1500 vs 2000 paper

[apex_predetor]

I ahve seen recommendations out there to use 1500 for light wetsanding to remove light surface scratches, but I ahve also read that only to use 2000.

It is hard to find any 2000 around me, but I did find 1500.

So, will 1500 be ok to use for light surface scratches it the rubbing compound or Scratch x won't completely take it out?

Thanks

aDam

[Murr1525]

Re: 1500 vs 2000 paper

The problem (among others) is taking out the scratches from the sand paper. That is why you want as fine a grit as possible, so you have a chance to remove the sanding marks.

[apex_predetor]

Re: 1500 vs 2000 paper

I have ultimate compound and the scratch X that I am applying with a terrycloth, and foam applicator with no luch at this point. The scratches are not even detectable by rubbing my finger over them, but neither product listed above will take them out?

I ahve some 1500, and I planned on using teh compound after, then the ultimate polish followed up with a wax.

Sound ok, most are small and I just want it as clean as possible before I put a for sale sign on it.

[ethereal45]

Re: 1500 vs 2000 paper

Removing scratches by hand with ultimate compound takes some serious elbow grease, and many applications of product onto the pad. If you aren't noticing any improvement in the paint quality using Ultimate Compound I would guess your technique may be at fault, not the product.

[sproulman]

Re: 1500 vs 2000 paper

I ahve seen recommendations out there to use 1500 for light wetsanding to remove light surface scratches, but I ahve also read that only to use 2000.

It is hard to find any 2000 around me, but I did find 1500.

So, will 1500 be ok to use for light surface scratches it the rubbing compound or Scratch x won't completely take it out?

Thanks

aDam

i would use 2500 grit.
advance auto can order up to 3000 grit for you.

like said, i took my spray can clearcoat off with 2000 wet sanding by hand and i was hardly rubbing very hard.
i would try using UC over and over pushing hard

if me, i would buy a buffer and use UC or what they rec here BUT it may be cheaper to have someone buff out scratchs if its your whole car and you only expect to do it 1 time.
but learning to use buffer is no easy task at first also.

no expert just 46 yrs making boo boos.

[apex_predetor]

Re: 1500 vs 2000 paper

Thsnkd guys.

I just did it with hand application and with a small buffer (little turtle orbital deal) and it worked fairly well. I might try the heavier duty orbital with the 9000 pad if they reappear tomorrow.

Thanks again all

[ethereal45]

Re: 1500 vs 2000 paper

I'm guessing you have a light colored car?

[apex_predetor]

Re: 1500 vs 2000 paper

Black, 2010 Tacoma 4-door.

I have owned since new. I have only waxed it by hand previously, and have only gone through no touch washes in the past if I didn't was at home (winter time).

I clay bar'd the whole thing before using the Ultimate compund as well.

Seems ok, but most of the scratches are not completely gone, but are not visible unless you know where they are and are up very close. I think that the foam applicator is a bit soft, and I might get better result from a pad used for polishing/rubbing, but I am a bit scared of using the Dewalt rotary tool.

ADam

[juliom2]

Re: 1500 vs 2000 paper

Try to sand with a rubber pad for even leveling action.....

[ethereal45]

Re: 1500 vs 2000 paper

Ah so have you wet-sanded yet? I was going to say don't wetsand until you are positive you can get the sanding marks out, which will require something like M105 and a rotary.

Some people have reported pulling out higher grit scratches with a DA polisher, but that is doubtful. Certainly don't try to pull them out by hand!

[apex_predetor]

Re: 1500 vs 2000 paper

I did sand a small area at the bottom of my tailgate. It left dullness, then I used the ultimate compound by hand a few times, and then againa few times with the orbital polisher. Looks good, but took a while, so I won't do that again.

Most of the small stuff did come out with just the UC, scratch X, and orbital sander.

I didn't get a chance to use the polish becasue it rained all teh sudden.

I will do that tomorrow and it looks to be in good shape thus far.

Thanks for the help.

What exactly is a rubber pad?