tips on wet sanding

[JtpLLC]

I have some orange peel on a newly painted car; its a 2003 350z. I'm trying to get some suggestions on the steps of wet sanding the car?

I was thinking of doing 1,000-1,200 grit then working my way up to 1500

I have some 3m compound that I used some months back on another car I wet sanded, but as this is my personal car I'd like to hear feedback...

How long should I work the sand paper per area roughly, etc...

[Murr1525]

Re: tips on wet sanding

A pic may give people the best idea.

Do you know how much clear was applied?

But those grits sound a bit close together... I would expect to be finishing around 2,000-3,000, although that is out of my realm of knowledge.

[JtpLLC]

Re: tips on wet sanding

I'm open to try whatever anyone says; thats why I am here asking

[JtpLLC]

Re: tips on wet sanding

Any ideas guys thanks.

[greg0303]

Re: tips on wet sanding

As Mat (Murr1525) pointed out the starting point would be to know how much clear coat is available (I assume it's a modern BC/CC paint system).
The good news is that usually custom paint is much softer than factory paint and it has thicker clear coat amount.

Wet sanding the entire car is gonna take a long time. Depending of orange peel amount you could start with 1,200-1,500 grit and refine it with 2,500-3,000. You could also do damp sanding using Meguiar's Unigrit sanding/ finishing discs which are available as 3" and 6". That way you're going to get much more uniform finish and easier sanding mark removal after.

After sanding compounding and polishing will be necessary and products like M105, M86, M205 will be needed. Optionally you could use D300/ MF cutting disc for sanding mark removal if you finish with 3,000 grit.

[JtpLLC]

Re: tips on wet sanding

Do you have a link where i can buy the sand paper and those plates you were talking about

[JtpLLC]

Re: tips on wet sanding

I aso wont bother with the disks, seems to be more costly might as well do it all by hand.

I just spoke with the paintshop who painted they said they applied 2 heavy coats of clear on the car. I told him I was going to start with 1,000-1200 and he said that he'd do 2000 but he wouldn't do nothing less then 1500 grit...


So I guess I'll do 1500 do the entire car then do 2000 and then finnish it off with 2500 or 3000 then buff the car, any suggestions on ending with 2500 or 3000

[adrynalinjunkie]

Re: tips on wet sanding

You have no idea how much easier and faster the discs make it.

I normally shoot 4 coats. 3 costs of clear is a body shop standard. BE CARFUL stop and dry the surface and check your work often!

[scapegoat]

Re: tips on wet sanding

At 2 heavy coats I would start with 2000, the go over with 2500 . Don't get to carried away with it . VERY easy to go through the clear wet sanding and buffing . Stay away from your edges . Good luck .

[Brad777]

Re: tips on wet sanding

I would also start with 2000. If you break the clearcoat, you will see that spot until you either repaint or sell the car. Regardless of how long it takes, better safe than sorry.