Thread: prepping surfaces

Hey all, yes its another topic but i didn't feel this subject fit in with my other topic.

My question to you all is how do you guys prepare surfaces for ABing??

specifically:

1) Plastic- i.e. computer case, welding mask, et cetera
2) Guitar (both electric and acoustic)
3) metal.

i would assume you wash it and sand it down, but is there anything else you guys do, and how exactly would you do it? I think you'd sand it, but not sure how much or how fine grit to use...

thanks all,

JDP

JDP, I'm sure the veterans will chime in on this but here's what I've been doing:

Plastic- sand down with at least 800 wet/dry. Degrease. Prime with primer filler (Bulldog, Prime-Sol, etc...). Sand again smooth. Degrease. If it's the very shiny type plastic seal it up because oils leaches out of that stuff (I use AA sealer base), then base coat it.

Guitar (only done once). Sand smooth with 800. Degrease. If it's on clear go right ahead with graphics. If it's on wood you have to seal it (wood sealer), then prime it and basecoat it. I've coated my base coats with rattle can clears, then sanded with 800 followed by graphics.

Metal- this one depends on the quality of the metal. If it's on good quality clear, then sand with 800 and go ahead and paint. If not it's a WHOLE new ball game in the field of bodywork and repairs. Others would be more experienced than me.

L