If you want to repaint or stain a piece of furniture or project around the home, you may find that you have to sand the surface so it is prepped for a new coating. This can be done with sandpaper but that can take a lot of time and manual labor.
What liquid sandpaper does is take away the amount of labor involved as well as cutting down the amount of time it takes to remove the top layer of a surface. Liquid sandpaper is known as deglosser and is a solution made from multiple chemicals such as ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, and naphtha.
In this guide, we’ll be taking you through everything you need to know about liquid sandpaper including how it is different from traditional sandpaper, the advantages that come with using liquid sandpaper, and how to use it among much more.
By the end of this article, you’ll know what to expect when you use liquid sandpaper to get the best results whilst ensuring that you are using it properly and safely.
How is Liquid Sandpaper Different from Traditional Sandpaper?
The most common question asked with regards to liquid sandpaper is how it is different from traditional sandpaper. Knowing the differences between the two means that you can make sure that you are choosing the right product for your project.
The main difference is that liquid sandpaper can be used to remove a glossy layer of a surface which then leaves the surface ready to be painted or stained on. The surface will be rough so you can choose to prime it beforehand if you wish.
Where sandpaper can take a lot of manual labor and time, liquid sandpaper helps to cut down on these elements although the chemical elements in the product are not as environmentally friendly so it’s important to bear this in mind if you decide to use it.
Advantages Of Using Liquid Sandpaper
Now that you know the main differences between liquid sandpaper and traditional sandpaper, it’s important to know the advantages and benefits that come with using the product. This will help you to determine whether it is the right solution for your project. Here are the most common reasons why using liquid sandpaper is advantageous:
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Ease of use
Liquid sandpaper is much easier to use compared to traditional sandpaper because it takes out the majority of the manual labor involved in the latter. Therefore, if you are susceptible to muscular aches and pains, liquid sandpaper can be a great alternative without compromising on the results thanks to its hassle-free application.
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Faster
One of the main advantages that come with liquid sandpaper that makes it better than traditional sandpaper is that it works a lot quicker making it great for those working to a deadline.
Where traditional sandpaper can take hours depending on the size of the surface area you are working with, liquid sandpaper can work its magic in around 15 minutes making it a great alternative for those who don’t want the fuss and want to cut down the amount of time it will take to complete the project.
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Fewer dust particles
If you use traditional sandpaper, you’ll notice that it produces a lot of dust particles which can be harmful when inhaled, especially in large quantities. For those who suffer from conditions such as asthma, this can be extremely risky to your health and can cause other side effects including dizziness and nausea.
If you are working with a surface that has been covered in lead paint, this can even be fatal and cause long-term sickness if a lot is inhaled. What liquid sandpaper does is eliminate this risk as there are fewer dust particles released; however, it’s important to make sure you use liquid sandpaper in a well-ventilated area whilst wearing safety equipment including a mask.
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Less mess
Following on from fewer dust particles, liquid sandpaper is less messy to work with than traditional sandpaper. This is because there is less dust and residue left behind when working with liquid sandpaper due to the nature of the product.
When using traditional sandpaper, you’ll find that the residue will spread all over the surface and the floor which can take a long time to clean up if you are working with a large surface area.
Liquid sandpaper can eliminate this step by restricting the mess thus reducing your cleaning time making it great for those who are working to a deadline or those who want to get their project done as quickly as possible.
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Removing details
Liquid sandpaper can remove intricate details that traditional sandpaper isn’t as effective in removing.
This makes it great for those working with surfaces that contain details such as curves, grooves, and holes among more. Liquid sandpaper can help to even out surfaces that can be extremely tricky to work with manually.
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Versatility
The last advantage that comes with liquid sandpaper is the versatility of use as it can be used on a wide variety of surfaces that makes it great for all sorts of projects.
Whether you are working with a piece of furniture or are wanting to repaint or stain a surface, liquid sandpaper is a great solution that you can get a lot of use out of.
How To Use Liquid Sandpaper?
Knowing how to use liquid sandpaper properly will ensure that you get the best results no matter what kind of surface you are working on or what your intentions with the surface are. Here is the best way to use liquid sandpaper properly:
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Cleaning and prepping the surface
The first thing you need to do is clean and prep the surface that you will be working on. This is because the liquid sandpaper may not be as effective if the surface hasn’t been prepared properly. Make sure that you wash the surface with a soft soap such as hand soap to remove any dirt and dust from the surface.
Once you have done this, use a clean towel to dry the surface completely and leave it to dry for around 15 minutes. Make sure that you wait until the surface is completely dry before applying the liquid sandpaper as the solution will not work as moisture can cause an array of issues.
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Applying the liquid sandpaper
Once your surface is prepped and dry, you can apply the liquid sandpaper. The best way to do this is by using a lint-free cloth which will ensure that you can apply the liquid sandpaper smoothly and evenly.
Make sure that you work slowly so you can make sure that you are reaching around the whole surface properly. Once you are confident that you have applied the liquid sandpaper across the surface evenly, make sure you leave it to sit for the time stated on the bottle. Each solution is different as the mixture may differ.
