I've got a coat of finish that i have let cure on the butt section of the fly rod I'm currently building that is going to be the inscription area. I'm using regular TM. Before I do the inscription, I know I need to scuff up the finish. The Threadmaster instructions provided by Andy Dear mention gray or maroon scotchbrite pads. I can not find what I think is the right pads, I found some "In-between coat" pad by 3m that is gray, but I don't think it is fine enough. Sandpaper I know I can find more easily, so what would you recommend for grit size for sandpaper? Thanks.

Jon

I use 400 grit and then wipe it down with alcohol.

That grey "in between coat" pad is the one you want. It's meant to provide a water-break-free surface without removing material, especially between coats of paint. As you mentioned, either grey or maroon will work well. I have used the green and the maroon: green is much more abrasive, and will lift clear coat and paint if you are too aggressive.

Ah ok good, thanks for the heads up. The other gray pad seems to be much more hard to find and only at automotive supply stores.

Klingspor's Woodworking Shop has ALL the various pads, from coarse to ultra fine. The ultra fine (gray) are the ones you want. Here's a link to the exact item. They have TONS of great stuff AND they are super to deal with. They did attend the ICRBE this year and have definitely earned my business and referrals.

[www.woodworkingshop.com]

Don't wipe it with alcohol after you scuff/scour it. Just dust it off with a soft brush. Washing or wiping with a solvent should never be the final step in surface preparation.

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And I know that at least one sponsor that stocks them too...

The "pads" at the top of this page --> [] are actual 3M Scothbrite.

Mark Griffin
[]
C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/08/2009 10:22PM by Mark Griffin.

If you put any clear decals on do not sand it. The sanding shows though the clear as a dull finish when clear is applied. Writing works OK. When the clear in applied it covers any fine scratches.

Bill - willierods.com

I used the gray 3m "in between coat" scotch brite pad to lightly scuff the finish, and then used a disposable brush to wipe away any residual (no alcohol). I can see that its not exactly the same as the light gray ultrafine pads (maybe a bit coarser), but I went carefully and lightly. Applied the inscription with speedball pen and testors ink, coated with finish, and everything looks great, turning on the dryer right now. Thanks!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/08/2009 10:47PM by Jon Sherwin.