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Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Hello:
I was picking up some 400 and 600 grit sandpaper yesterday, and saw that there is also a 1500 grit. It said "mirror finish" on it. I've used up to 600 grit, but always before a final topcoat of paint. Can someone tell me what 1500 grit is used for? Can it be used after the final coat of paint has been applied. Thanks again - I appreciate all the answers I get here! Ron |
Stanyon Inner circle Landrum, S.C. by way of Chicago 3433 Posts |
The higher the grit the finer the finish. Higher grits are generally used in the wet sanding categories. (Read that as, the more sandpaper it will take to get where you want the finish to be.) 600 grit and above are capable of restoring lacquer finishes.
Google "sandpaper 1500 grit"; there's a whole world of knowledge out there. FWIW Cheers!
Stanyon
aka Steve Taylor "Every move a move!" "If you've enjoyed my performance half as much as I've enjoyed performing for you, then you've enjoyed it twice as much as me!" |
Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Thanks, Stanyon. I've found some information on a couple good sites. From what I understand, I can use a sanding block, and sand the surface with 1500 grit, and it will give me a smoother, better looking surface. I just have to be careful about not going through the layer I'm sanding.
Does that sound right? Ron |
Stanyon Inner circle Landrum, S.C. by way of Chicago 3433 Posts |
Yup!
Cheers!
Stanyon
aka Steve Taylor "Every move a move!" "If you've enjoyed my performance half as much as I've enjoyed performing for you, then you've enjoyed it twice as much as me!" |
Jeff Dial Special user Kent, WA 533 Posts |
In my business I use 1000 and 1500 grit sandpaper when repairing super high gloss pianos. The finish on those nowadays is a catalyzed polyester. (No it is not a thowback to dicso.) Even after stepping through 600, 1000, and 1500 I still need to buff it out with a couple grits of polishing compound.
With the polyester repairs I am repairing smaller areas, maybe 1" diameter at most. When sanding I always sand at right angles with each successive grit. That way you can see if you have missed any of the sanding marks. The finer grits really are for sanding out imperfections in the finish and would not need to be used directly on the wood or other raw surface. Depending on the use you might not need to go to all the effort to get that glossy. This is the kind of sanding processes auto body shops use. I am curious what you might be building or finishing that would require a super high gloss finish.
"Think our brains must be too highly trained, Majikthise" HHGG
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silverking Inner circle 4574 Posts |
It's interesting you mention pianos Jeff. Some of the newer Chinese grand pianos, although technically certainly not a Steinway, have some of the most beautiful high gloss catalyzed poly finishes I've ever seen on ANY woodwork.
We're talking 1500 grit and more than a few polishing compounds after that to bring them to that much of a gloss. Down side to a magic prop with that high of a gloss is the same as a piano with the same high gloss finish......the slightest brush of any abrasive (including your jacket) against the surface will put scratches into it. They can be polished out, but that in and of itself requires a certain level of skill in order to not make it worse! Another consideration unique to using magic props is that a high gloss may very well expose elements through reflections which are not in your best interest to expose! |
billfromoregon Special user 608 Posts |
As an aside, sandpaper is excellent for sharpening tools. Placed on a flat surface (glass is perfect), you can start at a rough grit if your tool is in desperae shape, and work your way up to 1500 or 2000 grit, then finish with automotive buffing compound for a mirror finish and razor edge. Having used a variety of other methods (oil stones, japanese waterstones, etc.) this is the fastest, easiest and cheapest method out there. Michael Dunbar has an excellent article on this in Fine Woodworking, and there are other, more recent articles now that this is becoming more popular.
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Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Hello:
Thanks for the help, everyone. I wasn't really looking to use the 1500 grit paper, but just happened to notice it while I was buyong a lower grit. The "Mirror Finish" label on the paper also caught my attention. I have a silk cabby I'm restoring right now, and have just added a clear lacquer finish (high gloss) to it. I'm very happy with the finish, but thought maybe the 1500 would make it look even better. I'm not sure I want to try it now. It sounds like it may be work than just gently sanding it - I've never used rubbing compounds and such. Anyway more advice and/or hints will sure be appreciated. Again, thanks to everyone who's responded. Ron |
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