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Fine Sanding the Woodwork on Trim

boredcleaner

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I find the finish of the woodwork to be a little rough. I'm thinking of doing some fine sanding to make it smoother. Anyone else experiencing this? Seem reasonable?
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EarlyAdptr

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I haven't inspected any of the wood trim. However, I would suspect there is some sort of 'finish' on the trim. To protect the wood. If you sand, you'll be sanding the finish off first. You might have to also consider adding new finish after you're done smoothing - if you want to have a similar protection.

Let us know how it goes if you try it. I'd suggest starting on an area that is less visible as a test.
 

Lysdexic

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Dang. You are braver than me. A few considerations:
What did they use as a finish? Probably spray lacquer.
What finish to use when you inevitability sand through that finish to get to a smooth surface?
What stain to use if you go through their stain on the high spots.

I have finished a fair amount of furniture but to tackle something installed in an automobile is too risky. Only because I wouldn’t have a good solution when something goes awry. And, in my hands, it would.

I have considered applying a brown wax to the OC wood to darken it but I would not start sanding.
 
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crashmtb

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I wouldn’t sand it. Wax/sealant is a safer option. And reversible!
 

bsaik

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Someone did this with his Tesla and shared his results here. The model 3/Y also has a wood dash that is a little rough as well.
 

Davethadog

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This is definitely thermally stabilized wood that in some cases probably has been fumed. Idk if I’d sand it and if I were to I would do the whole thing. You’re going to expose new fiber and there will definitely be a difference in the sheen and color you can get in a touched up area. Most thermally stabilized wood trim uses either a water-based poly or new cool catalyzed wax like Rubio mono coat. The wax is the ticket if you don’t want to add sheen.
 

the long way downunder

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I find the finish of the woodwork to be a little rough. I'm thinking of doing some fine sanding to make it smoother. Anyone else experiencing this? Seem reasonable?
The trim looks thin and strangely feels "brittle" to the touch. I wouldn't try to do anything more than dust it … carefully. : )
 

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E.S.

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I find the finish of the woodwork to be a little rough. I'm thinking of doing some fine sanding to make it smoother. Anyone else experiencing this? Seem reasonable?
Eh, I wouldn't do it. That has the stank of Warranty voided ALL over it.
 

ads75

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Some people are commenting to possibly use a wax instead. Would there be a concern about the wax melting/running in higher temperatures (like the cabin in the summer)?
 

fergie

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As a amateur woodworker, I like to use white non-woven scrub pads to buff out a finish on wood. These are finer than the typical blue and green pads that are more commonly found in stores. I find they can smooth out dust nibs without leaving metal bits that steel wool can.

I definitely don't recommend sandpaper.



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