help - body filler/sandpaper

[salsheikh]

guys, need some advice asap.
using some body filler (branded product) and am using a bit extra hardener to get it to go off quicker but when it comes to sanding it down after 20/30 mins its not sanding easily. really getting on my nerves now  . its also clogging the sandpaper.

any ideas?

whats the best brand sandpaper to use?

thanks

[e11ie]

What  do you mean not sanding easily....if it's coming away in little lumpy bits then it hasn't gone off properly.

Try leaving it for longer (obvious I know!) or applying it in thiner layers. I know it is tempting to slap it on and speed up the process but it doesnt help in the long run!

With the sandpaper you continually need to give it a good bang (like old school chalk board wipers) and make sure you are using a block of some sort else you'll get low spots where your fingers have been.

Best to start with 80 grit and make sure it is decent stuff....I've brought cheap rolls from a DIY store before now and they just fall apart after a few rubs. A decent motor dealer will sell good stuff in single sheets.

Hope this helps and good luck

Oh yeah and try the paintwork (or sumit like that) section...lots of good stuff there 

[Martz]

The key is taking your time. Mix it as it says on the tin and let it set. It will be easier if you do that plus a decent prep will give you a chance when you paint it mate.

Good luck

Martz

[salsheikh]

well, it says sandable after 20 mins, i gave it an hour yesterday, heated it up using a hairdryer (i aint got a heat gun - yet) and even then the bugger seemed a it soft and wouldnt sand easily as it should. even old paint was clogging up the sandpaper, looks like i am going to have to invest in some good quality sandpaper and have to source some tack cloths.

[e11ie]

Does seem a tad weird because the only time I have had filler not sand well is when it hasn't gone off because I've been impatient and sanded it too soon...If you have left it for an hour and hairdryered it then you would have thought it would be as solid as a rock! what filler are you using? P38 or whatever number it is?

[Len]

Its not some filler you have had lying around for ages is it?
If so go buy some new stuff!

Yes it does go "off" after a time, so wont go hard fully.

[Martz]

^ Plus instructions on the tin for mixing it up. No point doing your own thing and for it to go wrong fella.

[salsheikh]

the stuff (loctite filler) is approx a month old and was fine when i used it on the wifes car. it also doesnt go pink once dried, it goes green??? i may have been using too much hardener but tried less and still the same results. the job is now completed so will get some new filler for next time. there's always a next time...

[converge]

You need a heat gun and some 40 grit, mix it golfball of filler to pea sized hardener - if it's taking an hour to go off then its either jeffin cold or you've got some bad filler!