Sanding to remove waxed resin

[dOb]

OK, I have a question. Last summer I finished my full restore. Transom, stringers, deck, foam and repairs, the full deal.
For the last coat of resin on the deck, I added surfacing wax.
Now I want to go back and make a couple of small changes. A pylon mount and maybe rearranging the seats and so on.
I know I need to sand down the waxed surface before I glass over it. The question is, how much? These are small areas, maybe 1 to 1 1/2 sq. ft. Is this something I can do with a palm sander, or a block sander? I'd like to avoid the grinder. I don't want a boat load of white powder if I can avoid it. How much surface do I need to remove to get a good bond?

Thanks

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Sanding to remove waxed resin

Use a R/O sander and 60 grit. A medium Scuff and then a Wash down with Acetone and you'll be good to go.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Sanding to remove waxed resin

Like WOG said, a more aggressive tool makes it easier.

You can block sand or do it just by hand, but it will take forever. For the best bond you need to remove any resin rich areas at the surface and get down to glass fibers, this may take a while.

 

[dOb]

Re: Sanding to remove waxed resin

Good deal. That's what I was wanting to hear. Grinders make quick work of this stuff, but they really send the dust flying. An r/o sander I can deal with.

Thanks.

 

[dOb]

Re: Sanding to remove waxed resin

Just a quick follow up:

I ended up using a 3” belt sander with 50 grit. The belt sander made a pile of dust that was easy to control. I covered the back of the sander with a sheet of plastic. There was a small amount of dust in the air, but hardly any. I was fully covered anyway, respirator and all (no matter how small the job, when you sand/cut fiberglass, you should ALWAYS wear the respirator and cover up).
Another good thing about the belt sander is that it leaves you with a flat smooth surface to work with.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Sanding to remove waxed resin

The R/O works well to and if it has the Dust Collection Holes in the pad Or the shop vac adapter you can do it with almost NO dust at all. I use mine All the time and it's GREAT!!!! Glad you got the job done!!!!