Sanding Techniques

**Sonicxtacy02** · 02-09-2006, 07:34 AM

Well i've gone into the process of getting my 8 inch lilli molded into my center console. I'm using the bondo-hair then body filler. I've read thru a few posts that suggesting wetsanding provides the smoothest surface.. but what is wetsanding?

I've never worked with these materials and i'm just wondering how most people get it done. Are you hand sanding with just sandpaper? Using a sanding block, or even an electric sander? I know i have alot of work ahead I'm just attempting to use the best technique to prevent mistakes. So far after one layer of bondo-hair it looks good to me (though i think i overdid the bondo hair a tad). Any suggestions for sanding technique would be appreciated.

**justintime** · 02-09-2006, 07:37 AM

I would leave it just like that. It looks great!

**Sonicxtacy02** · 02-09-2006, 09:01 AM

yea i was thinking that but it would seriously clash with my pink dashboard.

**DOHCrazy** · 02-09-2006, 09:19 AM

Wow.

Usually you try to get it at close as possible when applying, so you minimize sanding.

Some sort of power sander would help you.

Start with 36. Then go to 80, 220, 400.

If you want to paint it and make it look like the outside of the car, wetsand with 600, and then 1000, and then do the whole paintin thing. If your texture matching, youll only need to dry sand to 100-220.

Wet sanding uses a special paper while running water over the paper and item.

Sanding by hand is usually enough. Sand across your fingers. With that kitty hair though, you have A LOT of work to do. Like I said, a power tool will help.

**ROMbler** · 02-09-2006, 09:25 AM

Wet sanding means keeping the sandpaper wet by dipping it in water periodically while sanding. I used a 'sanding sponge' I purchased from Home Depot when I painted my last pc case. If you don't use the sanding sponge you at least need sandpaper that will not fall appart when you get it wet. You dip the sander in water while sanding to keep the grit free of dust, and the water acts like a lubricant when running the sander over the surface and can give you a smoother finish.

**Sonicxtacy02** · 02-09-2006, 09:42 AM

thank you for the information. I know i have alot of work to do i just found it VERY important to get the frame in there so its not coming out. I'm gonna start sanding before adding the body filler just to create a smoother surface.

**ROMbler** · 02-09-2006, 10:15 AM

looking forward to seeing this finished... I still have to work up the courage to do this to my dash - never used fiberglass before

**Altimat** · 02-10-2006, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by Sonicxtacy02

thank you for the information. I know i have alot of work to do i just found it VERY important to get the frame in there so its not coming out. I'm gonna start sanding before adding the body filler just to create a smoother surface.

And to create adhesion. What is the red frosting all over the top? I hope that isn't the hardener???

**justintime** · 02-10-2006, 08:12 AM

That would make a great bezel for Austin Power's car.

**Sonicxtacy02** · 02-10-2006, 08:59 AM

i went back and removed ALL the kitty hair. I'm just gonna use it on the back of the bezel to fill the cracks. I've applied two layers of bondo and done some sanding. I'll throw up a pic later today. Its looking MUCH better than the previous shot lol.