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Author Topic:   To Wet Sand or to Dry Sand

lakeboy posted 04-30-2003 11:27 PM ET (US)
I am five coats into my wood refinishing project and was wondering if I should switch from dry 220 grit paper between coats to wet 220 paper (the black stuff) for the next 2 or or 3 coats? I was planning on switching to 0000 synthetic wool pads for the final two coats. If I switch to the 220 black paper should I actually soak it before or should I use it dry? If I use it wet, I assume that I would need to let it dry all the way before the next coat.
Also I have been thinning my varnish about 10% for the past few coats. Should I thin the final two coats, or use full strength varnish? I have read so many things I am starting to get confused.
I know these are a lot of questions, I really appreciate everyones comments.
msullivan006 posted 05-01-2003 10:28 AM ET (US)
I would say that it is time to go to unthinned varnish - usually only thin the first couple of coats. However, do be careful that the full coats are not applied thickly. More thin coats is a better and longer lasting finish. As for wet sanding, I have never seen it done on varnish, and would be concerned about introducing moisture. Go to about a 320 paper and you will get a great look, with perhaps a fine bronze wool for last coat. Now that you are up to 5 coats, you will start to really see some depth as you add the next 4-5. Best of luck.
Mike
mbenotti posted 05-01-2003 10:38 AM ET (US)
I just built a new mahogany console for my 13'. I applied 6 coats of varnish and did a wet sand in between each coat. If you are to wet sand, just dip the sandpaper in a cup of water and start to sand. If the wood needs more water you'll feel it... the sandpaper will "stick." A sufficient amount of water will feel smooth. After sanding, wipe down with paper towels and let dry. After it's dry, you'll need to remove the dust with a tack cloth. The moisture issue isn't a problem, just make sure you let it dry between coats. Good luck!

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Author	Topic: To Wet Sand or to Dry Sand
lakeboy	posted 04-30-2003 11:27 PM ET (US) I am five coats into my wood refinishing project and was wondering if I should switch from dry 220 grit paper between coats to wet 220 paper (the black stuff) for the next 2 or or 3 coats? I was planning on switching to 0000 synthetic wool pads for the final two coats. If I switch to the 220 black paper should I actually soak it before or should I use it dry? If I use it wet, I assume that I would need to let it dry all the way before the next coat. Also I have been thinning my varnish about 10% for the past few coats. Should I thin the final two coats, or use full strength varnish? I have read so many things I am starting to get confused. I know these are a lot of questions, I really appreciate everyones comments.
msullivan006	posted 05-01-2003 10:28 AM ET (US) I would say that it is time to go to unthinned varnish - usually only thin the first couple of coats. However, do be careful that the full coats are not applied thickly. More thin coats is a better and longer lasting finish. As for wet sanding, I have never seen it done on varnish, and would be concerned about introducing moisture. Go to about a 320 paper and you will get a great look, with perhaps a fine bronze wool for last coat. Now that you are up to 5 coats, you will start to really see some depth as you add the next 4-5. Best of luck. Mike
mbenotti	posted 05-01-2003 10:38 AM ET (US) I just built a new mahogany console for my 13'. I applied 6 coats of varnish and did a wet sand in between each coat. If you are to wet sand, just dip the sandpaper in a cup of water and start to sand. If the wood needs more water you'll feel it... the sandpaper will "stick." A sufficient amount of water will feel smooth. After sanding, wipe down with paper towels and let dry. After it's dry, you'll need to remove the dust with a tack cloth. The moisture issue isn't a problem, just make sure you let it dry between coats. Good luck!