protecting edges during wetsanding and polishing

S

stan

I'm getting ready to start wet sanding my fenders, doors and quarters that have many sharp edges. Is masking tape recommended throughout the entire process of wetsanding, or only for the more aggressive papers? I'm using 1000-2500 on 4 coats of UV clear.

I also have the same question when polishing. At 1000-1500 rpm's is it recommended to still protect edges with tape or will it be okay without, using 3M 1-2-3 polish system.
 
I don't use tape when sanding, just when buffing. I avoid the last inch or so up to the edge with the coarser grits, and sand up to the edge (but not on it) with 2500. I'm sure some will disagree with this, but I can tell when the panel has not been sanded all the way, the texture looks wrong in certain light. The rotation direction of the buffer in relation to the edge you are close to will dictate the position of the tape, usually I will buff up to one edge while the other edge is taped, then tape the one i just buffed and do the other. It's a little hard to explain.

But for sure you want to stay away from edges with the coarse grits, I bet that is something most of us would agree on.
 
I personally don't tape while sanding or buffing, Just be a little more delicate when working those areas.
 
I don't always either, but I believe I would be asking for trouble by suggesting that to someone who has not had many hours of buffer time.
 
i tape all edges when sanding and while buffing. they only require a slight polish when doing finish work. blue tape is much cheaper than a repair.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top