How to Wet Sand a Boat

When preparing a boat's surface for a new paint job or coat of varnish, many boaters have discovered that wet sanding works better than dry sanding. Wet sanding produces no airborne dust, and the residue that it does produce on the boat can be removed easily with a sponge when sanding is done. Also, wet sanding keeps the sandpaper from wearing down as quickly, which saves on sandpaper costs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wet/dry sandpaper with a 200 or higher grit
• Sanding block
• Bucket of water
• Sponge
• Soft cloth
• Mild soap

1. Use fine grit sandpaper and a sanding block. Cut a sheet of sandpaper in half and fold it around the sanding block.

2. Dip the block into water. Splash extra water onto the boat surface with your hand as well. Some people use a spray bottle, but it's not a necessity.

3. Sand a small area at a time. Concentrate on roughly 1 square foot of the surface.

4. Sand with the grain. The grain will more than likely run the length of the boat. When a residue begins to form on the area you are sanding, you have gotten through the gloss.

5. Clean away the sanding residue with a wet sponge and dry the area with a soft cloth. A well-sanded section will be dull with no shiny spots visible. If you have a consistent surface, move on to the next area.

6. Remove what's left of the sanding residue by washing the boat with a sponge and mild soap and water. Dry the surface with soft towels to prevent streaking, and your boat is now ready for paint or polish.

Resources

• Resources for Boats

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!