Sealer sand-throughs
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 233
Likes: 17
From: Macon GA
Sealer sand-throughs
Getting ready to paint my 78 and was wondering if I need to reseal a few minor sand-throughs in the sealer. Because of a family emergency I was unable to shoot base coat in a timely manner so I had to sand the sealer. Also had to cut a few spots of orange peel. The sand-throughs are very small and all are along fender edges, door edges, and tail light holes. None along the body/fender lines or in the body panels. Sand-throughs are VERY small. No bigger than 1 ½ inch long and 1/16 wide. Small but they are there. Color will be non-metallic Torch Red followed by three coats of clear. Do I need to go back and reseal the sand throughs?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 2,304
From: Central UT
Hi Triton, congrats on having your C3 ready to shoot! I used to belong to the ISCA and the cars we showed were all restored, bodywork, and painted by me. One of the things I learned was preparation is the key to a great paint job. Even though the areas are small, I would definitely re-blend them before shooting the car. I can't think of anything that could be more frustrating than sanding scratches showing thru later, or paint lifting in a small area because of adhesion issues. I know you're excited now that all of the work you've done is about to really show - but I wouldn't let the enthusiasm overrule the last few prep steps that could come back to haunt. Best of luck, and show us some pics when you're done! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
You could post this in the paint and body section and get some more responses.
I am not a professional painter, but have painted some cars.
I never like to apply base coat over any areas that were sanded thru any type of paint layer. I have done that, and unless the first coat is sprayed very dry, the edges of the sand thru, can raise up from the paint reducer.
I would spray any sand thru’s with sealer, wait the needed drying time, then lightly sand the edges to knock down any orange peel.
Then start spraying the base coat.
I am not a professional painter, but have painted some cars.
I never like to apply base coat over any areas that were sanded thru any type of paint layer. I have done that, and unless the first coat is sprayed very dry, the edges of the sand thru, can raise up from the paint reducer.
I would spray any sand thru’s with sealer, wait the needed drying time, then lightly sand the edges to knock down any orange peel.
Then start spraying the base coat.
Last edited by mark79,80; Jul 31, 2019 at 01:30 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 2,304
From: Central UT
Hi Triton, yes, you can 'spot' in your sealer. Remember the real purpose of what you used a sealer for in the first place - it's a final check to ensure that the surface has no issues, no bleed thru's, no fish-eyes, etc. - to seal the work and give you a great adhering surface for the color coats. Now that the sealer has had time to sit, please read the instructions on your sealer can and your base coat cans to ensure you follow every direction they give. If you have any additional questions it's always good to check with your paint supplier - they are experts at the type of materials you are using and will give you good advise. Make sure your sealer coat is free of any contaminants, tack it, and have fun. All your work is about to pay off!
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