To sand a steering wheel after applying filler, you need to wet sand with fine-grit sandpaper, starting from 1,000 grit and progressing to 2,000 grit to achieve a perfectly smooth surface. This step is crucial for refining the shape and texture before the final finishing stages.
The Post-Filler Sanding Process
After you have applied filler compound to repair imperfections on your steering wheel and allowed it to dry completely, the next step is smoothing the filled areas to blend seamlessly with the rest of the wheel's surface.
Wet Sanding Technique
Wet sanding involves using sandpaper that has been soaked in water. This technique helps lubricate the surface, reduces clogging of the sandpaper with material dust, and results in a finer finish compared to dry sanding.
- Preparation: Submerge your sanding paper in water for a few minutes before you begin. Keep a spray bottle of water handy or work near a water source to keep the surface and paper wet during sanding.
- Technique: Use steady, even strokes. Sanding in different directions can help identify high and low spots. The goal is to smooth the filler down so it is perfectly flush with the surrounding area.
Grit Progression
The reference specifies a specific progression of sandpaper grits for this step:
- Start with 1,000 Grit: Begin the sanding process with 1,000-grit wet/dry sandpaper. This grit is fine enough to start smoothing the dried filler without being overly aggressive.
- Progress to 2,000 Grit: Once the surface feels mostly smooth with the 1,000 grit, switch to a finer 2,000-grit sandpaper. This step further refines the surface, making it completely smooth and ready for subsequent steps like priming or painting.
| Sandpaper Grit | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | Initial smoothing of filler | Helps level the surface |
| 2,000 | Final smoothing | Achieves a very smooth finish |
Using progressively finer grits is essential to remove the sanding marks left by the previous, coarser grit, resulting in a professional-looking finish.
Addressing Imperfections
Even after initial sanding, you might find areas that still aren't perfectly shaped or smooth.
- Inspect the Surface: Carefully feel the surface with your fingertips. Any bumps, dips, or rough spots indicate areas that need more attention.
- Reapply Compound: If you identify areas needing more volume or reshaping, apply more compound to the troubled areas. Ensure the compound application is precise to avoid creating new high spots.
- Let Dry and Resand: Allow the newly applied compound to dry completely according to the product instructions. Once dry, resand those areas using the same wet sanding technique and grit progression (1,000 up to 2,000 grit) until you get the perfect shape and surface. Repeat this process as necessary until the repair is indistinguishable from the original surface contours.
By diligently following this wet sanding process after applying filler, you prepare the steering wheel surface for the next steps in restoration, ensuring a smooth, flawless base.
