Frequently Asked Questions

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What grit sandpaper should I use before painting a car?

For the final sand before primer, use 320 to 400 grit. Then wet-sand primer with 400 grit and refine through 600 to 800 grit before your base coat. Always step through grits gradually, because skipping grits leaves scratches that telegraph through the paint.

What grit sandpaper do I use on body filler (Bondo)?

Start at 80 grit to shape the filler, move to 120 grit to feather the edges into bare metal, then 180 to 220 grit for a uniform surface, and finish at 320 to 400 grit before primer. Do not jump straight from 80 to a fine grit, as each step removes the previous scratches.

What grit should I sand primer with before paint?

Wet-sand 2K primer with 400 grit to flatten the texture, then progress through 600 to 800 grit for a smooth, paint-ready surface. Silicon-carbide wet/dry paper cuts primer cleanly without clogging.

How do I wet sand and buff a clear coat?

Wet-sand with 1500 grit (or 2000 to 3000 for a factory finish), keeping the surface wet and using light, even pressure on a block. Then machine compound and polish to bring back a mirror gloss. Only sand a fully cured clear coat.

How do I remove orange peel from a clear coat?

Level the surface by wet-sanding, starting at 1500 grit for light orange peel or 800 grit if it is heavy, using a block in a cross-hatch pattern. Then compound and polish to restore gloss. Remember you are removing clear coat, so do not over-sand thin edges.

What grit are red/maroon and grey scuff pads equal to?

Maroon (red) general-purpose scuff pads are roughly equivalent to 320 to 400 grit, and grey ultra-fine pads to about 600 to 800 grit. Use maroon for scuffing and keying surfaces, and grey for final scuffing before clear or sealer.

How long should clear coat cure before wet sanding?

Most solvent clears need 24 to 48 hours before color sanding; high-solids clears used in pro shops need at least 72 hours. It cures faster in warmth, and below 60F it slows dramatically. The fingernail test helps: if pressing leaves an imprint, it is not ready yet.

How do I feather edge chipped paint before priming?

Use a 6 inch DA sander with 150 to 220 grit (or block-sand with 220) and taper each paint layer about a quarter inch so there are no hard steps. If you can still feel the edge with your eyes closed, the bevel is too short. Prime and block the area afterward.

How do I blend base coat into an existing panel?

Scuff the blend area to P600 to P800 (P1000 where only clear will go), then spray the repair first and extend each coat 2 to 3 inches further into the surrounding panel to fade the color. Clear the whole panel once the color is blended.

What is the mixing ratio for 2K primer?

It depends on the product: most 2K urethane primers mix around 4:1 with activator, while 2K epoxy primers are often 1:1. Up to about 10% thinner can aid flow. Always confirm the exact ratio on the product technical data sheet, and only mix what you will use.

What is the difference between the Mirka DEROS and DEROS II?

The DEROS II adds up to 20% more power with a 400W brushless motor, LED speed indicators with a separate on/off switch, Bluetooth vibration monitoring via the myMirka app, and a new 7 inch model. Choose the DEROS II for the latest performance; the original DEROS only if budget is the priority.

What orbit size should my DA sander be?

A 5mm orbit is the versatile all-rounder for most body and primer work; a 2.5mm orbit gives a finer, swirl-free finish ideal for final prep and clear-coat sanding; and a larger 8mm orbit removes material fast for heavy cutting. Match the orbit to the job, and we stock all three in the Mirka range.

What is the best sander for auto body work?

A dual-action (DA) random orbital sander is the standard for bodywork, because it spins and oscillates to cut fast while minimizing swirl marks. For dust-free, low-vibration work, the electric Mirka DEROS II and cordless AROS/AOS sanders are shop favorites.

Which Mirka sander is right for my shop?

For corded electric power choose the DEROS II series; for cordless freedom choose the AROS or AOS battery sanders; for air-driven tools choose Mirka pneumatic sanders. Then match pad size (3 to 6 inch) and orbit (2.5 to 5mm) to your application. Our team can help you spec the right one.

Net abrasives vs paper sanding discs, which is better?

Net abrasives like Mirka Abranet sand dust-free through the entire mesh, resist clogging, last up to four times longer, and leave a finer, more uniform scratch that is ideal before clear. Paper discs are cheaper for rough cutting. Most pros use paper for roughing and net for finishing.

Are your abrasives compatible with dust-free sanding systems?

Yes. Net and mesh abrasives like Mirka Abranet, plus multi-hole and hole-pattern discs, are built for dust extraction and pair with Mirka DEROS, DEROS II and DEXOS dust-free systems for up to 99.97% dust capture.

How do I choose the right backing pad for my sander?

Match the pad diameter to your disc (for example 5 inch or 6 inch), match the hole pattern to your disc and dust system, and pick the right firmness, firm for flat cutting and soft for contours. Using the correct pad keeps the cut flat and protects your tool.

What brands does United Finishing Supply carry?

We stock 900+ professional products from Mirka, Indasa, Farecla, Smirdex, Evercoat, SAS Safety and Gecko, spanning abrasives, paint, primers, body repair, masking, detailing and safety gear.

Do you offer same-day shipping?

Yes. In-stock orders placed before 2PM EST ship the same day from our New York warehouse. Most items are in stock; rare backorders may add up to 3 business days of handling.

Is there free shipping?

Yes, orders over $300 ship free within the contiguous United States. Orders below that are charged calculated shipping at checkout.

Where do you ship from and how fast will it arrive?

We ship from our New York warehouse, one of the largest in-stock inventories on the East Coast, so most US orders arrive within a few business days.

Is there a minimum order?

No. There is no minimum order, so you can buy a single disc or a full pallet.

Do you offer trade or wholesale accounts for body shops?

Yes. We supply collision shops, detailers and professional refinishers. Email hello@unitedfinish.com to set up a trade account and discuss volume pricing.

Can you help me choose the right product?

Absolutely. Our finishing specialists will help you pick the correct grit, disc, pad or system for your job. Email hello@unitedfinish.com or use our contact page.

What is your return policy?

Unused items in their original packaging can be returned. Please contact us first at hello@unitedfinish.com so we can arrange it, and see our store policies for full details.