Question about body filler

[Dreamcar]

The can of filler I have says to sand with 40-80 discs (using a DA). If I have a hard to reach area and want to just do it by hand, or if the area is so small that there's no reason to fire up the compressor, do I change the grit, or stick with 40-80 when sanding by hand?

[bill440rt]

A DA sander is not the best tool to sand filler. It will leave waves & not get the panel straight. It is better used to feather-edge paint. Stick with a long-block for sanding filler.
Surely a small block can be used to sand filler by hand for smaller areas.
Depending on how thick it's applied, you can start with 36-40 grit to initially knock it down some, and then change to 80-100 grit, finish with 220 before primer.
Some fillers sand harder than others. If it's a filler that sands easily you may want to start with 80.

[garner7555]

      

[hemi-hampton]

If I gotta skim coat a large Charger 1/4 panel I'll use a large 8" Hog some call it & 36 grit, Then 80 grit on Hutchins air file. This is just to knock it down quick & rough it in. Then go over it by hand with long board & 80 grit to get it straight. LEON.

[Canadian1968]

IT might be more helpful if you told us what area you are talking about exactly.  "Small hard to reach " can be a lot of different places!

[Hudson Hornet !]

If I gotta skim coat a large Charger 1/4 panel I'll use a large 8" Hog some call it & 36 grit, Then 80 grit on Hutchins air file. This is just to knock it down quick & rough it in. Then go over it by hand with long board & 80 grit to get it straight. LEON.

Ahh, the truth once again from Leon- People, listen to what he has to say, his advice will not lead you wrong!

[Dreamcar]

My question should have been worded differently...if the can says to use a particular grit on bare metal when using a DA, do I use the same grit if sanding the bare metal by hand? Some areas using a DA is not practical.

[Canadian1968]

Yes the same grit will be fine

[Dreamcar]

Thanks