Using a tac rag between filler applications?

[chrisd6875]

What is the best way to clean the previously sanded surface, before applying the next layer of filler? I have been using dampened clean paper towels. I have tac rags but wasn't sure if the sticky stuff will be left on the surface?
Thanks,
Chris.

[Len]

What is the best way to clean the previously sanded surface, before applying the next layer of filler? I have been using dampened clean paper towels. I have tac rags but wasn't sure if the sticky stuff will be left on the surface?
Thanks,
Chris.

Blow the dust off with a blow gun. I wouldn't use any water because the filler will absorb it and a tack cloth is only good to remove minor dust particles prior to painting.

[MARTINSR]

Agreed, ALL that is needed is blowing it off with air. DO NOT use anything else, no water, no wax and grease remover, NOTHING, the filler will soak it up.

Brian

[All Dry]

Do most painters use tack rags routinely? Anyone know what exactly is the compund that makes tack rags sticky? Has anyone ever had a paint problem resulting from the use of a tack rag like adhesive transfer or contamination from the adhesive? Mike

[Bob K]

I know you didn’t ask, but I don’t use a tack rag on filler, just an air blast. If there is a little dust on the filler it will get incorporated into the next filler coat and not be a problem like it would be when painting. In paint the dust particle could result in a nib that is visible in the final surface.

Sorry I don’t know the composition of the sticky part of the tack rag. To avoid problems I just wipe the tack rag over the surface with almost no pressure. I’ve never had a problem but I could see it causing one if you were to forcefully scrub the surface you are cleaning with a tack rag.

Bob K

[MARTINSR]

Do most painters use tack rags routinely? Anyone know what exactly is the compund that makes tack rags sticky? Has anyone ever had a paint problem resulting from the use of a tack rag like adhesive transfer or contamination from the adhesive? Mike

Absolutely if used improperly a tack rag will cause big time problems! As mentioned you LIGHTLY drag the rag over the surface. If you rub too hard it will leave a residue that the base or clear often won't hide.

Brian

[Len]

Do most painters use tack rags routinely? Anyone know what exactly is the compund that makes tack rags sticky? Has anyone ever had a paint problem resulting from the use of a tack rag like adhesive transfer or contamination from the adhesive? Mike

When you do need a tack rag you want to be sure that you use one that is made for your application. There are tack rags used specifically for spray painting that have little chance of transferring contaminants to the surface AND you want to be sure to use it correctly. We unfold the tack rag fully then gather it into a soft pile and hold it on one side then lightly drag it across the surface in overlapping strokes similar to the pattern that we apply the paint. After a couple of strokes we open it up and re-gather it so that we expose new surfaces to the work.

Tack Rag Link