Painting Q

[thrllskr]

So I searched through PWCToday and found a lot of information on painting but not a lot of concrete (or consistent) info. I am looking to repaint my X2 and then, if all goes well, the SX. Since I am going to be snowed in this weekend, I'm thinking I might get working on it.

It seems like the first step is to sand it down. What's a good grit - 300? What's the trick - can I use my belt sander? How much am I looking to sand down?

Sorry if I am asking noob questions, but I am still kinda a noob :dunce:

 

[Shonuff]

sand with 320
primer
wetsand 400
paint
clear

 

[Shonuff]

Do all sanding by hand. :1244:

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

IM no expert, but I think that belt sander will make a mess...

use a DA sander ( dual action) it spins and orbits.

or a cheap old vibrating sander.... or sand it by hand with a sanding block..

I guess a belt sander could work with a VERY light touch, and constant movement though....

 

[thrllskr]

Thanks guys. Off to HD...

 

[Big Kahuna]

Do not use a belt sander........... you can get a DA sander and used 220 grit paper on it, but you got to be carefull with it........ safest way is to use 220 wet paper by hand, the you can finish it off with 400 or 600 wet paper...

 

[thrllskr]

WHat is the goal of sanding? Basically, where do I stop? Just get the old paint off? Or just get it to an abrasive point so the primer and paint will adhere?

 

[Big Kahuna]

you are just wanting to get the paint scuffed up so the new paint will adhear to it, also, to clean up and make the surface free of blemishes......... If I remember when I get home, I will post up a link on painting, try searching in Google..........

 

[Hogggman]

You want to get rid of the gloss. Make sure to clean real good after sanding with wax and grease remover. You can prime over 220 if you use high build primer/surfacer. Then sand that with 320 or 400 the object of that is to get rid of all the sand scratches which wont be very visible until you clear it. Lay the clear thick 3 heavy coats right on the edge of running. If you want a real wet look wetsand the clear with 1500 then 2000 and wheel it.

 

[feartheride]

I don,t see a problem with a belt sander.Maybe if thats not quick enough he could use an electric planer

 

[thrllskr]

Thanks guys - I went to HD and picked up a sanding block and the paper. I only thought about using my belt sander because I have it. I am not trying to be lazy or speed up the process! One thing I learned when I built my poker table is that great results come from not being in a rush and just taking your time. I have a few months to do this, so I plan on doing it right and doing it well.

Thanks again for the input. I know there are threads and info everywhere on painting, but a lot of it conflicts or they are talking about stuff I just don't understand. One step at a time...