After working on each section, use a rag soaked in a solution of water and car soap to keep the surface wet, which will prevent the clear coat from burning. Expert Source Wet sanding can be used when your vehicle has a dull finish. You can as you layer your clear coats. If the clear coat has delaminated from the base coat and is flaking off, you need to wax and protect the clear coat from day one to avoid that. Wipe the surface gently after cleaning with a clean microfiber towel. Can You Use A Random Orbital Sander For Car Polishing? Hi, it’s Tony with another live stream. I started with 1500 grit (by hand) and then 3000 grit on a DA (wet).. You may be wondering if sanding a clear coat is something that you can handle; then, the absolute answer is yes. Hello everyone I am new to this forum. I'll do a 50/50 mix of lacquer and thinner, but on the very last coat, add more thinner so it is a 25% lacquer and 75% thinner mixture. Wet sanding is a great way to improve a good paint job and can even be used to help improve the quality of a poorly laid paid layer. [2] The area of concern is about 2 inches x 0.5 inches, so very small. Keep in mind the parts you’ve already sanded to save on time and avoid inconveniences. Thankfully, it makes the surface more clean and free from residue. Help! However, I’m going to introduce you to a pretty cool – quick fix – where we’ll use a Scotch Brite pad, then ‘blend’ the new with the existing clear coat. then buffing to get a show car shine? It also makes your car look more attractive since by hiding and filling up the scratches. Step-by-step Procedures – How to Sand a Clear Coat Without Sanding the Paint Soak some 400 grit sandpaper . Later on, you can use the 1200 grit sandpaper to get quality results. When done, wipe off all the buffing compounds remnants. When through, dry off the area and make the surface look dull. We do have some imperfections and we’re sanding them out. Also, ensure that the buffer stays wet by adding the polish regularly. The base coat is a lot thinner than the clear coat, so if you happen to get through the clear without realising, then you will burn through the base coat in no time. Keep in mind that more coats does not necessarily mean depth in the shine. about 17 years since the last time I sanded and polished paint. Soak the sandpaper in clean water In not less than an hour. View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message Visit Homepage Senior Member Join Date Jun 2013 Location Montreal, Quebec Posts 3,926 Post … So need to buff out the clear coat. Michael is the Editor at thetoolgeeks.com. Wet "sanding" sounds dangerous for the coat. What if I wet the sand and gray spots appear? Even though a glossy car coat looks like it can be done only in an expensive body shop, wet sanding a clear coat is a pretty straightforward process, albeit a considerable amount of work. This is were you paint the color, the base coat, followed by a clear coat. What are the proper steps of wet sanding (what grit)? This implies you using the newest type of paint base coat and clear coat, when color sanding after you have sprayed the paint and it sets up in 20 minutes at 70 degrees if their are minor imperfections you can wet sand the paint with 400 to 1000 grit wet and dry sand paper to take out the imperfections. you’ll need a few more … Evaluate the sanding progress regularly to ensure that it’s smooth and uniform. I’m give you a before and after results on this project. To prevent the paint from burning, regulate the amount of compound you put on the buffing pad. 5 Best Corded Reciprocating Saws: Find The Best Sawzall Today! You can. I’m give you a before and after results on this project. It took me about 30 seconds to review the article and refresh my memory, sort through my sandpaper grits, set my DW polisher on 1,400 rpm, and a good reminder to keep things wet, including the polisher finishing material. How is wet sanding different from claying? But for those willing to take the time, brush-bound finishers can still achieve a perfect surface. To achieve better results, start sanding using the 600 grit sandpaper. That will help in preventing the sandpaper’s sharp edges from damaging the clear coat. While you're at it, takeout the major scratches you're talking about. Wet sanding makes the surfaces smoother. The clear coat on your car is only about as thick as a sheet of paper. During this phase, the buffer can run at a higher speed with no possible damage. Ultimately it comes down to expectations and surface requirements before primer. Messages: 2 Likes Received: 0. It’s no doubt that you want to make your car sparkling clean before you start the sanding process. How to Sand a Clear Coat Without Sanding the Paint. ", "The grit sandpaper to use and how to use the sandpaper (wet) helped.". Expert Interview. Sanding a clear coat can seem challenging, but it’s not. Say if the car is red and they sanded too far, then the red would come off in small layers but the milky substance isreplaced with red and now he has gone too far. Thoroughly remove sand… Sand with one hand, and use your other hand to keep the surface wet with your rag. That is why wet sanding is also known as color sanding. You may be familiar with the term "base coat/clear coat." Waxing your car offers a coating that guards the clear coat and painting. "I have experience with this process and all the tools and materials on hand in my garage. Auto Technician. Follow these steps to make your car body shine like a floor model. Best to do it right the first time. Let’s say one square foot. Wet sanding will turn your new enamel paint job from a spotty, uneven mess into a glazed finish that will make your car gleam. Finally, use a rubbing compound and a high speed buffer to buff the car and make it shine. As you gain experience, you'll find that fewer coats are required. In other words, that will ensure that the surface gets sanded uniformly. Deep scratches that reach the metal, for instance, often cannot be repaired through wet sanding alone. All you require to start the process is a quality grade auto-body cleaning solution, a spray detailer, water, a bucket, towel, rag, two different sandpaper grades one (600 and 1200 grit), a tape, and a buffer. During painting, an orange-peel effect can occur on the car’s surface. However, it has been, "Just completed my first paint job using two-stage paint (base and clear coats). Trapped chemicals will work their way out eventually, creating undesired results. I put 3 coats of clear on the whole car EXCEPT the trunk lid.. You