Cheap Single Stage Paint - Wet Sand/Polish

[chethewitt]

This Nissan received a cheap single stage re-paint. Given the fact that it was done at a discount and probably in an afternoon it looked terrible. Obviously this isn't a nice vehicle...but I'm posting this to show how even a cheap paint job can look decent with some time and m105/m205.

First, a picture of the truck when it arrived. Paint isn't level, has clear coat mixed in with color...and was put on without much prep. Basically, this is what you get for 300-400 at your local discount paint shop.

Process is as follows...and will post pics as I get each section done.

wetsand with 1000 grit, 1500 grit, 2000 grit, m105 with rotary, m105 with yellow pad, m205 with yellow pad and then something softer.

I apologize about the poor lighting...its simply when I started on the truck. As you can see, the paint isn't level and wasn't sanded after painting. Basically, it was sprayed and returned to the customer asap. Haha.










More pics as I continue to sand and polish...haha.

[Meticulous-Detail]

Re: Cheap Single Stage Paint - Wet Sand/Polish

Just curious what method you are using for sanding? Hand, machine, blocks..............etc

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Cheap Single Stage Paint - Wet Sand/Polish

Given the fact that you'll likely spend more time sanding, compounding and polishing this paint job than the body shop spent to paint it, it's easy to understand why the finish looks the way it does right out of the shop, and why the cost to paint was so low. This project is a great example of what someone with some detailing skills but zero painting skills can accomplish when refinishing a vehicle on a tight budget. The clarity you're adding to the finish is what makes all the difference. From the body shop the paint had enough reflectivity that you could tell that you were looking at, for example, a tree reflected in the finish. When you're done you will be able to count the leaves on that tree. Huge difference, and quite the project to take on. We look forward to your follow ups.

[chethewitt]

Re: Cheap Single Stage Paint - Wet Sand/Polish

Just curious what method you are using for sanding? Hand, machine, blocks..............etc

I'm using a palm sander which isn't what i'd normally recommend...but it works if you're careful.

The key is getting the paint totally level at 1000 grit. I grow impatient at times which only leaves shiny orange peel that needs more attention to get a level surface.

Take your time with whatever method you're using...and don't take too much...or be careful about how much paint you're taking. Another issue is that these types of paint jobs tend to be uneven...with some parts of the paint having more depth than others. Use caution and have patience..and block sand by hand...and make sure the sand paper is GRIT FREE during the process.

Also, if you take the sanding process to 2000 grit m105 is usually sufficient. If you take the sanding process to 2500 grit less m105 will be required. With a rotary/wool pad I've basically had similar results with m205 provided that you're using the rotary in such a way to get maximum cut. This means generating more heat on the surface...which leaves buffer trails...which need to be removed later on with m205 and a yellow/orange pad. Obviously every paint type is different...but in general these guidelines should apply.

[chethewitt]

Re: Cheap Single Stage Paint - Wet Sand/Polish

Here are a few finished pics from the driver side. Pillars and tailgate still need to be sanded and polished.

Since I enjoy trying different combinations on vehicles like this...I only wetsanded with 1000 grit and 1200 grit. Then used a rotary w/ wool pad on low speed with m105 and then with m205. With enough attention, m105 does cut through 1200 grit on most paints. It takes awhile and isn't the fastest process, but it can be done. On the passenger side I used 1000,1500,2000 and then 2500 grit...then m105 and m205. Its fun to use different processes and it proves there are several different paths that can be taken.

Here are the results. I will post final results once the entire truck is completed...I've been taking my time as I have been devoting most of my time to a new business venture.




(notice tailgate which hasn't been touched...passenger side does look significantly better)

[Garage Troll]

Re: Cheap Single Stage Paint - Wet Sand/Polish

Any updates on this project? I've been anxiously awaiting the final product.

[c5errr]

Re: Cheap Single Stage Paint - Wet Sand/Polish

im always afraid of wet sanding because
long time ago i sanded my white 1991 hyundai (cheap single stage )
and ruined the heck out of it (i only sanded the trunk which was the worst )
i cant remember which grit i have used
i still have this car and not even thinking of selling it
but i want to restore it just for now until i paint it later

[Larry A]

Re: Cheap Single Stage Paint - Wet Sand/Polish

At one time I worked for a high line resto. shop. a guy comes in with a Buick Riv. that has a 500.00 Macco paint job done to it. He just wanted it sanded and polished. We did it and charge him another 500.00. The paint job looked like one of our $15000.00 paint jobs. He was very happy.