Sanding between coats

[zootroy]

Is it ok to use a ROS between coats of finish. I am using polycrlyic and it calls for sanding w/ 220 between coats. Would a ROS remove too much of the finish?

TIA
Jason

[crokett]

I have had it do this, yes. I've taken to using 000 steel wool when there is something visible that needs to be knocked down or more careful application for no sanding.

[John Hunter]

I do but you must have a light touch and not over do it or as you mentioned it will take off too much finish. As I put on more coats I then up the grit up to 2400 then 4000 after final coat I use 12,000.

[just4funsies]

Steel wool is a good option, because all you are doing between coats is knocking down any irregularities, and scuffing the surface to provide better adherance on the next coat. Removing too much of the previous coat would defeat the purpose, and it is hard not to do that with a ROS, unless you have a VERY light touch, and then it's still hard to give every bit of the surface the same amount of sanding. YMMV.

[Doug Jones]

recommend hand sanding/knock down with 0000 steel wool with vacuuming up the particals directly after the sanding, do not use a compressor to blow away particals.

[JimD]

I use a ROS sometimes to scuff large pieces before putting on another coat. I do not use it on narrow areas - I hand sand those. In the middle of a big piece, I think it is fine. If I use 220 grit, I usually use a worn piece. 320 is a bit safer.

Jim

[Tom Miller]

I like 320 on a heavy sanding block, and then I just let the weight of the block do the work. I think a ROS would be way to aggressive.

Regards,
Tom

[drumpriest]

DO NOT USE STEEL WOOL WITH POLYACRYLIC!!!! It's a water base, and any dust that you don't find will rust and cause staining issues. I just hand sand lightly when using polyacrylic, or a 1/4 sheet sander, not a ROS. Really you are just knocking down the finish.

[zootroy]

Thanks guys,

I suspected that it would take off too much, but I was hoping that I could find a shortcut. I'll do it the right way.

[gerti]

Thanks guys,

I suspected that it would take off too much, but I was hoping that I could find a shortcut. I'll do it the right way.

You really only need a very quick pass between coats to knock of any nits and give the surface a light scuff. It goes so quickly by hand, I think any power tool would actually slow you down and tire your arms faster...

And as mentioned no steel wool for polycrylic or other water-basede finishes.

[just4funsies]

You can use a non-ferrous (artificial) steel wool for water-based work.

[monte]

I don't recommend the use of a ROS between coats. I use either 0000 steel wool or 320 grit paper between coats depending on what finish I am applying.