Removing the "blob"

[tguil]

I need a bit of specific help on the final steps of repairing a 1/4 chip on my black Harley's rear fender. (Yes, I did a search.)

I have layered several coats (maybe even ten)of black Harley Davidson paint into the chip over the past three days. I now have a nice "blob" ready to be taken down and buffed. I'll be using Unigrit 1500 and 2000 blocks.

I plan to mask around the "blob" for the initial take take down. I'll come withing a 1/4 inch of ithe "blob" with the masking tape.

Because the paint is pretty darn thick, how long should I wait to start the sanding? The temperatures have been in the 70's and 80's the last couple of days. The touchup paint is acrylic lacquer. I did not use any clear coat. I think that the basecoat will polish up just fine. Right now I have a "shiny blob".

Although I have been doing touch up for years, I have never used Unigrit block before. I know they need to be soaked over night and I know that I need to use shampoo as a lubricant with the water.

I don't see any problems with polishing out the 2000 scratches. I've done that lots of times. The "blob removal" is my main issue.

Tom

[BillyJack]

Re: Removing the "blob"

If you've already let a day pass since your last coat of paint, you're ready to sand. If you're wet sanding with only light pressure, you won't hurt your paint. Buffing, especially with a rotary, generates much more heat. Good idea to mask off the area. In addition to masking tape I've used leftover pieces of striping tape to mask, as it's even thinner than masking tape. You can use a coarser paper such as 1000 to take the spot down to the level of the tape, then go to the 1500 and 2000 for the final leveling. Definitely use a block. I've not used the Unigrit block, but I've used tongue depressors or even carpenter's pencils successfully. Sounds like you already possess the necessary patience, so you should be fine.

Bill