Sanding process.. Types of sanders?

aeilers

Cadet
Joined
May 17, 2011
Messages
21
I am about to start my boat painting process, the deck that is.. Was wondering what is a good sanding method.. air or elect? grit? The paint is light on the deck with new fiberglass under it. Can I buy a cheap sander? or needs to be quality? Any suggestions?
 

Ciera2450

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 8, 2011
Messages
1,049
Re: Sanding process.. Types of sanders?

I used a DA sander which worked very well.

I suppose you could use whatever you want as long as you do a thorough job....

Even by hand:eek:
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Sanding process.. Types of sanders?

Electric Random Orbit with vacuum attachment would be my choice. 60 Grit
 

Tahorover

Chief Petty Officer
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Mar 7, 2011
Messages
572
Re: Sanding process.. Types of sanders?

I really like my 5" Milwaukee, it takes PSA and hook & loop paper. It has a dust bag or will accept a vacuum hose.

I have a 1/4 sheet as well and I almost never use it. I buy rolls of a hundred of PSA paper from the auto body supply house.
 

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Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
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Feb 26, 2005
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5,581
Re: Sanding process.. Types of sanders?

I am about to start my boat painting process, the deck that is.. Was wondering what is a good sanding method.. air or elect? grit? The paint is light on the deck with new fiberglass under it. Can I buy a cheap sander? or needs to be quality? Any suggestions?

It all depends on how well you are with power tools.

A DA will do some damage quickly if your not used to them. I suggest using an electric 1/4 sheet square palm sander for beginners .. a DA or random orbital for more experienced people.

As far as grit .. it depends on what kind of prep your trying to achieve. Are you trying to Remove paint..or just scuff it for primer .. or just prep it for direct paint application..

Most primers that I've used to needs 120ish grit for prep..most paints that I've used require 320-400 grit. Any thing less then 120 be for gelcoat application..or paint stripping..

Got pics :) .

YD.
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 29, 2009
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25,932
Re: Sanding process.. Types of sanders?

This is an excellent example of why we recommend keeping threads together so everyone knows what the OP is talking about. My answer was based on knowing what the OP is doing due to the fact that I am familiar with his other post and what he is trying to accomplish.
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Sanding process.. Types of sanders?

This is an excellent example of why we recommend keeping threads together so everyone knows what the OP is talking about. My answer was based on knowing what the OP is doing due to the fact that I am familiar with his other post and what he is trying to accomplish.

Now only if the TOA's were more closely looked at we wouldnt have this ...

Your right Spot On !!

Im getting a little frustrated myself

YD.
 

fishrdan

Admiral
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Re: Sanding process.. Types of sanders?

I'd buy the Milwakee over the HF any day. The only way I'd buy the HF is if it was on sale at 1/2 price, I wasn't going to pay $10 in shipping, and I was only going to use it once (throw away tool).
 

BWT

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 30, 2011
Messages
363
Re: Sanding process.. Types of sanders?

I am a big fan of dustless sanders (the kind that hook up to a vac). One for health safety, but also for keeping the work area clean(er) meaning less time sweeping and wiping down dust (which can become very tedious for a clean freak like me:cool:). As far as sanders, you get what you pay for. This applies both to the longevity of the tool as well as it's performance (meaning how aggressive and how fast does it sand). For me time is money and spending more on a tool that will give more uniform results, faster, easily pays for itself in a short period of time.

I am NOT saying break the bank, but in my opinion figure out your tool budget and get the best that falls within your limits. Like YD says, if you're not used to a rip and tear sander, you may want to start off with a little less 'aggressive' tool. Just my $.02
 
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