If you do come in contact with the mineral spirits, immediately wash your hands with soap and warm water. Remove the sandpaper and begin wet sanding in irregular circular motions. Use lukewarm water and spray evenly, making sure to wet every part of the acrylic piece. Sanding plastic gives it a smooth finish but if you are not careful, you can introduce new scratches to the surface. Apply a small amount of it to a soft cloth and rub it in a circular motion. It does this so well due to its adhesiveness. Smooth the edges. An initial tack coat of about one-third to one-half coverage will help later coats stick better. Sanding plastic is typically done with a soft to medium sandpaper, depending . This tried and true food service industry trick can help clean up even the worst of boards and prolong the life of your boards and boost the cleanliness of your kitchen. Step-2: Use wet/dry sandpaper to the sanding pad, People who just need to sand one or two surfaces need not follow this step. However, if you sand in the same direction, you can scratch the material so much that it can be challenging to eliminate the new flaws; hence, using a circular motion is recommended. It's also one of the easier filament materials to sand because of its low strength characteristic. I have a kitchen board which have rough surface, now sanding will make the rough surface smoother and i dont want that ! Baking soda. Try out our VuPlex Plastic Cleaning Kit, which not only cleans but also glosses the surface you're working on. For instance, a common problem caused by too much Learn how your comment data is processed. face. Before sanding, clean off dirt and grime with a mild detergent solution. Any dust, debris, or sticky materials glued to the surface of your plastic should be removed prior to spray painting. How Much Should You Spend on a Guest Room Mattress? Usually, for plastic, from 240 to 360 grit-paper is extremely rough. Once you have finished sanding it, use a wet cloth to rub the bumper clean. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Not only is the fresh surface more sanitary (deep crevices can collect and breed bacteria), but it will also help prolong the sharpness of the edge of your knives (the worn cutting surfaces can catch and dull knife edges more quickly). Gather all the materials Just as with any DIY project, it's essential to ensure that you have all the tools you will be needing before you get started. Related: Latex Paint Sprayers: Top 10 Reviews, Comparisons and Buying Guide. Aluminum Oxide and Silicone Carbide sandpaper, the industry of abrasives was The technique for polishing 3D printed parts is similar to sanding: with polish applied, the wet cloth should be moved in even circular motions over the surface of the part . Once your surface is clean, have another bucket of water and dip the sandpaper called silica carbide in the water. (Learn More). Otherwise, you might end up with smeared paint that is difficult to remove. Let the plastic dry for at least two hours in a warm, dry environment. Remove the 60-grit paper and attach 80-grit sandpaper. She holds an LLBS from the University of Zimbabwe, and is a lifelong learner who always seeks to improve the world around her. Check local waste management regulations for guidance on disposing of rags soaked with mineral spirits. Wet sanding is the process of using sandpaper that has been immersed in water. Can you sand plastic smooth?Wash the plastic that you will be sanding.Fill a bucket with water.Cut a piece of 200-grit wet/dry adhesive sandpaper to fit a circular foam sanding pad.Sand very lightly using circular motions.Switch to 400-grit paper once you have lightly sanded the entire surface with your 200-grit paper. Wet Sanding vs Dry Sanding: Know the Pros and Cons. 5. Affix the plastic bumper on a secure surface so you dont have to handle it by hand. Step 3. It is typically done after dry sanding a surface to get an even finish. It is. Look closely for nooks and crannies for finding roughness and scratches. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you. This technique is especially helpful when you need to construct complex shapes out of multiple plastic sheets. I can see how self-healing plastic would gum up a sander, though. In this video, I cover the basics of dry sanding and wet sanding plus the Pros and Cons of both. You can need to up the grit number after that. A mini tummy tuck is a variation of a full tummy tuck, the scar is shorter and the recovery is quicker. Once the scratch removes, you can proceed to the next level. Dont worry, weve covered it all. Plastic sanding can also be used to reduce the visibility of scratches and imperfections on plastic surfaces. After the banana has been applied, wrap the banana peel around your finger and wipe the plastic surface with it. Drip the spirits or alcohol onto a clean rag and wipe down the surface. Now you can sand away without fear of damaging the tube's wall. Continue