Switched to dry sanding for filler work and won't go back

I've been blocking filler with wet sanding for years, always thought it kept the dust down and gave a smoother finish. Last month I had a job on a 2010 Civic in Cincinnati where the owner wanted me to blend a quarter panel repair. The paint kept failing around the filler edges, little fisheyes showing up after primer. An old timer at the shop told me to try dry sanding the filler with 80 grit on a block, then blow it off with air before primer. I did that on a test spot and the adhesion was way better, no contamination from the water sitting in the filler pores. Now I only wet sand the final primer coat before paint. The dust is worse, but I just wear a respirator and clean the booth after. Has anyone else found dry sanding filler solves that peeling issue around repairs?

2 comments

2 Comments

black.patricia20d ago

Stick with 36 grit on a DA and watch how much better that primer grabs.

mason.mary20d ago

Try 36 grit and a can of beer. The results are similar.