I've got a spare tank that I'd like to strip down, polish and then clear lacquer for a nice finish. There's a lot of experience floating around the forum, I'm sure this job has been done a few times. Any tips for a good finish? I have heard that strippers are a good start and then wet and dry with a fine grade to avoid scratching the metal. I was considering a shot blast for the initial strip. Will this be too harsh?
Personally I just use an orbital sander and drill fitted with a flapper wheel to strip the paint when I spray a tank - 40 grit for this stage. Make sure you're wearing a good mask though and be prepared for a hell of a mess in your garage! You'll then need to gradually work down the grades of wet & dry by hand to get the initial finish you're after e.g. 240 grit followed by 600 grit, 1200 and then 2000. To get a proper mirror finish, you'd probably be better off taking it to a professional polisher at this stage or else invest in the correct gear. You'll soon find out why refinishers charge so much for a spray job - good preparation is really time consuming and the end result is totally dependent upon it, it's just that you can't see it. You would notice it if it wasn't done correctly though I promise!
