Stripping or Grinding?

[Dexwithers]

Got some supplies today: can of Jasco paint & epoxy stripper, some gloves, 3M painters tape, fine 3M sanding sponge, & some 1500 grit wet/dry sand paper. Not looking for a mirror polish, but I would like to polish just a bit to give a contrast between the edge & the flats. Will the sponge & 1500 work for this?

I would recommend getting the 3M sandpaper variety pack from an auto store. The lowest I have ever started with was 400 or 600 grit and usually work up. So 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, then 2000 and 2500 if you like.

I would suggest going even a little lower to start like 280 or 320 or something similar.

I like to use oil with it too.

But try what you have and see how you like it first. You can always go back and re-sand.

Good luck!

 

[NCSlice]

Not sure about the sponge but I'd be weary of the tape. I stripped mine today. Check this out...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1266679-BK5-Leather-Scales-and-strip-in-progress

Maybe if you're very careful and paint it on just right. I wiped it right on there liberally.

 

[TravisH]

Dex is right - get assorted wet/dry sandpaper.


BUT ... if you are just wanting to create a difference in contrast, start with a HIGH grit then go to a Lower grit if you don't get the desired affect.

Going High-to-Low is the opposite of what's normally done when you're wanting to strip, flatten, or smooth. Normally, you want to remove a lot of material first then smooth out the results.

But, in your case, if you remove too much and it contrasts too much, too late! Cuz when it's gone, you can't get it back.