Product Overview
The 3M Wetordry Sandpaper is designed for both wet and dry sanding applications, providing consistently excellent results for various tasks, particularly in auto repair. Its silicon carbide abrasives are mounted on flexible, waterproof paper, making it a versatile choice for smoothing and finishing surfaces.
This 1500 grit sandpaper is ideal for polishing clear coats and restoring shine, effectively smoothing dust nibs and paint runs. It can be used by hand or with machine sanders.
Image: Front packaging of 3M Wetordry Sandpaper, 1500 Grit, showing a car and product details.
Key Features
- Polish Clear Coat and Restore Shine: 1500 grit is perfect for smoothing dust nibs and paint runs in clear coat. Also ideal for smoothing light paint texture in clear coat.
- Wet or Dry Sanding: Use for wet sanding and dry sanding without switching sandpaper.
- Smooth Finish: Delivers 10% smoother finish vs. conventional 3M sandpaper.
- Longer Lasting Sandpaper: Silicon carbide abrasive self-fractures for longer life.
- Great for Auto Body Repair: Silicon carbide grain is available in a range of grits from 400 grit to 2500 grit for non-aggressive sanding and polishing jobs on clear coat, plastic and metal, including areas that require hand compounding and for sanding dark colored paints.
Setup and Preparation
Before beginning any sanding project, ensure you have the appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and a dust mask. Prepare your work area to be clean and well-ventilated.
For Hand Sanding:
- Cut the sandpaper to a manageable size, if necessary.
- For flat surfaces, consider wrapping the sandpaper around a sanding block to ensure even pressure.
- For wet sanding, immerse the sandpaper in water for a few minutes before use. Keep the surface and sandpaper wet during the process.
For Machine Sanding:
- Ensure the sandpaper sheet is compatible with your sanding machine (e.g., orbital sander, block sander).
- Securely attach the sandpaper to the machine's sanding pad according to the machine's instructions.
- For wet machine sanding, ensure your machine is rated for wet use and follow all safety guidelines.
Image: Rear packaging of 3M Wetordry Sandpaper, illustrating the steps for body repair, including removal, blending, and polishing.
Operating Instructions
General Sanding Tips:
- Always sand in a consistent direction, typically following the grain of the material if applicable.
- Apply even, moderate pressure. Excessive pressure can lead to uneven sanding or premature wear of the sandpaper.
- Regularly check the surface you are sanding to monitor progress and avoid over-sanding.
Wet Sanding for Polishing (1500 Grit):
The 1500 grit sandpaper is specifically designed for fine finishing and polishing, especially on clear coats. Wet sanding helps to reduce friction, prevent clogging, and achieve a smoother finish.
- Ensure the surface to be sanded is clean and free of debris.
- Keep the sandpaper and the work surface continuously wet with water. A spray bottle can be useful for this.
- Gently sand the area, using light, even strokes. The goal is to remove minor imperfections like dust nibs or light paint texture.
- Rinse the surface frequently to remove sanding residue and check your progress.
- After achieving the desired smoothness, clean the surface thoroughly and prepare for compounding or polishing if needed.
Image: Individual sheets of 3M Wetordry Sandpaper, 1500 Grit, ready for use.
Maintenance and Storage
- After use, especially with wet sanding, rinse the sandpaper thoroughly to remove any residue.
- Allow the sandpaper to air dry completely before storing to prevent mold or degradation.
- Store unused sandpaper in its original packaging or a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain its abrasive properties.
- Proper storage helps extend the shelf life and effectiveness of the sandpaper.
Image: A pack of 3M Wetordry Sandpaper, 1500 Grit, with one sheet partially removed, demonstrating the product's flexibility.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Sandpaper clogs quickly (dry sanding) | Excessive material removal, soft material, or insufficient dust extraction. | Try wet sanding, use a coarser grit for initial removal, or ensure proper dust collection. |
| Uneven finish | Uneven pressure, worn sandpaper, or improper sanding technique. | Apply even pressure, replace worn sandpaper, or use a sanding block for consistency. |
| Sandpaper wears out too fast | Excessive pressure, sanding rough surfaces with fine grit, or improper storage. | Use appropriate grit for the task, reduce pressure, and store sandpaper correctly. |
Specifications
- Model Number: 32023
- Grit: 1500
- Dimensions: 9 in x 11 in (22.9 cm x 27.9 cm)
- Sheets Per Pack: 5
- Abrasive Material: Silicon Carbide
- Backing Type: Paper
- Application: Wet or Dry Sanding
- Primary Use: Polishing clear coat, smoothing dust nibs and paint runs, auto body repair.
What's in the Box
Each pack of 3M Wetordry Sandpaper 32023 contains:
- 5 sheets of 3M Wetordry Sandpaper, 9 in x 11 in, 1500 Grit.
Warranty and Support
For information regarding product warranty, returns, or additional support, please refer to the official 3M website or contact 3M customer service directly. Details are typically provided with the product packaging or on the manufacturer's official channels.
Manufacturer: 3M AAD Consumer (Domestic)
Date First Available: July 6, 2004