re-topic: painting

[the kid]

I see where people say to sand the final color coat before starting the clear coat. Does this not wash out what gloss the final color would give? Does the clear coat restore this?

[davepellegrene]

I see where people say to sand the final color coat before starting the clear coat. Does this not wash out what gloss the final color would give? Does the clear coat restore this?

The clear coat will restore the color. You need to sand the paint so the clear coat will stick. Just make sure you don't sand through the color. I will use a scotch bright pad to sand with unless I need to take out any roughness. It is less likely to cut through the paint on the edges.
Dave

[the kid]

thanks for the info!
BTW...been eyeballin' your beautiful mini statements. Though my skills are on the same level as Homer Simpson's, I am starting another project and I figure...what the hey, it's only wood right? (ha-ha)

Thanks for the pics.

[davepellegrene]

thanks for the info!
BTW...been eyeballin' your beautiful mini statements. Though my skills are on the same level as Homer Simpson's, I am starting another project and I figure...what the hey, it's only wood right? (ha-ha)

Thanks for the pics.

The only way to learn is to make a lot of dust. :D

[Wolf]

I see where people say to sand the final color coat before starting the clear coat. Does this not wash out what gloss the final color would give? Does the clear coat restore this?

IME, I have not sanded, unless it wasn't quite smooth. Not only that, but lacquer for the clear-coat is better than clear if you can afford to use it instead. PLEASE USE A MASK WITH LACQUER!

I usually sand in tandem with painting on layers to smooth out the surface. When it's buttery-smooth, it's time to lacquer or clear-coat. You just work up your grit count as you progress onto the next step. Low humidity is your friend. I've not had to sand the last layer of paint to get an adhering clear-coat.
Here's my blog entry on painting with spray-cans:
http://techtalk.parts-express.com/blog.php?b=22

It has given me great results time and again. Hope it works for you!
Wolf

[the kid]

After reading a lot of advice on this site, I am forcing myself (this time) to not rush this project. It's hard because you tell yourself "oh, I can do that" and then it doesn't go as you thought it should.

I am building a couple of scrap boxes (that I am sure I will find a use for them afterwards, so maybe not really scrap) and will be practicing some of your painting and finishing tecniques. I figure this ought to help me obtain a nicer product in the end.

And in keeping in the spirit of a diy purist in its' most primitive state, I will be guessing at the speaker / crossover configuration going into these hopeful cabinets and crossing my fingers it sounds right in the end.

Thanks again for the help and links!!!!!!!