jeffc wrote:

"Bob F" wrote in message
...

"jeffc" wrote in message
. ..

It was recommended I sand poly interior trim before painting white. If
it's not flat (i.e. it's typical nook-and-cranny cross section, like most
trim nowadays), how do you go about sanding it?

Just use your fingers to wrap it against the surface as you sand.


You guys don't seem to understand the type of trim I'm talking about. It's
not this, but it should give an idea
http://www.bmcwest.com/products/default.asp?cat=11
There's no possible way to sand hundreds of feet of that and getinto the
crevices. That's the way trim usually is nowadays.



Well, actually, that's not the way my trim is nowadays or ever ) If
you didn't want advice about sanding trim, why did you ask for it?????

When complex moldings are painted, the paint tends to be a little
heavier in the carvings/crevices than on the raised portion. It also
sticks better to the raised or flatter portions....the paint film
actually "bridges" the grooves and as long as it is bonded will on both
sides, it will stick. You could probably get by without any sanding if
you clean it very well, degrease with denatured alcohol, and use good
quality primer and paint.

I've done a good deal of painting and paint removal. Unless your "poly"
is high gloss, I'd forget sanding at all. As was suggested to you, a
liquid sander can also be used - it is highly volatile, so need good
vent. and care about flammability. It softens the finish enough to
remove the gloss, and will get gummy and smeary if you use too much.

With "thousands of feet" of shaped or carved molding, I would be
hesitant to paint it at all.....clear finish doesn't show blemishes as
easily as paint, IMO.