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Drying off the liquid sandpaper
When you are confident that the liquid sandpaper has had time to work through the top layer, use another lint-free cloth and wipe it across the surface thoroughly while applying a little bit of pressure.
In order to get the best results, make sure you reread the instructions on the container so you can make sure you have an idea of what the surface should look like and what the removal process consists of.
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Paint or stain
Now the surface has had liquid sandpaper applied to the top layer, it is ready to be painted or stained on. If you’re not confident that the liquid sandpaper has worked properly or you are worried that you may have made a mistake, simply repeat this process until you are confident that the surface has been thoroughly prepped.
What Is The Right Liquid Sandpaper for your Project?
So you’ve decided that you want to use liquid sandpaper for your project but what are the best products on the market?
In this section, we’ll be delving into what you should look out for when doing your research into which product is going to work the most for your project. Here are some things you should take into consideration:
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Brand
The first thing you’ll probably notice when looking for liquid sandpaper are the top brands that are leaders in the industry. The top brands will have a history of developing products that are made with the highest quality formulas.
You may find that branded products are more expensive but this is because they are more likely to generate the best results. There are a lot of brands that you can consider with the best liquid sandpapers on the market including Brunswick Liquid Sandpaper, Klean-Strip Easy Liquid Sandpaper, and Neo Tac Liquid Sandpaper.
These three products have become the most popular and leading liquid sandpapers on the market thanks to their consistency and versatility when it comes to the projects and surfaces they can be used for.
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Project
Another thing you should always think about is the project you are working on. Some liquid sandpapers can work best on certain surfaces or for certain projects such as wood or metal.
There are also varying strengths of liquid sandpaper so it’s important to determine how strong you need the substance to be to strip away the top layer of the surface. Knowing exactly what you are working with will mean that you can find a product that is perfect for your project and boost your chance of success.
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Reading reviews
Lastly, reading reviews can be a great indicator of knowing how good a product is going to be. Following on from brands, customer reviews can be crucial as you can be assured that these people have used the product and some people may even post pictures so you can see for yourself.
Tips To Remember When Using Liquid Sandpaper
Some tips are important to remember when you use liquid sandpaper. This will ensure that you are being as safe as possible as well as bringing out the best results for your project. Here are the most important things to think about when using liquid sandpaper:
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Read the instructions carefully
The first tip is also the most important which is making sure that you read through the instructions thoroughly. This may seem silly, but each brand is different and the mixture may differ so making sure you read the instructions, including the warning signs, will ensure that you know exactly what to do with the product.
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Being safe
Using liquid sandpaper in a safe environment will reduce the risk of poisonous fumes being inhaled. Make sure that you are using the product in a well-ventilated area and away from pets and children as well as those who have conditions such as asthma. It is also advised to wear protective gear such as a ventilation mask and safety goggles so you don’t suffer from any side effects such as dizziness and nausea. Gloves are also an important piece of safety gear to wear as liquid sandpaper can burn the skin when exposed to a large quantity.
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Disposing of the product properly
Lastly, you need to make sure that you get rid of the product correctly when you are done with it. A lot of people simply pour it down the sink or the toilet which is extremely bad for the environment. The best way to dispose of the product is by taking it to your local hazardous waste site where they can break the product down properly in a safe environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does liquid sandpaper work?
As explored in this article, liquid sandpaper boasts an array of advantages that can make your projects look even better. Bear in mind that liquid sandpaper can take a long time to dry due to its lengthy process meaning that you will have to factor this in when it comes to planning your timeline for the project’s completion.
Is liquid deglosser as good as sanding?
There are plenty of reasons why liquid deglosser is much better than sanding with the main reason being that it requires less time and effort on your part whether you are prepping the surface for staining or painting. This is because the chemical process does all of the hard work for you; however, bear in mind that it doesn’t balance the surface out for you and is a more harmful method for the environment.
Does liquid sandpaper need to be rinsed?
One of the benefits that come with liquid sandpaper is that you don’t have to rinse it. This is because it works after being left on the surface for ten minutes while it dries. While it is drying, the solution will break down the top layer of paint or primer and make it ready for the new coat of paint or staining.
Can I use a deglosser instead of sanding?
Liquid deglosser can be used instead of sanding as it is a chemical solution that helps to break down the top layer on the surface which therefore preps it ready for the new layer of stain or paint. Make sure that when you apply the deglosser that you use a brush that contains firm synthetic bristles so it can be distributed evenly and ensure that it covers the entire surface correctly.
Can you use liquid sandpaper before staining?
Liquid sandpaper can be used to prep your surface before staining making it highly versatile for a variety of projects around the home. Whether you want to stain or repaint a piece of furniture, you’ll be able to use liquid sandpaper to get the best results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, liquid sandpaper is a fantastic product thanks to its versatility and the variety of projects it can be used on; however, knowing how to properly use it is equally important to ensure that you get the best results without having to spend a lot of money or time doing it.
By following our step-by-step instructions, you’ll find that your projects look great as you’ll know how the product works and what to expect when you use it. So now you’ve completed this guide, it’s time to have fun and get started with your projects! Good luck!
