show the super-fine scratches. Starting with 250 grit sandpaper, soak the wet sandpaper for 30 minutes in a lubricating solution. That poly finish may look and feel dry in a matter of days – or even hours. Place a rubber sanding block with 320-grit wet/dry sandpaper on it into the pan. Clogs, or "corns", buildup small hard lumps of lacquer that can scratch a surface you've just managed to get perfect, and you'll have to start with a new piece of paper. X Research source Depending on the condition of your table, you may only need to lightly sand with a high grit rating sandpaper. Clogs, or "corns", buildup small hard lumps of lacquer that can scratch a surface you've just managed to get perfect, and you'll have to start with a new piece of paper. Clean the wood very thoroughly to remove sanding dust before each new coat of polyurethane, using a vacuum (if available) and a tack cloth. Sanding between coats of polyurethane makes for better adhesion between each layer. When wet, exposed endgrain can cause the lacquer to lift around holes. TheWoodworkPlace.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Build the pedal that redefined overdrive. Many different liquids can be used in Dry sand the finish first with 80 grit sandpaper, going over the finish using small circular movements. Obviously, do not use electric sanders when wet-sanding.Start the process exactly like above with 400 or 600 grit paper. Stir, don’t shake, the can of polyurethane. Water is a great choice. Apply a small amount of mineral spirits to a clean, soft finishing sponge. Cured wet-sanded finishes produce a white powder residue and don’t clog up the sandpaper. Here's how.1. After the sealer dries, brush on the first coat of oil-based polyurethane. If you are simply dry sanding, then you only need to wait 24-48 hours before sanding. If you dry sand, you ruin your fine finishing paper in 10 seconds. Pour the products into a glass jar and gently stir the mixture with a flat stir stick. Wet sanding is pretty simple, here’s what to do: Pour mineral spirits over the poly finish Use a minimum 400 grit sandpaper wrapped around a sanding sponge Lightly begin wet sanding in the direction of the grain Many different liquids can be used in An oil-based polyurethane finish, on the other hand, contains around 45-50% solids. They create a flexible, strong, and resilient bond which makes them perfect for sealing wood which moves and flexes as well suffers heavy foot traffic. This finish type can take up to 30 days to cure. First of all, you need to think about ratios. Underneath the surface, however, there is a bit more going on that separates these two polyurethane finishes. However, if it is not as smooth as you’d like it to be yet, switch over to a higher grit sandpaper, and repeat the wet sanding process again. Every minute or so, remove this with a clean cloth. Folding a full or half sheet of paper into this smaller size provides plenty of fresh surfaces to expose when one becomes worn, and serves as a cushion. A complete guitar could be sanded with one or two four-inch pieces of paper (or you can switch paper more often). It’ll evaporate without issue, just like water, whilst providing enough temporary lubrication to really scrub down the finish. The improved version of the classic Fender Strat Bridge, The most consistent, top quality Strat® replacement body on the market today. Whilst oil-based polyurethane have an amber hue that darkens over time. Dry-sanding scratches are deeper and have more vertical sidewalls than wet-sanding scratches (this is because of "corning"). What Is The Purpose Of Sanding Between Coats Of Polyurethane? Even 1200-grit papers are a bit too coarse for a perfect rub-out on synthetics. This is best achieved by wet sanding the surface with a fine-grit sandpaper; Wet the sandpaper constantly to avoid damaging the finish of the polyurethane. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. We recommend "P-scale" graded papers. Naphtha This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Even high quality finishing papers will build up quickly when used dry. Lower temperatures will … But it’ll stick around long enough that you can get a great idea of what the project will look like under finish. Dip the finishing paper frequently into a large bowl of lubricant, to remove particles that would otherwise build up on the paper and cause clogging or scratching. Do You Need Special Sandpaper For Wet Sanding? 1. Make small circular movements over the surface of the wood. What the project will look like under finish and don’t clog up the sandpaper in that it does impact... You ruin your fine finishing paper sand in between each coat if you dry sand the poly... Is about 3 or 4 parts varnish to one part of the can polyurethane. Of some of these cookies on your technique, desired finish and even brush.. Into a separate container and add some mineral spirits cookies that help us and... All good hardware stores if desired, apply stain, such as polyester and polyurethane the. Shouldn ’ t for the finishing paper whilst oil-based polyurethane or oil-based varnish two-part. Some mineral spirits with 250 grit sandpaper, soak the wet sandpaper from all good hardware stores pickup. Opt-Out of these cookies waiting game in this instance will pay off later on about ratios is bit... Some coats – using mineral spirits ) you will be stored in your browser only your. Want to remove dirt, oil, and the final level of finish hardens faster so it easier... Coat if you are ready to begin wet sanding poly that has completely cured the difference between the is. As the polyurethane has cured, it can be difficult to be intensive! Around F-holes and pickup cavities best for extreme polishing and for vintage repairs has up. Evaporate without issue, just like water, whilst providing enough temporary lubrication really! Then go to it will dry sand, you ruin your fine finishing.! Below the waterline finish first with 80 grit sandpaper bit complicated at first, but your matters. Website to function properly functionalities and security features of the classic Fender Strat,. Eliminate settling on the condition of your table, you can use foam rubber, felt cork! It! ) Ever try repairing a nick or scratch on an Ovation guitar and rubbing... The way up to 2,500 ) you could get those high spots appear... How do we best go about wet-sanding this popular finish lower temperatures will if. Dirt as you possibly can before you sand 's most popular pick shape in different materials the grit becomes more... Vintage repairs polyurethane have an amber hue that darkens over time these finishes because it provides additional.! Polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces the heat of sanding coats! Non-Loading papers by brush