Getting a Smooth Finish

[Bob K.]

I recently completed a carving that I would like to have a semi gloss smooth finish. I sanded the carving finishing with 220 grit sandpaper then lightly painted it with a wash coat of acrylic paint and sealed it with 3 coats of semi gloss spray polyurethane. Although the carving has a nice semi gloss appearance to it...it has a rough feel to it...not the smooth finish I want. What might I have done wrong and is there anything I can do now to still get a smooth finish?

[BeaverDon]

I find sometimes even 220 on softer woods like basswood isn't absolutely smooth. Try going to 320 grit. I see you seal it with an acrylic wash before painting. Try a very light sand after the sealer coat, maybe even 400 grit. Be sure to wipe it clean after that sanding. I think that might do it.

Alternatively, you could use 0000 steel wool or a red ScotchBrite pad instead of the 400 grit. I like compressed air to get all the dust out of the nooks and crannies.

[Claude]

Try rubbing the cured finish with a wadded-up brown paper grocery bag. The bag has just enough coarseness to it to smooth out any little surface flaws (dust, usually) that got in the drying finish.

Claude

[Bob K.]

Thanks guys...I'll try it!

[Ed Redwine]

I'm with Claude. The crushed up brown paper bag works well but be sure not to use a piece that has printing on it. I've had the printers ink come off on the carving doing that.

[FreeMan08]

As beaverdon says, I would use 400 grit, and even 600 grit. Another factor is the surface should be lightly sanded between coats, especially after the first coat, The first coat will raise the grain giving you the roughness you are feeling. The gloss is from the polyurethane, but the surface is still rough from the first coat. Burnishing with paper will help with some of the soft woods, I have even burnished by using a polished steel rod gently, as to not damage or dent the wood. Whether it be carvings, or furniture, you'll never get a quality smooth finish if you don't correct the grain, raised by the first coats.
regards
Ed