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LONGHAIR · 12-26-2007, 04:40 AM

I wouldn't waste the time/materials to sand any finer than 150 in the early stages. Primer/surfacer will fill the scratches. You will be filling and sanding, then priming/blocking in later stages. You should never be sanding w/ a courser grit over a fine one. Work your way finer as you work toward the final surface.

Stripping- 36/40 to about 80/100
Smooth- 150/180
Epoxy prime
Straighten/rust repair- grinder/ mini disc 24/36 up to 150/180
Primer/surfacer 150/180 down to a minimum of 320 to as much as 600 depending on the topcoat/s
Wetsanding/buffing- Depends again on topcoats and condition of the paint as it came out "off the gun" ...it's a whole topic of it's own.

This way you are never back-tracking (sanding with a grit courser than one below it) The only exception is where you have to cut out rust areas and weld panels back in. Those should be only small spot areas anyway. If you have major areas of rust repair, I would tackle those before stripping the entire truck anyway.

12-26-2007, 04:40 AM	#5
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	Re: Tips on sanding fenders??? I wouldn't waste the time/materials to sand any finer than 150 in the early stages. Primer/surfacer will fill the scratches. You will be filling and sanding, then priming/blocking in later stages. You should never be sanding w/ a courser grit over a fine one. Work your way finer as you work toward the final surface. Stripping- 36/40 to about 80/100 Smooth- 150/180 Epoxy prime Straighten/rust repair- grinder/ mini disc 24/36 up to 150/180 Primer/surfacer 150/180 down to a minimum of 320 to as much as 600 depending on the topcoat/s Wetsanding/buffing- Depends again on topcoats and condition of the paint as it came out "off the gun" ...it's a whole topic of it's own. This way you are never back-tracking (sanding with a grit courser than one below it) The only exception is where you have to cut out rust areas and weld panels back in. Those should be only small spot areas anyway. If you have major areas of rust repair, I would tackle those before stripping the entire truck anyway.