Virtues of wet sanding

William Whitaker · 07-31-2004, 12:34 AM

If you are painting in oils on a traditional smooth panel, sanding is a great way to prepare the surface for glazing.

I discovered the virtues of using sandpaper in painting by watching maintenance men refinish my studio cabinets when I was teaching at university many years ago. I employ this technique when I

William Whitaker · 07-31-2004, 12:35 AM

This is a 9x12

William Whitaker · 07-31-2004, 12:36 AM

I

William Whitaker · 07-31-2004, 12:37 AM

I lowered the camera and took this shot to show that I

William Whitaker · 07-31-2004, 12:38 AM

After I finished, I wiped off the surface with a wet SCOTT SHOP TOWEL. (Scott

Michael Georges · 07-31-2004, 10:13 AM

Hello Bill: Great topic!

When you first suggested to me that I do that on my elf girl painting, I thought - "Sand it! He's crazy!"

But I did it anyway and it really worked well to smooth it out and get rid of unwanted paint ridges.

It also accomplished another thing - it gets you away from saying to yourself "that part is perfect" and loving any one part of the work too much. Because of the sanding, there were parts of that painting that I painted into and over two and three times - each time they got better.

Linda Brandon · 08-01-2004, 11:29 AM

Hi Bill,

Gosh, that's a beautiful painting.

Your post came just in time. I think I'm not using enough water when I wet sand.

On your post you said you wet sand before glazing, but do you also wet sand between coats? And how are you laminating the ABS to the birch?

Have you tried wet sanding the New Traditions panels?

Your post didn't mention power sanding away large sections of paintings or vaporizing bad paintings altogether. This is probably a regrettable practice, but hugely fun to do.

William Whitaker · 08-01-2004, 11:48 PM

Michael,

I'd be happy if my painting improved every time I sanded and repainted! One of these days I simply must learn brush control.....

Linda dear,

Always remember that the fifteen horsepower industrial strength belt sander you wield is not Mr. Painting's friend....... It is a good studio defense weapon though.

I laminated ABS to birch with a high quality kitchen countertop cement back in the days when I was handy with my hands. Nowadays I have New Traditions do it for me.

I sand between coats, before glazing, and just about anytime I'm in the mood. Some folks have been heard to say that I sand better than I paint. Sanding is a relaxing hobby.

Sometimes I'd rather sand than paint, especially when the painting begins to get difficult.

Chris Saper · 08-03-2004, 10:27 PM

Bill,

When I started with the first image in this thread I was ready to cry. My immediate response was "What can he possibly be thinking!!??"

I have (yes, dragged, kicking and screaming) become enamored with smooth surfaces. This is all your fault. In any case, I am here to beg and grovel: Please post images of this gorgeous painting!

Michele Rushworth · 08-04-2004, 12:14 AM

How delightful to see you posting here again, Bill! And I second Chris: please post more images of that jaw dropping painting, along with closeups, if you have the time.

This piece is having the effect on me that seems to happen when I view many of your paintings: tears come to my eyes. I can't decide if it's joy at seeing so lovely a work of art, or despair at ever being able to create something so exquisite. Think I'll go to my garage and sand something to console myself...!