Need Paint Advice on 2nd Coat/Sanding, etc

D-Roy

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I'm painting a Nintendo cab, getting ready for vinyl, and I put the first coat of paint on yesterday. I used Rustoleum oil based enamel. The finish is pretty smooth (super smooth foam roller used), but I'm wondering if I should still sand it down before putting on a second coat. Or do I just sand once after all my paint is on, prior to putting on the vinyl?

If sanding in between coats, how long should I wait until sanding? It is dry to the touch right now and the suggested repaint time on the can is 24 hrs. It is high 60s today, but will be dropping back down into the 40s in a couple days.
 
Definitely sand between coats of paint.
I wouldn't worry about the 24 hr thing.
I wet sanded my DK between coats just making sure to use small amounts of water and doing a small area and wiping with a towel.
That kept it under control and had no problems.
Sanding dry will clog the shit out of the sandpaper so be prepared to use lots of it if you dry sand.
I don't think you need to sand before applying the vinyl.
Just remember any texture or imperfections will show through the vinyl.
Phet is the vinyl master and could help on this part.
 
Yeah, he nailed the real important part. ANY imperfections WILL show through your vinyl, super smooth is what you want.
 
Wet Sanded everything down smooth with 400 grit sandpaper, cleaned it all, put on the second coat. The results are....OK. I had worse orange peel this time for some reason. Not super horrible but enough that you can see it. Needs another coat anyway b/c the bondo areas are still showing through.
 
i never wet sand video game cabinets but i suppose why not
if you do, you must let the water evaporate. it has to be DRY

sand, paint, sand, paint, etc., etc. as many times as you want

sanding gives the paint help sticking to a surface. car guys sometimes paint 25 coats to get the deeep color. even 10 coats of clear isnt uncommon but you have to sand between coats. the clear coat reacts to the surface and the scratches from sanding disappear like magic. same with clear coating pinball playfields

2 or 3 coats should be smooth enough. i would use 1500 or so for my final sanding
 
i never wet sand video game cabinets but i suppose why not
if you do, you must let the water evaporate. it has to be DRY

I only wet sand because I just use a block and no power sander.
The paper clogs and then it gouges the fresh paint much easier when dry sanding no matter how long you let it dry.
That's why body men wet sand.
I wouldn't wet sand a particle cab though but plywood is no problem as long as the water isn't left on for a long time.
Do small areas and wipe it up and you are golden.
 
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