Sanpaper: Wet & Dry or just Dry

[Guest]

I use sanding paper mainly for removing blemishes from the surface of parts and generally smoothing them, using grit sizes from 1,000 to (for polishing lacquer) 7000.

The surfaces include:

1. Bare plastic (which is usually free of surface faults);

2. With additionally 1 coat of primer;

then:

Either (using an airbrush):

3. With additionally 1 or 2 coats of Vallejo Acrylic Model Air;

4. With additionally 1 or 2 coats of gloss varnish.

Or (using a spray can):

5. With additionally 1 dust coat of Tamiya Synthetic Lacquer;

6. With additionally 1 under coat of Tamiya Synthetic Lacquer;

7. With additionally 1 wet coat of Tamiya Synthetic Lacquer, gloss.

I have always used wet & dry paper but dry. I will experiment, but from your experience what would be the advantage of using it wet (with water) for each of these 7 surfaces?

Thanks.

[Guest]

Wet & dry works best, in my experience, wet and wetter the better. Does three main things. Keeps the cutting temperature down, big advantage with paint and plastic. Keeps the grit free of debris so you get a clean and consistent cut. Gives a 'floating' action so the grit no matter how fine, does not dig in.

These three main advantages will ensure a better finish. However, it does mean that the part needs to be cleaned more thoroughly after sanding. Preferably by washing under running water when possible.

[Guest]

Absolutely agree with Graham, wet is best, and the finer the grit, the more it matters that it's wet!!