Wet sanding a bad paint job

[altjunky]

Hello,
I recently bought a 2003 Jetta. The paint job is in pretty bad shape. There are a lot of scratches. All of the scratches appear to be in the upper most layer of the clear coat, I can't catch them with a finger nail. My question is should I wet sand, compound with M 105 and then wax. Or should I simply compound and then wax. Am I missing a step? Does any one have any thoughts on the proper wax to use? Thank you for any input.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

How about trying a test spot? Try the 105/205 combo. Then make your determination from there.

[starae]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

or try the combo 85/105

[Shawn T.]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

or try the combo 85/105

Why would you compound twice? I would go 105/205 for sanding scratch removal. You could even go less aggressive and go with Ultimate Compound. It is definitely aggressive enough to pull out 3000 grit sanding marks and may be easier to use due to a longer work time if using a DA.

If you are using a rotary then you could go 105/205 or a less aggressive combo. Least aggressive method os best and remember to use products only designed for rotaries when using a rotary.

[JoeDirt]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

I agree- 105/205 should be good. Toss up some pics though, so we can see the definition of 'bad' to make an accurate recommendation...

[altjunky]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

Thank you for the replies. I will try and get pictures posted. My plan is to do all of this by hand as I am not that experienced with rotary.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

Thank you for the replies. I will try and get pictures posted. My plan is to do all of this by hand as I am not that experienced with rotary.

Wise choice.

If you already own a rotary, go to your local salvage yard. Pick up a practice panel. This way you can use this panel until you feel more comfortable with the rotary.

[altjunky]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

Thank you guys for the help. I have tried and tried to put the pictures on but have not been able to figure out how. So I will do the test spot with 2000 then use the 105/205 by hand. If I can figure it out later I will post before and after pictures.

[Jimmy Buffit]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

Wetsanding and buffing an entire vehicle is quite a task, but to attempt it by hand is, well, naive. I am amazed at the results achieved with 105/205 and a newer PC. For an investment of ~$200 you can acquire the professional tools to do the job right, and not worry about the 'dangers' of the rotary buffer.

[Mister B]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

Wetsanding and buffing an entire vehicle is quite a task, but to attempt it by hand is, well, naive. I am amazed at the results achieved with 105/205 and a newer PC. For an investment of ~$200 you can acquire the professional tools to do the job right, and not worry about the 'dangers' of the rotary buffer.

I totally agree!

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

Hello,
I recently bought a 2003 Jetta. The paint job is in pretty bad shape.

Is this the factory paint?

If so you want to be very careful, I explain why here,

Wet-sanding - Fresh Paint vs Factory Paint


Here's a few more articles on the subject and I have a brand new article on Damp-Sanding that I'll try to post today.

Basic Hand Sanding Techniques

Two Schools of Thought when Hand Sanding - Straight-lines or Crosshatch Pattern

How long will a half sheet of wet/dry sandpaper last before it stops cutting and you need to replace it?

[altjunky]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

Thank you for the helpful information Mike. I will try the 105 / 205 combo before I take more drastic steps.

[RobAGD]

Re: Wet sanding a bad paint job

[URL="How long will a half sheet of wet/dry sandpaper last before it stops cutting and you need to replace it?"][COLOR="blue"][B]How long will a half sheet of wet/dry sandpaper last before it stops cutting and you need to replace it?[/B][/COLOR][/URL]

I think your link/url is broken Mike



-R