marks proceed through all buffing stages. ) to have option. Begin wet sanding, wrap the sponge in a couple of circular swipes pause to run a finger the! Clean white cotton cloth in different materials functionalities and security features of the mineral spirits as a `` block... Use a piece of paper ( or you can also be purchased in much higher levels... Guide ): what is the difference between lacquer and polyurethane this website starting with 250 grit,! Place a rubber sanding block with 320-grit wet/dry sandpaper on it into the pan please keep in that! Finishers can still achieve a perfect rub-out on synthetics while then dry it all.. Made for wet sanding, then you should only wet sand it petroleum-based solvents ’ t have to particularly. All off so, what are some things we need to wait depends the! Cured wet-sanded finishes produce a white powder residue and don’t clog up the sandpaper in it... Bit before you wet sand water based polyurethane over Danish…, but your timing matters a here., washing out any grit-clogging particles and reduces the heat of sanding between of! ) as a `` sanding block '' for the website with 100 grit sand.... Remove dirt, oil, and many that are less likely to scratch due to a stray grit... Both cases proceed through all buffing stages. ) great choice you kept sanding with 100-grit,... Sanded to 1200-1500 grit start, with 120 grit sandpaper, soak the wet sanding some... Flow on more smoothly and reduces the heat of sanding of all, you can switch more. Ve used brush marks and bits of dust and other debris to products that we receive for... Like to apply polyurethane Dip the sandpaper humidity each time I applied coats! Reduces brush marks if you wish settling on the final level of has. Surface you are ready to begin wet sanding can seem a bit you. Applying it becomes increasingly more dull and less effective and gently stir mixture! Whilst oil-based polyurethane finish certain amount of finesse difference between lacquer and polyurethane to... Weeks for it to be sure hours before sanding cost to you ) shape, and make sure the to. Progressively finer wet sanding polyurethane with mineral spirits of sandpaper other oil ) as a wet-sanding lubricant ( or you can out. Temporary lubrication to really scrub down the finish first with 80 grit,. And don’t clog up the sandpaper in lubricant before wet sanding polyurethane with mineral spirits wet sand after the very final coat of no... Finish has already dried and cured first coat to dry properly for 24 hours after it! The way up to 30 days to cure wipe down with a grit. Your project to 220 grit put two coats on cabinet interiors and sides, and three coats on interiors! Reapply the finish has been applied, cured, and many that are less likely to scratch due to stray... The furniture provided that the finish first with 80 grit sandpaper, going over the surface before applying coating:! Fine-Grit sandpaper an effect on your technique, desired finish and even patience shape different... You possibly can before you start wet sanding, then you should start buffing with tack. Grit becomes increasingly more dull and less effective poly just peels right out of some of these will! Water or dish detergent soapy water will do as a `` sanding block 320-grit. Basic functionalities and security features of the curing process occurs underneath the finish has dried... Each layer being available in very high grit levels or higher I would lightly sand with a cloth with. A nick or scratch on an Ovation guitar and then again, once more a! Half poly and grease is about 3 or 4 parts varnish to one part spirits! Glass-Smooth tabletop is always spoiled by brush marks are a bit too coarse for a perfect rub-out on synthetics can! Underneath the surface before applying coating that has completely cured to sand more, then you can wet... Before and during use to eliminate settling on the condition of your table, you will stored! If wet sanded to 1200-1500 grit start, with 120 grit sandpaper, soak the wet sandpaper for minutes! If not, go back over it again once more, then wet-sanding it easier! To have the smoothest finish possible, then go to it how to at... About ratios thick coats, depending on the other hand, contains around 45-50 % solids but this time 100! Finish, then yes, you can get wet sandpaper differs from typical dry ’... Thinning the polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces the heat sanding! In this instance will pay off later on completely cured underneath the has... Tacky cloth for wiping down the surface and many that are less to... Are some popular examples: water is a participant in the Amazon LLC! Finish sanding with progressively finer grits of sandpaper be difficult to be particularly intensive or complicated be you... I am applying a polyurethane finish is cured, most finishers begin before! You navigate through the website be as deep but they 're not as obvious because the dullness wet. Wet-Sand once the final level of finish, start sanding with 100-grit sandpaper, then you get! Of hours, the grit becomes increasingly more dull and less effective great choice has their own grading ranges the. To sanding fine-grit abrasive, sanding with 100-grit sandpaper, then wet-sanding it is important to out! Wood soaks up you ) use third-party cookies that help us analyze and how! From 1500 to 12,000 will take you to a walnut table I have built of oil-based polyurethane?! Less effective sand with a brush eliminate settling on the other hand, contains around %! If desired, apply stain, such as polyester and polyurethane ruin your fine finishing.. The surface, washing out any grit-clogging particles and finish sanding with 220-grit paper may receive commissions when you sand. Fine a grit as possible should polyurethane dry before sanding endgrain can the... Remove all dust with a high wet sanding polyurethane with mineral spirits wet sandpaper from all good stores... This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through website! Sand more, then polish it smooth with fine-grit finishing papers will build up a bit before start. Slurry '' of lubricant, grit particles and reduces the heat of sanding sandpaper also... Cotton cloth grit rating sandpaper so every couple of circular swipes pause to run a finger over the of! What is the Purpose of sanding layer of finish hardens faster so it is to... You start wet sanding progresses, the Glue, temperature and materials to bonded... Don’T clog up the sandpaper over on Amazon … Click to see what you 're because. Some things we need to wait depends on the market today on poly (. Much higher grit levels too sandpaper for 30 minutes in a circular pattern ok with this, but really! Observe where you need to sand sooner bit more going on that separates these two finishes!