How do I treat woodwork between layers of paint?

Question

I have rubbed down and undercoated. Do I now rub down again before applying topcoat? If so, what grade of sandpaper and do you use it wet or dry?

Answer 1

If there are no lumps no matter how small then paint over with a good quality topcoat. When topcoat is dry then rub down very lightly, trying not to take off the previous coat, with a fine to medium sandpaper. Wipe off the dust with a dry cloth and paint another topcoat. Never ever do you use a wet type of sandpaper. That is only for cars.

Answer 2

If your wall is now smooth and free of bumps, you don't need to sand the wall again... really. Apply your first topcoat. You don't need to sand that either. You may need to use a second coat, depending on the quality of your paint and the paint color, as yellow and red colors always need more than one and sometimes 3 or 4 coats.

If you used an oil-based primer, your topcoat will adhere much better, even if your topcoat is latex based. But if you used a latex primer, make absolutely certain that it is dust free and smooth before applying your topcoat(s).

Enjoy your new wall color!

Answer 3

I rub down between undercoat and all successive coats using the finest - dry- sandpaper that I can get. It allows for the paint to 'key' or bond onto the underlying layer more effectively.

You don't need to do loads of sanding though, else the undercoat will be eroded too much. Then just remove dust and paint away.

Good luck! Rob

Answer 4

Give a very light rub down with the finest grade dry paper.