Micro Finishing Papers

These fine grade sandpaper sheets are the best we've found for sanding back lacquer finishes. They are perfect fro sanding lacquer flat between coats and for flattening the final finish before polishing.

The sheets are most often used wet but can also be used dry. Dry sanding is especially useful when sanding edges where it's critical not to sand through and also for sanding flat and satin finishes between coats.

Polishing a New Finish
Cutting back and polishing should be done once the finish is fully cured. For nitrocellulose lacquer a minimum of 2 weeks curing time will give the best results.

Cutting Back with Sandpaper
The finish is first cut back using 800-1200 grit wet and dry sandpaper. The sandpaper should be soaked in water with a small amount of detergent. Sand the finish back until it is flat and almost all signs of gloss are removed. A few small glossy spots are acceptable.

Be careful not to sand through the finish. Extra care should be taken along edges.

Polishing with Compound
Start with Medium compound. It can be used by hand with a fine cotton cloth such as a piece of old t-shirt. Polish off any residue with a clean cloth.

Polish in circles where possible. The aim is to remove all of the scratches from the sandpaper.

A machine polisher such as a foam rotary pad on a drill can also be used rather than hand polishing.