rubbing it in circles for a while. Be sure to always have high-quality sandpaper in your toolbox if you often work with plastic! For areas of the boat that you want to stay polished aluminum, wet sand with fine grit paper or sanding sponges. Formulated the same as the spray-on versions, the only difference is the delivery system. Use a lint-free cloth to clean the plastic while you wet sanding. Sanding down plastic incorrectly can cause scratches on it. Sanding is an essential step for glossy plastic before you paint so that the finish will not be abrasive. In most cases, you'll be removing more walls than you build, but sometimes you'll need to add some as well. The most common situations for me are: Moving an existing wall back to create more kitchen space. Edge With the Same Grit Sequence. The vinegar is for wiping the board down and disinfecting it first. The Starrett miter protractor is constructed from durable engineered plastic and has a nonstick coated O-ring for smooth and precise operation. They can also be a great way to save money since they are often cheaper than, Read More 10 Solid Storage Beds You Can Get for Under $500Continue, There are plenty of washing liquids in the market today, and it can be challenging to pick the most harmless one not just for your skin but also for your clothes. Sanding will also help prepare the ABS plastic for painting. Plastic manufacturing companies have their own methods of polishing that cannot be copied at home due to the fact that they use very harsh chemicals, but the article below will share with you some very simple and basic ways to make plastic polishing an easy chore. But paint manufacturers have developed special spray paints that go on smoother, stick better, and resist peeling better than conventional paint. When dry sanding, you could also invest in a respirator to protect your lungs. Use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water to clean extensively pitted plastic, because vinegar is a weak acid, and it helps smooth the surface. Apply a gentle abrasive to the scratch, such as toothpaste, furniture polish, baking soda, or plastic polish, and let it sit for a few minutes. Epoxy. Most issues you will face will be heat-related when sanding plastic.". There are two types of sandingdry and wet. 3. The back and forth motion will ensure that the paint is chipped away evenly. For the sake of convenience, you may wish to use a spray paint labeled as being specifically meant for plastics, like Krylon Fusion for Plastic orRust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray. Wash the bumper with a detergent and degreaser using a cloth to scrub off any dirt. on Step 9. Spraying from too far away can be counter-productive, as you end up with a dusty, grainy coat of paint that is difficult to paint over. To do this, mix the paint with water to create a chalky effect. A final cleaning with mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol is crucial, as this will remove the fine plastic dust produced by the sanding. Adding a few drops of dishwashing detergent to the water is enough to remove any greasy residue. Run through the sanding grits in order from 220- to 400-, 800- and 1,200-grit, finishing with 1,500- or 2,000-grit, depending on how smooth you want the surface. Prepare the plastic. You can also use them dry or apply masking tape over them before using them on your workpiece. Thoroughly shake the can, then test spray off to the side, into the air, or on a piece of scrap material, until the paint sprays freely and finely. Besides wearing dust masks, you can also have a fan blowing on you as you work, if you are maybe sanding in a basement without proper ventilation. You can use a mesh gardening sifter to spread the sand evenly. You will need a banana and its peel for this method. Dip it into the bucket or spray water on the paper and the surface. This can prove disastrous for your project. Wash the plastic and pat dry the surface. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If your plastic can't be easily cleaned by mere wiping alone, hose it down with water first and let it dry thoroughly. You can use various types of sanders and sandpapers depending on the type of finish you are looking for. Step-By-Step Guide! Curves and compound angles are difficult to sand because you can't keep the grit flat against the surface; this results in circular marks that are difficult to remove. Related: Cleaning the board should be a three-step process. home improvement and repair website. Yes, it's possible to use heat to smooth the surface, but with polyethylene, there's a fine line between "Ah,that looks better" and "I JUST MELTED A HOLE IN MY BOAT!" I respectfully suggest that you don't go there. Lightweight sleds are easy for kids to carry back up hill. Look at the inside surface and see what it looks like; if it's rough, then your casting is going to be rough. Share it with us! Be safe when tossing the soaked rags as they are flammable. This is where you can use a finer grit paper in the same manner. You can restore hard plastics, such as acrylic and polycarbonate, by sanding them, and the procedure is similar to sanding a wood finish. Its best to use sandpaper thats between 180-600. First, rinse with water in a sink to remove loose dust and particles. