Sanding plastics, what grits to buy?

[1984kxtTECATE]

For all of you that have sanded plastics what grits of paper do you buy? I have a "little" project thats gonna happen real quick. Thanks.

[nouseforaname90]

I started with 400 I believe and worked my way up the grit scale until I was done. 400-2000 grits. You should atleast use like 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, and 2000. Then use a buffer and some 3M Perfect It-II Fine rubbing compound. 3M Imperial Wetordry works best IMO.
I'll get you the post on it..


http://3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=24247
or
http://3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=39659&highlight=sander

If I were you, I would try the scraping method in the second link first.
And if you do the sanding technique, you may not want to buy the rubbing compound. I bought it and found out that it costs a ton, and really makes no difference. Just use the "flame kissing" technique in the second link after wet sanding your plastics to get rid of that white "haze" instead of the rubbing compound.

[brendan802]

Start around 200 or 400 and work out the deep pits and then start getting less gritty and less until your using 2000. Sometimes when I've done it I used steel wool at the end but it takes awhile to get a good quality finish

[Dammit!]

I had to start at 220 on the Z fenders because they were so oxidized. I used 220, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000. Luckily with white you don't even see any of the light scratches that even 2000 leaves behind. Going to try the flame kissing thing with the red parts.

[1984kxtTECATE]

Good info, whats up with the plastic renew, who makes it or where to buy it? I really want my project to turn out great. Im not a short cut type of person, if it takes a damn month to sand it down and make it perfect, by god, I will take a month to do it.

[TeamGeek6]

I got a better finish using a wet sand 2000 on a fender instead of dry sand, the water seemed to help.

[slothminx]

Using the water when sanding carries away the stuff you have sanded off, so that the paper does not get clogged up and scratch the surface. if you need it very smooth always wetsand;)

Will