Defects in new paint

[Fatfrank]

New guy to the forum. Lots of great information here. I have learned a lot just from reading the last couple of days. I haven't been able to find my exact problem so I thought I would post it here.

I built this BBQ pit from the ground up. I didn't know much about painting so I took it to a local shop who painted it at a low cost to me. He used a single stage paint (polyurethane) I believe. Over all it looks pretty good. Nice shine, color etc. The problem is it has small defects (like sand) in the paint. They are scattered out about every 6-12 inches or so. I am wanting to get these out, but not sure where to start.

Do I wet sand with 1000-2000, then polish/buff, or should I try and polish it out with with my rotary buffer first? The paint looks like it has small metallic flakes which makes me worry if I should even touch it. I have read where wet sanding a metallic paint should be avoided. I took some pictures which I hope will help.

First pic is of the BBQ pit overall

Thanks in advance

[Fatfrank]

Here is a close up pic of what I am talking about. I worked really long and hard to build this pit would like the paint smooth to the touch.

[Fatfrank]

Here is one more showing a typical defect from a different angle.

[Murr1525]

Wow. . nice grill...

That does look like sand that got stuck in the paint during or just after paionting. No idea how you will get that out. Even if it comes out, you will be left with divots.

[Fatfrank]

Murr, thanks for the reply.

I'm Ok with divots, I think. The paint looks acceptable to me from 5-10 ft away. Its just when you rub your hand or rag across it you can feel all the bumps grab. I mainly want to get it where I can wash it and shine it up without it grabbing feeling like sand paper. Inbetween the bumps the paint is very smooth. I guess the main thing I am asking is what would be the best thing to try without screwing up the paint more?

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Frank,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Here's a possible solution, get one of our sanding blocks,

http://meguiars.com/?pro-blocks/Sanding-Blocks

Soak this think in water overnight and then use it kind of like a big pink pencil erasure in that you rub it back and forth over the dirt particles in the paint. This allows you to sand them down flat without sanding on the paint around them.

Then any light scuffs you put in around the dirt particles you can remove by hand, G100 or rotary buffer.

Here's a link to a thread that goes over what it takes to make a picture show up in your message, as you've probably noticed, we don't allow photos to be attached and the thread explains why.

How to put pictures into your posts



The swirl looking scratches I've placed a pointer towards look like the kind of swirls a wool pad would put into the paint.




Cool looking barbecue!

[Fatfrank]

Ok, I read through the picture posting and will try and get it right next time. Just slap me around and I'll eventually get it right.

I appreciate your reply and I am going to give it a shot this weekend and post results.