Help me with my Orange Peel Problem

[Mi"sma]

Hello Everyone,

I have come to this forum seeking your advice and expertise.

I just finished painting my 97 mitsubishi eclipse. The paint job consisted of:

3 coats of black primer
2 coats black base coat
2 coats of red pearl flake top coat (mixed with clear)
3 coats of clear coat

After I finished the paint job I had to wait a few days before I could start wet sanding and buffing. The reason I am wet sanding is because in the paint booth I built I didn't have a ton of room and at one point my fan filters clogged so some clear coat overspray was left in the air a little to long, landing back on the car. So after I put all the panels back together, I wet sanded the car and then resprayed 2 more coats of clear coat. The results were a little better, but then I had some sag in areas...seemed like a never ending battle, but was something I could fix in the buffing process.

This week I started wet sanding with 2000 grit, 1500, and 1000. I used 2000 first, then moved down grit sizes to try and sand better, and then moved back to 2000.

I am using a simoniz buffer with Meguiar rubbing compound, and polishing compound, and was then going to finish off with yellow wax by hand.

My problem is that after using the compound, and I still have a lot of dullness. I'm not sure if this is because I still need to sand more, or if it's because I'm not applying the compound properly. It is still dull after putting on the polish, but not as bad.

Here's the car on the trailer after paint.



Orange peel...


The rear passenger quarter panel had the most peel, so this is what you see below after I have block sanded it and tried buffing and polish.



I wanted to come to you guys and ask before going any further. But as you can see there are still some areas of glossy dots, this seems to me that they are still some low spots in the clear coat. So do you think I should keep sanding more?

And as for the dull color, what do I need to do to get it to shine after sanding??

I appreciate all help!!

Edit*** Does buffing in hot sun light affect the result in this way? I don't have a garage so I've been doing it outside.

[benbjam]

Re: Help me with my Orange Peel Problem

Yes, the glossy spots are low spots, so it needs a bit more sanding. You want the whole panel to look cloudy. You may want to go over the car with 2500 or 3000 grit to make compounding a bit easier too.
Its definitely better to find a little shade to do the compounding/polish because it will be a little harder to buff off. (not sure if you want to spend the money, but i got a 10'x10' popup tent from walmart for about 90bucks.

[benbjam]

Re: Help me with my Orange Peel Problem

OH! and by the way. why did you start with 2000 then 1500 then 1000 then 2000. You would want to start with lower number grit and work your way up to 2000 or 2000+

[Mi"sma]

Re: Help me with my Orange Peel Problem

I was thinking about maybe buying a pop up tent.

The reason I went from 2000 down, was because I was sure exactly how much sanding I would need to do. So I started with something finer first, then ended with 2000 again.

I'm using the Ultimate Compound, but I might pick up some M105 tomorrow to make it easier as well.

[benbjam]

Oh ok...gotcha. yea jus make sure to level the low spots and itll look great. M105 is great stuff. If u are using megs buffing pad...go with the red one for compund abd yellow when you polish

[TH0001]

Re: Help me with my Orange Peel Problem

Oh ok...gotcha. yea jus make sure to level the low spots and itll look great. M105 is great stuff. If u are using megs buffing pad...go with the red one for compund abd yellow when you polish

I'm not sure what a Simoniz Buffer is but removing wet sanding marks requires "cutting" for very aggressively abrading the paint to remove all of the sanded finish. Meguiar's UC is a great product, and when used with a powerful polisher and the correct pads it could work. However UC is a consumer-level product (that just happens to product professional results) so you may be better served to switch to Meguiar's M105, use a cutting pad, and a powerful buffer.

Can you post a link to the buffer you are using?

[Detailing by M]

Re: Help me with my Orange Peel Problem

Wow, talk about biting off more then you can chew.
Sounds like your not a pro. so I'll address you that way.

Painting is an art and your paint job sound horrid.
But it can be fixed, somewhat.

I have no idea what a Simonized buffer is but I'm betting it's not a rotary.

First off you have to "remove" the OP by sanding, 2000 isn't going to remove that. You need to start around 800, that's always my starting grit.
Then you'll have to sand it properly. Huge learning cure for you.
After all the sanding you have to pull the sanding marks out with a rotary and a wool pad.
A DA with micro fiber pads will work but a rotary is the goto on sanding marks.
after the rotary is used you then have to remove Buffer marks and polish the paint to perfection.

If you have and friend with any experience in this I highly recommend contacting them.
I'd charge you $2,000 - $3,500 to fix your paint so that gives you an idea of the work involved.
Good Luck,your going to need it.

[Stephan]

Re: Help me with my Orange Peel Problem

Wow, talk about biting off more then you can chew.
Sounds like your not a pro. so I'll address you that way.

Painting is an art and your paint job sound horrid.

Effective communication is an art as well.

Being an amateur, I must admit I find those comments very condescending. This forum is described as follows:

Detailing 101

(118 Viewing) New to detailing or just have a question? Ask here!

[Detailing by M]

Re: Help me with my Orange Peel Problem

Yes I was a "little" harsh. but can you really blame me?
You re-painted your car and really don't know what your doing. (from the way you described your techniques)

I am being realistic...

Wet Sanding a car is a huge job. let alone painting a car.
So please don't be offended, I am trying to help.
Read what I wrote and again good l really hope you make this car beautiful.

[PureArt]

Somewhat new here. Since you ready sanded (from my understanding)

2000 then 1500, 1000 and you went back up to 2000.

Just a thought and probably what I would do if i were in this situation. Use 3000 then buff it out.

Who knows how much you sanded off already. So better be safe them sorry IMO

You can also add additional layers of CC, then start over again, but this time start with a lower grit. I am comfortable with 1000 then I go up from there. (Not sure about that process btw)

I wet sanded a repaint and went, 1000, 1500, 2000, then 3000. (They wanted a mirror smooth finish)

I then used a rotary and wool pad followed with 3M rubbing compound. Was easy to remove. (I did this daily at a body shop I worked at before so I did know what I was doing, if anybody is wondering)







Either way good luck!

Art