Materials for Rubbing Out Overspray
The old paper-bag ploy, and other time-honored tricks. October 14, 2006
Question
Are there any products, tricks, methods, to take out a little roughness, post finish? I can’t put on any more lacquer and I just need to smooth out a couple problem areas. Does the paper bag trick really work? I’m looking for something that obviously won’t leave a scratch.
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From contributor A:
I use the back of wet or dry sand paper with mineral spirits.
From contributor B:
It depends on your final sheen, satin, gloss etc. Wet sand and use rubbing compound according to its sheen. For example, wet sand with 600 followed with red turtle wax (coarse) compound for satin. Or wet sand with 1200-2000 followed with 3M fine rubbing compound for gloss.
From contributor C:
I like to use corrugated box pieces (free of dirt, staples or labels). If the overspray isn't real bad the paper burnishes the grittiness so you don't feel it.
From contributor D:
A guy who did some finishing for me recently recommended craft paper, i.e. paper bag. I couldn’t find one so I used newspaper and it worked good with no scratches that I could see.
From contributor E:
The old paper bag trick works for me.
From contributor F:
I have used Soft Scrub cleanser (for satin) or Hoppes Countertop Polish (for gloss). Both work well.
From contributor G:
I have never used a paper bag, but we routinely rub every thing that goes out of the shop with a fresh sheet of computer paper. I normally use a dull sheen product and you can't see any scratches and the finish is like glass. The last job I did however was quite glossy and you can see the scratches when done with the paper.
From contributor H:
I have used brown paper bags, even the back side (paper side) of a piece of sandpaper - my personal favorite. When using these tricks, especially on catalyzed finishes, timing is everything. If you use it too soon, you will show scratches in the finish; too late and it will have little effect.
From contributor C:
I've also used
Abralon pads for the tough stuff. Has anyone tried the over-spray clays?
From contributor I:
Sand smooth with 600 or greater and mist with "No Blush". This leaves no scratches and the sheen is perfect.
From contributor J:
This will depend on the final sheen that you are looking for, this may sound like its off the wall, but it does leave a nice feeling to the touch, just like a "waxed" finish on the dry coating. Try using a Brillo pad, with plenty of water, and always rub out with the grains of the wood.
From contributor K:
What about the nylon pads (green, white, what ever color) that they sell for solid surface polishing? I tired to stick one on the bottom of my random orbit and it seemed to work well the one time I used it.
From contributor D:
The white ones work great and no scratches.
