i've been doing sanding on antique doors that have several layers of paint. i have used many different grades of sandpaper and blocks.
the best i found was a small white block of some substance that wears down as you use it...doesn't last very long but while you use it it strips through all the layers and is great for getting into the cracks. now i am out of it and can't find it anywhere. i went to every paint store in town, walmart, etc...i don't remember where i or who got it, it was just in my gararge. it is designed for sanding so it's not like a found something designed for one thing and used it for sanding...i remember it had a lable wrapped around it but don't remember what brand or anything.

if you know what i'm talking about or know a website i can order it from please let me know.
thanks

Hi
Why don't you check this web page and it might be useful.
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/pt_stripping/article/0,20...4209_2270135,00.html

3M sanding pads

rubbing brick by Norton

Use of pumice for polishing furniture

See under "Preparation"

I have a feeling you were using a pumice stone. This would make sense with your description that it didn't last very long. Pumice is actually a very soft stone but it is abrasive. It is typically a light gray in color and looks very porous. You may be able to get a hardware store to get some for you but make sure they don't make a mistake and pick up powdered pumice which is used in polishing furniture.

I'm trying to think of another place to find pumice stones, but maybe someone else can help with that. They are used to take dead skin off during manicures... not sure if a drug store would have them.

Does that sound like what you were using?

thanks for all the sugggestions...but i didn't see what i was talking about. i'll keep looking for it in other hardware/painting stores in other towns. i'm telling you it's amazing.

when i found it in my gararge i just grabbed it, pulled off the lable, tossed it, and kept sanding. it wasn't until later after i was out of the block and the trash had been picked up that i realized i didn't know what brand or what to actually call the thing.

all i remember was that it was white, porous, chalky (kinda). of course my wife doesn't know what i'm talking about and swears she didn't buy anything like that. i hope the sandpaper fairy comes again soon.

are you sure it wasent one of those tolet bowl
stones

What you are describing sounds exactly like a pumice stone or rottenstone which is decomposed limestone. Here is a site where you can order one. They are particular useful in polishing wood to a high sheen.

ya thats the stuff pumice stone.
that stuff sands like crazy

I brought up pumice stone in my first post. I believe that is what he had as well, but he thinks not or didn't read my post.

Yes Ami, and I was agreeing with you when I told him that it indeed sounded like pumice stone. But what he hasn't checked out yet is rottenstone (something entirely different) which is why I provided the link

sorry did not read that or i read to fast and not pay att. you did indeed . me soory

yeah, thanks...ya'll are right. it is a pommace stone for cleaning tubs and (as my father-in-law sez) "terrlets".

now, anybody wanna sand some doors?