When Should You Wet Sand? It's best to wet sand when you're looking for a super smooth finish, or when sanding is going to create a huge mess, and you're willing to spend a long time sanding to avoid that. If you have a lot of material to remove, then dry sanding is probably a better choice.

How soon can you wet sand after painting?

Drying time will vary depending on the paint, but it is recommended to let it dry for 12-24 hours before starting to sand. Letting it sit overnight can be helpful to ensure complete dryness.

When should I start wet sanding?

When you really want a glossy finish, you'll need to wet sand. Wet sanding is a process that's often used on car paint jobs, guitars, and even 3D prints to give them a mirror-smooth look. Wet sanding is typically done after dry sanding to get an even finish.