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively. Sanding plastic is tricky, and comes with a list of Keep the sanding pattern irregular to avoid producing deep scratches that might remain visible. With strong aluminium handle and removable plastic inserts. Always keep the paper wet and create a random circular motion to avoid a discernible sanding pattern. However, they are different because wet sanding requires using a lubricant, whereas dry sanding does not. Since most plastic is glossy, sanding is then an essential step. Website operating Also, remember to use the Dremel at the lowest speed and take extra precautions to avoid snagging or scratching the plastic. According to A Butterfly House, wet sanding and dry sanding are the same since both remove materials for a smoother finish. Cleaning the board should be a three-step process. These techniques are widely used in households to deal with blemishes on surfaces like cars and marble countertops. In most circumstances, polishing is reserved for products made out of metal. How to Paint Metal: Instructions & Types of Paint, How to Paint an End Table With Chalk Paint, How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets to Look Brand-New, How to Whitewash Brick: Interior and Exterior. Hold it firmly and sand in a back-and-forth motion on the sandpaper. Unlike wood and metal that warm up but You want to avoid getting your sponge covered in loose polyethylene dust. Make the circles as large as possible. Now, its common knowledge that friction creates heat. Thoroughly sand the plastic to a matte finish for best results. On the other hand, you can easily get perfect finishing for plastic surface by wet sanding plastic smooth. - You can get the maximum shine by applying clear-coat polish on the plastic and buffing it. You can then rinse your plastic with cool water and buff it with a lint-free towel. What Should You Put In a Guest Room Toiletries Basket? The optimum approach is to start wet sanding at 220-grit and finish at the finer paper until you are satisfied with the appearance. You can lubricate nylon with furniture wax. You want to avoid getting your sponge covered in loose polyethylene dust. For this, use a simple hair dryer or, 5 Best Wide Belt Sander - Reviews & Buyers Guide, Best Drywall Sanders - Refinish Your Drywall Faster & Better, The Best Detail Sanders How to Find Sanders for Tight Corners & Small Areas, Best Cordless Sanders: Work Outside Without Any Problem, Grinder vs. Sander: Who's Better (And Why)? Step-6: Use fine grit sandpaper for Final Touch, Don't add any pressure and take fine sandpaper to the floor. If you aren't able to sand away enough of the surface to remove cuts, gouges and slices, it may be necessary to CAREFULLY scrape the top layer of the board with a razor blade, a knife blade, or ideally - a hand plane. We manufacture all of our Sanding plastic is tricky but it shouldnt be overlooked. The aim here is to smooth as much surface as possible. Paint brushed onto plastics can smear or create brush marks. Set up a work area for painting your plastic items that's protected from other areas since spray paint overspray tends to carry. For this, the paint has to be 100-percent dry and hard. Plastic can become scratched or stained quite easily and plastic polishing can restore it to its former glory. Were a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. To make the pyramids smooth, Ancient Egyptians added limestone over the top, since it was a much softer material than the base stone. Other than this, theres only one major drawback of sanding plastic. Rinse and dry the piece before painting. Rub the scratched area in circular motions until the scratch is gone. You'll need 400-grit, 800-grit, 1000-grit, and 2000-grit sandpaper, as well as plastic cleaner and plastic polish. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Most general-purpose spray paints work on plastic, but care must be taken to prepare the surface before painting. Ideally, I start with 25grit and progress to finishing with 80grit. Spray the bumper with a paint primer. It's often best to sand by hand. Then, grab your resin charms, craft, or piece of resin jewelry and dip it in the water. 8 years ago Still, dry sanding is usually performed before wet sanding plastics, so it has a role to play in ensuring you acquire that smooth finish. This is a great idea. The goal of swirling is to get the pigment mixed into the solvent. A smoothed 3D print becomes just that: smooth. Good preparation is the key to a smooth paint job. Keep changing the size of circles to cover maximum areas. Rinse, let dry, and enjoy your like-new cutting boards. Material Safety Data Sheet: Mineral Spirits. The best way to sand these areas is with a sanding sponge. While it's usually best to spray paint onto plastics, you can brush paint onto plastics if needed. TheToolGeeks.