Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

[rockitdoc]

Is there a thread describing the steps from color sanding to mirror finish?

I have used 3M products in the past, and have been relatively pleased, but have not been able to get that deep, deep gloss I have seen others achieve. Looking at Meguiar's to get me to the next level.

Got a new 9227 Makita for the first step going from 3000 wet paper. Which rubbing compound?

Got a DA Porter Cable 7424xp for after the rubbing compound with Lake Country Orange, White and Black pads. But which Meguiar's for which pads in what order?

Help....

Thanks.

S

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

I use Meg's Uni grit, 1000, 2000 then 3000
Finish with a wool pad and M105.
Works great for me.

[InfiniteDetail]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

Check out this post:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32557

[rockitdoc]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

I use Meg's Uni grit, 1000, 2000 then 3000
Finish with a wool pad and M105.
Works great for me.

What do you do after the 3000 and 105?

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

I wax it, if you want use M205 to really make it pop.

[rockitdoc]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

Really? No swirl remover, finishing glaze, etc.?

Do you think it would work with a foam pad like Lake Country products?

S

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

You shouldn't have any swirls if you do it right.
Maybe you don't have the skills to do this.
Do a test spot first.
Also check out the videos here to get the right technique.
You must use a wool pad to remove the sanding scratches.
I've never seen them removed with any foam pad.
But you could try.
You can finish with a glaze or a wax, what ever you prefer.
This is a really good write up.
http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32557

[rockitdoc]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

OK. Thanks.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

rockitdoc, just a bit curious about your experience with the whole wet sand, cut and buff process. We don't want folks thinking this is something that can be picked up easily by viewing a couple of YouTube videos or following a few simple instructions. As with so many skilled endeavors, a master can make it look very easy when in reality an awful lot can go wrong, and go wrong quickly if you lack experience.

If your experience makes you completely comfortable with the process, then that's great. If not, maybe we should step back a bit and reassess the situation.

[rockitdoc]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

I'm not a pro, but I have had offers from some to get a payday for painting based on my results with my own stuff. I just don't have time, otherwise I would do it in a heartbeat. I love to do it. But, I would like to move up a notch. My past painting, sanding, cutting, buffing has resulted in what I judge, and what some pros judge (based on viewing pro work) A- to A. I want A++. I have the opportunity to get some new gear (my old PC buffer and all my 3M compounds are at my Dad's shop on loan so he can finish sanding, cutting and buffing his '41 Lincoln Continental that I just painted for him). He's 80, so this will take a while. Not a problem since I would like to modify my process anyway. I just bought a new Iwata LPH400 gun so I will be able to apply my bases (LV cap) and clears (LVX cap) with much better precision and wider pattern than my old Cobalt guns that need to be retired as primer guns. I am replacing my PC rotary with a Makita 9227 (I liked the PC, but it was heavy and noisy). And, I am going to a 6-1/2" DA for polishing, glazing and finishing (PC 7424XP). I use a Blue Point AT402MC (Snap-On) air powered DA 3-inch machine for detail work and motorcycles and it works fantastic. So, the bigger DA machine should be great for bigger work.

I hope that helps explain my level of experience. Always learning, ya know?

S

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

I hope that helps explain my level of experience. Always learning, ya know?

S

Yep, that sounds great. Please understand that the question was posed only because we've seen too many discussions about wet sanding when the interested party had no business attempting the process. With you being new on MOL we simply don't know much about you, and we don't like making assumptions one way or the other.

As you well know, this is not something to be entered into lightly. It sounds like you could teach some folks around here the right way to go about it, and definitely caution a total newb against just jumping in with both feet - especially on something near and dear to his/her heart. It also sounds like we're lucky to have on board here!

You would be amazed at some the stories we've heard in the call center from folks who just started sanding away "because someone on a forum told me to". Ouch.

[rockitdoc]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

Been there, done that.....

No worries.

S

[Tuck91]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

Hey Mario, Ive been looking into wetsanding lately and wanting to learn more before I dive right in, got a pic of your supplies/station for sanding?

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Step by Step Color Sanding to Mirror?

Unigrit Finishing Papers
Sanding Blocks
Double Sided Wool Cutting Pad