Does this stuff work?

[deadedith]

I'm having a heckuva time with sanding scratches. I've been thinking that there must be a better way than low angle lighting, naptha, and the other usual methods - it's probably because of my terrible vision, but I miss a lot of scratches, though I sure do find them as the finish builds up :-)

This product is wiped on the sanded piece and highlights any scratches or other imperfections. When you sand over it, the color goes away and thus the scratch is gone.

I've attached a pdf that explains the properties of the stuff.

[kencierp]

Hey Dave -- sounds like this is the product you need:

http://www.amazon.com/Wearing-Magnifier ... B000BKXHWW

[deadedith]

Ken - got one already! :-)

Seriously, even people with great eyesight get frustrated with unseen scratches that appear later on in the process. That's why I was inquiring about that product. Trying to take guesswork out of the process.

[kencierp]

I am actually considering those as well.

Nobody likes to hear this, but in an article I wrote about finishing I mention that one of the great secrets to a fine finish is a good prep routine (we all knew that) -- However there is a prep routine secret too, you go through the grit sequence step by step not missing a grit --- and now comes the true secret put the thing down for a day come back and do the entire prep routine all over again! The second time through the scratch patterns appear and disappear in what feels like a more uniform logical (to the eye) manor -- this has always worked for me.

[tippie53]

I tried that one and the focal plane didn't work. I use a Baush and Lomb. It may cost a few bucks more but it is 100% better. More comfortable to

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Dave,
Are you sanding on wood, or the finish? It sounds like your having an issue on the wood surface?

What I've found works pretty well for me, is one:
Don't use any heavier a grit on the wood surface than you need to to start with. Then, as you sand progressively finer grits, if you are making some pretty good sawdust as you sand, you should be getting past the previous sanding scratches.
The same thing pretty much applies to sanding the finish too, but will depend alot on what type of finish you are using, I think.
With the nitro lacquers, the burn in will eliminate most problems until you are doing the final sanding. Then you don't want to start too coarse, not below 600 grit, and even better 800 or 1000 grit.
On other types of finishes that do not burn in, then you have to be more diligent if you sand the finish between applications, as in level sanding.

[deadedith]

Ken - thanks for the tip. I've read that tip from you a number of times and, sorry to say, have not followed that advice. I am bull-headed at times, plain stupid at others, but you have convinced me.

Kevin - I'm talkin' bare wood here. I do go through the grits BUT I need more patience - getting a new piece of sandpaper more frequently so I don't drag the old dust around, etc.

John - funny thing is, my eyes are SO bad that I actually see better than any of you when I am looking very very closely - like within an inch or so of the surface. But of course you can be looking right at a scratch and not see it unless the angle and light is just right. That's why I was hoping for a non-invasive wipe on product that would highlight the scratches and sand off easily. I think 3M makes something like that.

Thanks for the input.

[kencierp]

I have that "super up" close vision thing also -- every body thinks its amusing when I take off my bifocals to get a better look at fine print. And last summer, year 65 for me -- went for some new specs and found out both near and far sighted had IMPROVED significantly Doc said no wonder you're having problems your prescriptions are way too strong -- go figure, I've been wearing glasses since the 4th grade.

[deadedith]

Yeah, I was the first kid in school to get glasses - real fun putting them on in class for the first time - NOT! I think it was the 4th grade too.