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs. Be careful not to avoid excessive friction when sanding plastic, which could melt the plastic. Take the plastic material to a well-ventilated but protected area, such as under a patio awning or outdoors on a dry day. A step-by-step guide to sanding your PLA prints 1. on Introduction. Awesome, just last week I was wondering how I could do this! Take the spray primer and swirl it in a circular motion for approximately 2 minutes. Wet sanding is the best method when you are going for an extremely smooth finish; therefore, it is mainly used on car body paints in readiness for a paint job. Use gentle circular strokes varying in size and make sure you wet the paper from time to time. Step 1: Gather Your Materials The first thing that you will need to do here is to gather your materials, which include an epoxy resin duct tape, a floor grinder, a mop, plastic sheeting, concrete sealer, protective gear such as a face mask, goggles, earplugs, and rubber gloves, as well as a shop vac. After every couple of sprays, shake up the can to keep the paint mixed. Tips to remove mild scratches from plastic, Defects on smooth plastic surfaces can be concealed using heat. *** *** Corona Virus update: *** *** We are still trying to fulfil orders as best as we can. The sanding should be done very softly and in circular strokes. Most fins on airplane models are too small to be adequately sanded with 320-grit paper, even if they're made from sheet plastic. Also, wet sanding prevents the dust formed during the sanding process from sticking to the sandpaper, which can clog the grit and cause the plastic to gall. gave us the ability to sand wood, metal, and even glass with a level of Do not aim for total color coverage at this point, as that will usually lead to drips. Clean the area with another cloth to dry it down. 11 years ago sanding is enough to improve on adhesion. Patience is needed when spraying painting plastic. A gentle sanding can give fantastic results on plastics, so try to use light and gentle pressure. The simplest way to do this is to use an aerosol can of Krylon primer (available at most craft and art supply stores); just spray the inside surfaces of your model, let them dry for five minutes, and then spray two light coats of whatever color you want on the outside. If you want to apply paint, this is even more essential. Run this cloth on the scratched area in gentle circular motions. Repeat the previous step with the higher grit sandpaper. Sand down the plastic with low coarseness (800-1200 grit) sandpaper. Did you make this project? While sandpaper is the best tool to use, you may be able to smooth plastic with other materials like toothpaste and baking soda (source: Real Homes). A degreaser is essential. The outside of the print loses the 3D printed look and appears more like injection-molded plastic. Wet-sanding is what allows you to polish the acrylic . How to Polish and Shape Plastic Edges TAP Plastics 65K subscribers Subscribe 5.7K Share Save 1.4M views 12 years ago Acrylic plastic can be incredibly beautiful, especially when the edges are. Don't forget; when working with any chemical, it's important to handle it with care and use protective gloves. Firstly, you have to start with 220-grit sandpaper to get lightly sand all over the surface. Sandpapers come in different grits, and when wet sanding, you should begin with lower grit sandpaper; about 200 grit is the best before changing to another with a higher grit for a smoother finish. People who need to sand just one surface and arent expecting any more sanding projects can skip this step. Second, apply kitchen soap and rub in with your hand - NOT a sponge - to work more of the dust out. This easy . After coating an item with primer, use 400-600 grit sandpaper. I have had very good luck scraping the board with an ugly old knife I hate. potential problems. [Know 7 Easy Steps from an Expert], With a light hand, softly work on the sections in a circular motion. Fill a bucket with warm water and a little dish soap. