Marine High-Performance Abrasives (sandpaper)

There comes a time in our lives when we have this quest to take heavy machinery in hand. Often the job that seems like the easiest to conquer with heavy machinery is the ever popular "Power Sanding" ( and of course it's counter part, hand sanding) The right equipment and a lot of patience are  often the main ingredients to this undertaking. In part One we explore " Sand paper"

These are general recommendations. When using paints, varnishes, coatings, etc., follow manufacturers' application instructions.

               Refinishing application         Recommended Abrasive Grade
Varnish
               Stripping old varnish                     60, 80 or 100 
               Between coats                               220 or 320   
               Before final coat                           600
                 On final coat*                             1200
Bottom Paint
               Stripping old paint                         24, 36 or 40   
                Light sanding                                60, 80 or 100 
              Between coats (if needed)               80, 100 or 120
Gelcoat               
           Stripping old gelcoat                         24, 36 or 40
           Heavy sanding                            60, 80, 100, 120 or 150     
            Intermediate sanding                        220 or 320     
              Finish sanding*                              600 or 800
Fairing Compound
              Heavy sanding                                24, 36 or 40   
            Intermediate sanding                         60, 80 or 100       
                Finish sanding                          120, 150, 180 or 220
Epoxy
           Heavy sanding                                   60, 80, 100 or 120   
              Intermediate sanding                          180 or 220
Topside Paint
           Stripping old paint                                  36, 40 or 60
           Intermediate sanding                       80, 100, 120 or 150 
              Sanding prior to repainting               150, 180 or 220
Primer
               Between primer coats                     150, 180 or 220
Painted Wood
                  Stripping old finish                           36 or 40   
                Intermediate sanding                       60, 80 or 100     
                  Finish sanding                             120, 150 or 180
Metal 
              Stripping old finish                            36 or 40
                 Rust removal                              40, 60, 80 or 100 
               Light sanding                               150, 180 or 220

* Before compounding and/or glazing if imperfections require, or brilliant gloss is desired.

These are considered the basics, and fine tuning the selection to your needs, application, and available machinery is suggested. In other words, if your not sure, try it in a spot that won't show....

In Part 2, we will look closer at application of this information as well as wet and dry sanding...