Colour sanding, by hand or machine?

[marc.w]

I've been reading a couple of articles on the internet about colour sanding and the majority seem to favour doing by hand. I was just wondering what the consensus on here would be? How do you colour sand yours? and what grit papers are you using? and if you are using a machine, what machine do you use?
Also, if you are doing it by hand, do you do it in circles or straight lines?

My method is, 1000 then 1500(by hand and in straight lines, tho used to do it in circles) then compound using polisher with G3 then G10.

Edit... Ooops I meant I start at 1200 not 1000

 

[steveo3002]

i do it by hand mosty , 1000 grit is a bit savage unless its awefully rough

id go 1200 on any poor bits , as soon as theyre knocked down 1500 and 2000

id block in a line any runs or big bits of dust , then random pattern with my hand held flat ...use lots and lots of clean water

 

[Leedsutd]

Try here, this guy knows his stuff, http://www.nsra.org.uk/newforum/showthread.php?t=43733&highlight=colour+sanding

 

[Chipper]

1200 with a softer more flexy hand pad, then 1500 & 2000 by hand. Been thinking about Trizact 1500 & 3000 via DA, but put off by cost (being a home user) and would still block the first stage anyway.

Any superfine scratches left, I hit with a Trizact 3k pad by hand, wet, then re-compound. Or sometimes another little go with the 3M fast cut is enough on it's own.

 

[marc.w]

Also, whilst we're on the subject of sanding, is there a big difference between brands of paper? I've been using some cheap papers from Toolstation but I also bought some 1500 made by SIA and this paper seems much better. Are there brands I should avoid? What have you found best?

 

[steveo3002]

i use 3m , best stick with one of the known good brands cheap ones can be awefull

 

[langy]

Try here, this guy knows his stuff, http://www.nsra.org.uk/newforum/showthread.php?t=43733&highlight=colour+sanding

Ah thats me that is

Trizact discs are great but you need to be experienced in using them on a DA.

Cheap paper is exactly that, cheap paper, stay away from it if you want a good job.

 

[busastars]

I've been using Klingspor for a good while now, much better than the el'cheapo stuff out there and usuraly around £5 delivered for 10 full size sheets.

 

[Daz2012]

3M is highly over-rated,I stopped using their papers a few years ago and switched to Mirka

 

[norsa]

3M is highly over-rated,I stopped using their papers a few years ago and switched to Mirka

x2 for Mirka

 

[pedrobedro]

I've been using some Sait paper in roll form lately and it is good stuff, cuts well and doesn't clog.

 

[hussy]

x3 mirka...
have used da to knock back real orangey paint but will only do initial flat with it, then go to hand sanding, followed by 2/3 stage mop
can make even poor paint look ace this way...
a mate details for a living and is increaslinly wet flating new cars as the clearcoat is so orangey!

 

[langy]

x3 mirka...
have used da to knock back real orangey paint but will only do initial flat with it, then go to hand sanding, followed by 2/3 stage mop
can make even poor paint look ace this way...
a mate details for a living and is increaslinly wet flating new cars as the clearcoat is so orangey!

Your on dodgy ground flatting a factory finish, some only have 1 coat of clear.
I like Mirka paper too.

 

[ouchmyfinger]

Ah thats me that is

Trizact discs are great but you need to be experienced in using them on a DA.

Cheap paper is exactly that, cheap paper, stay away from it if you want a good job.

LANGY seen your wwww. site, some lovely work done there mate, and i thought if ever im down your way i,l come and visit you have a coffee, pick your brains, blah blah, the i realised your 3000 miles away.