Freddy76

Will it matter how long you wait to wet sand and buff after you paint your car ?

DUB

Depends on the clear used.

Personally I like to wet sand the finish the next day (depending on air temps and when I got done painting it....usually a minimum of 16 hours) and then let the clear sit 'open -cut' for a few days or out in the sun to aid in curing out.

Once again...it depends on the clear used.

But even with it being buffed out and polished and all that....I make sure that certain areas of the car are really cured out well using an infra-red heat lamp so when I go and install bumpers, mirrors, door handles, lock cylinders, antenna bezel, etc. The clear is dry enough for that...and that once again...will depend on how it was shot...type of clear, and numerous other factors. BECAUSE...just because a clear is dry enough to sand, buff and polish...does not mean it is ready for something to be bolted to it and tightened. The clear can still take an impression. And 3 months in a cold garage during the winter does not really count...the clear needs to be at least at ambient air temps....if not higher. You check for impressions when the paint is warm/hot...and not cold.....much like if it were out in the sun for hours... kinda hot...if you understand that.

DUB

Freddy76

Thank you, Dub for your quick response to this thread.

Freddy76

This is photo of my Corvette I painted on Veterans Day. It has a little dust in the paint. But ,the weather here is now very cold. I would like to cut and buff as soon as we get a decent day . Who knows when that would be!

Freddy76

Freddy76

Freddy76

Freddy76

DUB

I would leave it all masked up. When you start your wetsanding. I would blow-wipe off the paper and surfaces so no major dust and crap can fly off the paper and get under your buffing pad when buffing it.

This black is going to be fun to get to look good...and it is possible.

Job looks really good.

You should feel proud!

DUB

Freddy76

Thanks Dub, it was a long journey. But I enjoyed the ride.

Dt86

That looks great Freddy congrats!

Freddy76

Thanks. I had gotten alot of information and inspiration from forum members.

Dt86

DUB has helped me out tons, awesome guy. You're brave painting it black, I don't think I could! Best of luck and keep the pictures of your nice car coming.

929nitro

Lookin good!!

Freddy76

You guys are the best . Thanks for keeping me focused on my project.

DUB

YEAH...like you were hoping we would all go away and not give you a rest....doubtful.

We are all here to see this through.....no need in loosing focus know.
You are not 'getting off the hook' that easy.

Like I wrote before...the REAL fun is just beginning.

DUB

Freddy76

How do you buff the insides of the sail panels by the rear window ? Should I just leave it alone or try to do it by hand ?

DUB

Hate to write it.... but..... I pull out the back glass so I can buff it to the edge faster.

Either leave it...or use a a smaller diameter buffer...because they are out there (3 inch I believe with a wool pad and a foam pad)...because I have one....or do it by hand.

DUB

Freddy76

Thanks, I'll get the smaller pads. I could use the smaller pads in the scoop of the fenders also .

DUB

Do not get too 'froggy'. You have to remember that the tool can spin faster....and with it being a smaller diameter pad...you can do more damage than good if you are not careful.

There are still areas where hand polishing is needed....depending on the level of 'slick' you are wanting.

DUB