David S
Member
Micro Mesh: or any wet dry sand paper one can increase both it's efficiency and longevity by keeping the wet dry sand paper or MM clean in plastic containers filled with water. The simple trick is to add several drops of liquid dish ( Palmolive, Lux etc) washing detergent to the water. I learned this trick a long time ago when I took an extensive finishing course and I have kept this little secret mostly to my self but I would like to share it with all of you.
I use several medium size plastic food storage containers for wet & dry paper one for 400 - 800 and one for 1000 to 2000. For the MM paper or cloth I have several smaller containers in the 2 cup size that I place 2 grit sizes in each. Example 3200 - 3600 in one, then 4000 - 6000 in the second container and the third contains the 10000 - 12000 grit MM. When you sand you create friction but the detergent reduces the friction considerably and at the same time it keeps the paper clean.
Caution, beware that it also cuts much faster than with plain water. I have had the experience that when used with the water and soap bath 600 grit will at times cut like you were using 220 grit. Use this method only after you have finished several coats of your favorite finish on your pen barrel. Do not use this method on unfinished wood! This method should only be used after you get two or more coats of finish on the pen barrel and it has thoroughly dried.
I change the water when needed but leave the paper in the water. If after several days of non use the water can get real funky all that is needed is to rinse the container and the paper and start over. I have been using the same 1" x 6" strips of MM for over two years and a least a hundred or so pens. Any questions feel free to e mail me!
I use several medium size plastic food storage containers for wet & dry paper one for 400 - 800 and one for 1000 to 2000. For the MM paper or cloth I have several smaller containers in the 2 cup size that I place 2 grit sizes in each. Example 3200 - 3600 in one, then 4000 - 6000 in the second container and the third contains the 10000 - 12000 grit MM. When you sand you create friction but the detergent reduces the friction considerably and at the same time it keeps the paper clean.
Caution, beware that it also cuts much faster than with plain water. I have had the experience that when used with the water and soap bath 600 grit will at times cut like you were using 220 grit. Use this method only after you have finished several coats of your favorite finish on your pen barrel. Do not use this method on unfinished wood! This method should only be used after you get two or more coats of finish on the pen barrel and it has thoroughly dried.
I change the water when needed but leave the paper in the water. If after several days of non use the water can get real funky all that is needed is to rinse the container and the paper and start over. I have been using the same 1" x 6" strips of MM for over two years and a least a hundred or so pens. Any questions feel free to e mail me!
