<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>Dear Greg:
<BR>
<BR>According to Bob Flexner, who wrote an excellent book on refinishing and
<BR>which I recommended to the techs in this room, lacquer should IDEALLY be
<BR>allowed to cure for 30 days before sanding and polishing. I'm not sure
<BR>whether you are using water-based or nitrocellulose lacquer......this
<BR>recommendation is for the nitrocellulose type.
<BR>While the lacquer may FEEL dry to the touch, it is still in a very soft state
<BR>after 24 hours which probably accounts for the balling up on the 3M pad. For
<BR>those on a tight time schedule, he suggests waiting a week to do any sanding
<BR>or polishing of lacquer finishes. I hope this suggestion helps and good luck.
<BR>
<BR>A. Bajada
<BR>CSULA</FONT></HTML>