want a thick enough coat of clear to where you can color-sand and buff with enough room on top. I want to finish it asap, but doing it right is more … Here are the steps you should follow when buffing the sanded area. Very thorough article. Keep reading to learn more! Keep adding compound, the hotter the compound gets, the better it is for the end result. Just be careful to allow adequate flash times before color sanding and flow coats. However, there is an old saying: the way the final product looks can be expected by the amount of time, patience and materials used. Just make sure you buff after or else you'll be left with a very dull clear coat. It is often a step in polishing cars and other items. This is a fantastic, accurate, easy-to-follow write-up with simple and informative drawings. Now that you’ve cleaned and soaked the clear coat surface, the next step is … For a perfect board anywhere and anytime, use Meguiar’s Final Inspection to give your surface a unique outlook. Get a buffer. This article has been viewed 222,559 times. I sanded half of the hood in ten minutes. Me personally i would not accept this car. 1 October 2019. This was cery helpful. I kind of started this for you just a while ago. This implies you using the newest type of paint base coat and clear coat, when color sanding after you have sprayed the paint and it sets up in 20 minutes at 70 degrees if their are minor imperfections you can wet sand the paint with 400 to 1000 grit wet and dry sand paper to take out the imperfections. Wet sanding is a dirty, wet, and long process but well worth the work! Failing to wax the coat can make the paint fade away and lower your car’s value. Sanding the Surfaces. The removal of a clear coat is a progressive process, using gradual grit of sanding from 1,000 to 2,000 in most circumstances. My body guys would actually mix a small amount of clear in with the base coat to help strengthen it, put clear on top of that, wet sand to knock it down smooth, and then buff it. Some cars I put 3 coats of clear on, then the next day cut it with 600 grit wet, then put on 2 more coats of clear. Also, if I were to repair the affected area, would you think that wet sanding (using 3000 or 5000 grit) and re-applying new clear coat would suffice? The rule of thumb is to provide adequate coverage to achieve desired color without an excessive number of coats, which can create a number of undesired results with paint too thick. You have to be very careful that you don't burn through the clear coat, and ensure you get an even sanding. that is color wet sanding. Once you’ve sanded your car, clean the space with an alcohol-based cleaner, like glass cleaner, and scuff it with a fine grit, woven scuffing pad. Simply spray the base, let tack, spray clear, let dry, wet sand, buff..it is that simple And is not necessary with BC/CC. Just what to know if you wet sand the base coat then spray the clear and wet sand the clear or do you prime-base-clear than wet sand just the clear. Remember to sand evenly. X If you want to come up with even levels, choose a section that you manage to sand. So there were some mistakes in the clear coat. Angel Ricardo. This article has been viewed 222,559 times. 2. Apply Guidecoat Lightly. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. The idea of sanding between coats is left over from the lacquer days. On the buffer pad, apply the polish uniformly. If you skipped step two, you will need to do the test described in that step except with 2000 grit; if your paint is fairly new, you can go straight to step four. Finally, carry out the buffing process by waxing the coat for a shiny surface. Step Three and Four: Wet Sand With 2000 and 3000 Fine Grade. Normally you will want to add clear before you sand or buff the base coat. Color sanding between coats will help with smoother flow coats, giving that depth to your shine. Wait a day or so to let the clear coat harden if the finishing is new. However, the amount of orange peel formed will depend on either the paint’s thickness or how you apply the clear coat. However, more experienced professionals can choose to use Buffmaster. 5 Best Random Orbital Sanders: Don’t Buy Without Reading This! Use sandpaper with a … Essentially, wet sanding is the process of sanding a car with water. % of people told us that this article helped them. Now that you’ve cleaned and soaked the clear coat surface, the next step is to sand it. Shop that painted tells me to wait a month before wet sanding and buffing, other forums mention that you can do this next day after painting. Follow the manufacturer's instructions! And is not necessary with BC/CC. At this point, if you see "orange peel" or "trash" on the surface, wet sand with 1000 or 1200 grit wet or dry automotive grade sandpaper. He now enjoys researching DIY tools and writing guides about it. The clear coat creates a strong chemical bond with the still slightly “wet” paint and locks in. Ensure the change in direction is uniform to pull off a smooth level. I sanded half of the hood in ten minutes. To keep the work wet, should I spray water when compound buffing, or add more compound? This Nova was shiny, but the surface just wasn’t quite right. To fix damaged clear coat, you'll need to clean the area, sand the old coat away, and spray on the new coat and polish. You can add a drop of dish detergent to keep the paper's abrasives from clogging. If we know we are going to be wet sanding a car we will put multiple coats of clear to provide enough material to allow for sanding without going through the clear to the base color underneath. Soak a sheet of 1200-grit wet/dry sandpaper in water for 10 minutes. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Don’t keep the buffer in one place for more than one or two seconds. Similarly, sand with long strokes on the direction of the wind. So there were some mistakes in the clear coat. Depending on how bad the run is, this is what is going to determine what “grit” of sandpaper we use to fix this clear coat run. Besides, each partitioned section will receive equal attention. Can I leave it dull looking for a matte look? The skills and supplies needed to wet sand your enamel paint job are few, so don't be intimidated. If at all possible, I would have a professional detailer do an ultrasound on your paint to check that it's thickness is sufficient for if/when you decide to polish it back to a gloss finish. A contribution to wikiHow spraying on about three to four layers of clear coat be! 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