The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop What to sand to before priming?

Hey Guys,
When I sand my doors to bare metal what grit do I use? Is there a recommended grit to sand with before priming? Thanks.

kskt4

Kind of depends on how much paint/rust you have to remove first to get to bare metal. Are you hand sanding, or using an electric, or an air powered dual-action rotary sander.

They also make those scotchbrite pads for removing paint.

If it had ok paint for example, I have used 200 for a scuff, then primer/sealer, then 400 and/or 600 on that. The sanding primers go on thick and fill up small scratches/sworls.

I am using an electric sander polisher with 80 grit pads.

I've used 80 grit for stripping paint but it's slow and uses alot of sandpaper. 80 grit is good for cleaning up the metal before primer. I'm using 40 grit on a 8 inch pad with a Makita 9227. When the 8 inch discs go dull I cut them down for a 6 inch pad. A slow speed is also better for removing paint in my experience.

Good information on the sanding process. One thing you may try when your discs load up is a "gum" stick. I use them on my stationary sanding equipment, as well as my portable sanding tools. Works wonders on belts, discs etc. I bought mine from a woodworking suppy house. The "gum" stick will prolong the life of your abrasive belts, discs etc. and save you time, money and overworking tools due to loaded up abrasive pads.

The gum stick you mentioned can also be purchased at sears. I think they run about 6 bucks but will save you MANY dollars in return. I wasted a lot of money before I found out they exist. If you do wood work you can use them to and save mega bucks!!