Final touches on a black glossy finish ?

[jeff_free69]

just about done with the finish on the cabs for my zaph SR-71.

This is my first "neatness counts / from scratch" project. All my previous projects have been either utility cabs for pro-sound or refurbs of good quality hifi cabinets.

i didn't intend to be such a perfectionist about it , but you know what happens once you get started...

Ive got MDF + oil based primer sprayed on + 3 coats of black gloss enamel.
in between i've been lightly sanding with 220 and then 400 grit.

For the most part its looking excellent ( not factory perfect mirrors, but still fairly impressive )... When I go home tonight I hope to be sufficiently satisfied to declare victory.

so now what? wet sand with a finer grit and pronounce it "done"?

[Concillian]

depends on how glossy you want it.

This guy did a great "How to" on glossy black finishes.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=83141&highlight=

Stop at any stage where you consider it "good enough" it takes quite a lot of time if you go all the way to super smooth / glossy.

[JonP]

You should check out Micro Mesh abrasive sheets...

Micro Mesh kits

I did a project a while ago, with a straight Shellac finish... and towards the end as I was polishing to a high gloss I bought a "starter kit" from my local Rockler.
I was highly impressed. Did wet sanding thru the whole range, (1500-12000) and the results were utterly like glass. The sheets were faster and easier to use than the high quality sandpaper my woodworker friend gave me, and best of all, never clogged the whole time, and are ready for more use. I'm told they last many, many times longer than regular paper.

I don't see a kit like mine on the Micro Mesh site, though there are a few similar ones. I'm not seeing the Rockler sampler kit on Rockler's site either... but check your local store. Otherwise get one of the cheaper repair kits that cover the lower part of the range, and buy one each of the higher ones. Or, buy one each from Rockler or Micro Mesh.

Check out the site for info, comparative grain size, usage, etc.. (Their 1500 is about 400 grit in regular paper)

Fabulous stuff. No, not on commission... :B But for anyone doing the daunting Piano Black finish, it should make your life a lot easier.

[IllNastyImpreza]

You should check out Micro Mesh abrasive sheets...

Micro Mesh kits

I did a project a while ago, with a straight Shellac finish... and towards the end as I was polishing to a high gloss I bought a "starter kit" from my local Rockler.
I was highly impressed. Did wet sanding thru the whole range, (1500-12000) and the results were utterly like glass. The sheets were faster and easier to use than the high quality sandpaper my woodworker friend gave me, and best of all, never clogged the whole time, and are ready for more use. I'm told they last many, many times longer than regular paper.

I don't see a kit like mine on the Micro Mesh site, though there are a few similar ones. I'm not seeing the Rockler sampler kit on Rockler's site either... but check your local store. Otherwise get one of the cheaper repair kits that cover the lower part of the range, and buy one each of the higher ones. Or, buy one each from Rockler or Micro Mesh.

Check out the site for info, comparative grain size, usage, etc.. (Their 1500 is about 600 grit in regular paper)

Fabulous stuff. No, not on commission... :B But for anyone doing the daunting Piano Black finish, it should make your life a lot easier.

wow I'll definatly have to try that stuf out

[jeff_free69]

depends on how glossy you want it.

This guy did a great "How to" on glossy black finishes.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=83141&highlight=

Stop at any stage where you consider it "good enough" it takes quite a lot of time if you go all the way to super smooth / glossy.

Thanks - this is clearly the gold standard!
More ambitious than i need, but plenty of tips to get it up to the "good enough" level.

Afterall, i need to get these puppies into the studio soon so i can start making music