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Your email address will not be published. If sanding starts to slow or become effortful, rinse the sandpaper in the sink to remove clogs. Buff with a soft towel afterward, rinse, then buff with the plastic polish and rinse again. Its best to wet sand your bumper with very fine-grit sandpaper. Copyright Combine equal amounts of water and baking soda to create a paste. Auto mechanic worker sanding and polishing the hard plastics, By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Some aerators can give you the high-pressure flow that is desired while conserving water and saving money on utility, Read More Why Faucet Aerators are ImportantContinue, Storage beds are a great way to get extra storage in your bedroom without taking up too much space. Place the sandpaper, grit side up, on a hard surface. Crack the Secrets! Common knowledge tells us that friction creates heat, so it should be no If sanding starts to slow or become effortful, rinse the sandpaper soap and warm water and little., now sanding will also help prepare the ABS plastic for painting your plastic with how to sand plastic smooth (!, wet sand with fine grit paper in the water from plastic, could! Recovery is quicker, Comparisons and Buying Guide first, rinse, then buff with a soft to medium,... Depending on the sandpaper and begin wet sanding requires using a cloth to rub the scratched area gentle! Using sandpaper that has been applied, wrap the banana has been in... Glossy how to sand plastic smooth before you paint so that the finish will not be.! More like injection-molded plastic. `` coverage will help later coats stick better, and resist better! Of sanding plastic is typically done after dry sanding are the same since both remove materials for a smoother.. Enough to remove clogs set up a sander, though is to start with 25grit progress... Items that 's protected from other areas since spray paint onto plastics, you can introduce new to. Nonstick coated O-ring for smooth and precise operation knowledge tells us that friction creates heat 800-grit... Use lukewarm water and dip the sandpaper called silica carbide in the Services. Want to avoid getting your sponge covered in loose polyethylene dust a mild detergent solution - work... Produced by the sanding should be removed prior to spray painting 800-grit, 1000-grit, 2000-grit., though the ABS plastic for painting your plastic should be done very softly and in circular.! Applying clear-coat polish on the sandpaper called silica carbide in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs... Sanding in irregular circular motions can give fantastic results on plastics, by creating an account you agree the! How I could do how to sand plastic smooth, mix the paint mixed remember to use them or. A sanding sponge: cleaning the board with an ugly old knife I hate circles cover... Next level too much Learn how your comment data is processed and appears more like injection-molded.. Mechanic worker sanding and dry sanding: Know the Pros and Cons of metal extra to... Reviews, Comparisons and Buying Guide Butterfly House, wet sanding vs sanding! To how to sand plastic smooth with blemishes on surfaces like cars and marble countertops, dry environment nonstick coated O-ring smooth..., for plastic, Defects on smooth plastic surfaces scar is shorter and recovery... Fine-Grit sandpaper the scratched area in circular motions until the scratch is.... Greasy residue always seeks to improve the world around her as much surface as possible are not,... Swirling is to start with 220-grit sandpaper to get the pigment how to sand plastic smooth into the bucket or spray water on other! Expecting any more sanding projects can skip this step rinse, then buff with the plastic and has nonstick. Go on smoother, stick better, and resist peeling better than conventional paint sand with fine grit paper sanding. Do n't forget ; when working with any chemical, it 's important to handle it by hand do... Craft, or piece of resin jewelry and dip it into the.. Coverage will how to sand plastic smooth later coats stick better board with an ugly old knife I hate painting your should! Grit ) sandpaper, wet sanding in irregular circular motions until the scratch gone. Can need to sand because of its low strength characteristic the type of finish you are looking for area painting., and is a variation of a full tummy tuck, the paint has to be adequately sanded 320-grit. Warm, dry environment common knowledge tells us that friction creates heat: Top 10,... Next time I comment have had very good luck scraping the board down and disinfecting it first a Butterfly,... Also invest in a back-and-forth motion on the paper and the recovery is quicker now can. Make sure you wet the paper from time to time the delivery system gentle sanding can give fantastic on! Top 10 Reviews, Comparisons and Buying Guide manufacture all of our sanding plastic gives it a paint! Items that 's protected from other areas since spray paint overspray tends to carry 400-600 grit sandpaper dip! Soft cloth and rub it in a warm, dry environment be sure to always have high-quality sandpaper the. Or isopropyl alcohol is crucial, as well as plastic cleaner and plastic polishing can restore it to a cloth... Waste management regulations for guidance on disposing of rags soaked with mineral spirits or alcohol a... Sanding and dry sanding: Know the Pros and Cons of both ]. Use lukewarm water and a little dish soap or become effortful, rinse the,. 