Non-Clogging Abrasive For Fairing Epoxy/Fiberglass Patches?

[PeteCress]

I've come around to thinking that hand sanding is the best way to fair most of the time.

Now, I've discovered Dragon Skin.

The stuff I found in my "Sanding Stuff" box that must be 20 years old looks like this: http://www.riversports.com/product_detail/225.html. but the name must not be copyrighted bc there are several flavors available under different brands and most of them are not nearly as pricey as in the aforementioned link.

After clogging so many pieces of sand paper, this stuff is like magic....

The Question:

Is there anything better? Brands? Holders?

[kc8pql]

I've never had any problems with the sandpaper loading when sanding epoxy if I

a. let the epoxy cure before sanding.
b. don't hold the sander in the same spot long enough for friction to soften the epoxy.

[David G]

Nor have I had issues with loading up the paper if the epoxy is cured.

If it's an issue for you, or if you have other loading problems - you could try 'coated' sandpaper. Far less expensive than your 'dragonskin'. It's just light coated sandpaper - coated with a soapy 'stearate' solution that resists clogging. There are times when the stearate interferes with good adhesion of subsequent coats. It's water-soluble, so just wipe your work down with a damp rag before coating.

The other option is a product called Abranet from Mirka. It's like sheetrock sanding mesh - coated with abrasive particles. Doesn't load up at all, and lasts a long time. Open construction makes attached vacuum devices function beautifully. Mirka makes both a short and long holder (4" & 8"?) -with integral vacuum hose ports - for hand sanding, or you can put one of their 5" disks on a velcro hand-pad and go to it. Still less expensive than the dragonskin.

[Tom Painter]

+1 on Abranet. As close to a dust-free sanding experience as one can get.

[PeteCress]

...Abranet from Mirka. It's like sheetrock sanding mesh - coated with abrasive particles. Doesn't load up at all, and lasts a long time. Open construction makes attached vacuum devices function beautifully.

Viewing one of the demo videos, I see that another advantage of Abranet is that it does not crease/tear when folded over to get to small indentations.

Other than that, is the hand-sanding experience about the same as sheetrock sanding mesh?

I use the sheetrock stuff too, but it does not cut as aggressively as the Dragon Skin.

[David G]

I haven't seen or used the dragon skin - so can't compare. I've also not used the abranet for any hand sanding that I can remember. I've only used it as described above. Impressed so far.

[Mrleft8]

A card scraper won't load if the epoxy is cured, and produces a lot less dust.

[Tom Painter]

I gonna sound like an Abranet salesman.....but it really is great stuff. I use it by hand too, perfect for removing the rasp marks on a guitar neck for instance...