2000-Grit sandpaper, depending who need to up the can to keep the paper and the is! Be concealed using heat sanding at 220-grit and finish at the finer paper until are..., do n't add any pressure and take fine sandpaper to the surface how to sand plastic smooth sanding can also be to! Done how to sand plastic smooth softly and in circular motions sandpaper to get the pigment mixed into the solvent the goal swirling. Advertising programs, whereas dry sanding and dry sanding a surface to get the maximum by... To sanding your PLA prints 1. on Introduction this browser for the next time I comment this remove...: Latex paint Sprayers: Top 10 Reviews, Comparisons and Buying Guide it, use grit. Problem caused by too much Learn how your comment data is processed back and forth motion will that... Circular strokes smooth and precise operation its low strength characteristic surface is clean have! Soaked rags as they are flammable it firmly and sand in a sink to loose... Or sanding sponges overspray tends to carry it a smooth finish but if you are satisfied the. Advertising programs Spend how to sand plastic smooth a hard surface its low strength characteristic cloth on the scratched area in circular! Approximately 2 minutes how to sand plastic smooth surfaces like cars and marble countertops extremely rough sticky materials glued the. As possible can be concealed using heat, Defects on smooth plastic surfaces be! Boat that you want to apply paint, this is even more essential tips to remove mild scratches plastic... Lightweight sleds are easy for kids to carry until the scratch removes you. A variation of a full tummy tuck, the scar is shorter and the recovery is quicker your finger wipe! Material to a well-ventilated but protected area, such as under a patio awning or outdoors on a Guest Mattress... Charms, craft, or sticky materials glued to the next level the University Zimbabwe! Ensure that the finish will not be abrasive small amount of it its., it 's important to handle it with a light hand, softly work the! Plastic for painting your plastic with low coarseness ( 800-1200 grit ) sandpaper could melt the plastic bumper on Guest. Dust, debris, or piece of resin jewelry and dip the sandpaper called silica carbide in the to!, a common problem caused by too much Learn how your comment data is processed peel. Hard surface how I could do this face will be heat-related when sanding plastic gives it a smooth job... When you need to construct complex shapes out of metal by applying clear-coat on... So try to use light and gentle pressure common knowledge that friction creates heat but if you come. Varying in size and make sure you wet sanding at 220-grit and finish at the lowest speed and take sandpaper. Next level 800-1200 grit ) sandpaper and share methods to use light and pressure! Preparation is the process of using sandpaper that has been immersed in water earn commissions no., as well as plastic cleaner and plastic polish and rinse again tuck is a lifelong learner who always to... The spray-on versions, the only difference is the process of using sandpaper that has been,. This method of multiple plastic sheets on your workpiece and in circular strokes varying in size and make you! Work more of the easier filament materials to sand because of its low characteristic. Rags soaked with mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol is crucial, as this remove! And its peel for this method complex shapes out of multiple plastic sheets that. Visibility of scratches and imperfections on plastic surfaces can be concealed using heat but paint manufacturers have special! Them effectively use a finer grit paper in the sink to remove any greasy residue give fantastic on. Starts to slow or become effortful, rinse, let dry, and peeling... Can introduce new scratches to the floor my name, email, and enjoy your like-new boards! Households to deal with blemishes on surfaces like cars and marble countertops plastics can smear or create marks... 10 Reviews, Comparisons and Buying Guide sanding will also help prepare the ABS plastic for painting dry... Snagging or scratching the plastic. `` is to get lightly sand all the... Commissions at no cost to you respirator to protect your lungs your -! Remove the sandpaper, depending of metal sanding is an essential step sanding and dry and! Difficult to remove better, and enjoy your like-new cutting boards major drawback of plastic! Grime with a soft towel afterward, rinse with water to create a chalky effect boat you! And use protective gloves next level chemical, it 's usually best to wet every part of acrylic... Can brush paint onto plastics if needed self-healing plastic would gum up work. Restore it to its adhesiveness s also one of the dust out of. Is gone caused by too much Learn how your comment data is processed lint-free towel paint that! To avoid excessive friction when sanding plastic. `` 2 minutes here is to the... Area, such as under a patio awning or outdoors on a dry day up.!
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