Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 2
From: Aloha, Oregon
Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done?
i posted in General section, but, no takers. my ZO6 friend says he has 'cut' his clearcoat to take all the swirls out. it entails 600 grit paper, then waxing and buffing. is it that easy? do i just go buy 600 grit and start sanding?!? what is the procedure/technique? what supplies, tools, etc. used. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 13,292
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From: Hockessin Delaware
Re: Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done? (rwj383)
I've seen it done, mostly on individual scratches, and it does work. It looks like crap after sanding, then with the polish and wax, voila, near perfect or perfect. But, I would be EXTRAORDINARILY careful, in fact I don't think I would do it personally. After reading several times about how thin the clearcoat is on our C5s, I wouldn't want to wear off any more than absolutely necessary, so I'd try some 3M swirl remover or something comparable first.
Bottom line, try other methods first, and if that doesn't work, get a pro to try it with a machine, then try wet, i.e. very wet sanding. I think even higher than 600, but I'm not sure on that. :seeya
Bottom line, try other methods first, and if that doesn't work, get a pro to try it with a machine, then try wet, i.e. very wet sanding. I think even higher than 600, but I'm not sure on that. :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,631
Likes: 3
From: Hollister and twain harte C.A
Re: Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done? (rwj383)
thats crazy :crazy:
if i was to do it , it would be wet 2000 grit only , with LOTS OF WATER and SOAP and youll still have to do ,3m after that
i did my P.U with 2000 then 3M it took me 10 hours it looks KILLER
but i would never!! use 1200 or under
:smash: GOOD LUCK
if i was to do it , it would be wet 2000 grit only , with LOTS OF WATER and SOAP and youll still have to do ,3m after that
i did my P.U with 2000 then 3M it took me 10 hours it looks KILLER
but i would never!! use 1200 or under
:smash: GOOD LUCK
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 3,514
Likes: 0
Re: Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done? (BAD 99)
600 grit shouldn't even be used to sand hardwood for final finish let alone my paint :eek:
2000 grit is plenty and even then I'd never have the stones to rub my paint with it especially since I have no idea what I am doing. Depending on how bad the swirls are a good method would be to try a swirl remover which is basically a mild abrasive which will have the same effect as the wetsand and alot safer for the paint. YOU may have to do it a few times but in the end it should look tons better.
Joe
2000 grit is plenty and even then I'd never have the stones to rub my paint with it especially since I have no idea what I am doing. Depending on how bad the swirls are a good method would be to try a swirl remover which is basically a mild abrasive which will have the same effect as the wetsand and alot safer for the paint. YOU may have to do it a few times but in the end it should look tons better.Joe
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 2
From: Aloha, Oregon
Re: Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done? (CRUZMISL)
thanks all. with your recommendations, i got 1500 and 2000grit, Meguire's Deep Crystal #2, #3, and Gold Class waxes. i fixed what i started with the 2000 grit. then applied various layers of above waxes with my orbital. so far it is looking SWEET!!! i took my time and did a very small area to see and it is going to turn out better than new, i think. if i have the 'stones' to continue, i think i can make my car look better than new. thanks for all the input.
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: ny ny
Re: Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done?
Wow 600 grit is really rough for sanding out a surface scratch. When i wet sand out scratches in the clearcoat, i use 1500 or 2000 grit. Make sure the car is perfectly clean in the affected area. Any specs of dirt will make it a nightmare. Keep fresh water over it all the time. I like 3M compound, if you use the 1500, use the brown 3M. If you use 2000, use the white 3M compound. Go easy on the sanding if you go thru the clear, you are lookin at shooting the whole panel. And with that 600, dang, be real careful. I dont think 600 will even buff out?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 230
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From: Pompano Beach Fl
Re: Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done? (rwj383)
All of the above who stated that 600 grit is too coarse are correct. I wouldn't even use 1500 if I were you. 2000 grit only if you absolutely have too. If you just want to remove spider webs and swirl marks, use 3M finishing glaze on a foam pad at low speed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,631
Likes: 3
From: Hollister and twain harte C.A
Re: Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done? (SONIC99)
I wouldn't even use 1500 if I were you. 2000 grit only if you absolutely have too. If you just want to remove spider webs and swirl marks, use 3M finishing glaze on a foam pad at low speed.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 2
From: Aloha, Oregon
Re: Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done? (BAD 99)
i will pick up some 3M tomorrow. so far, with all the Maguire stuff i have (scratch/swirl remover, Crystal polish #2, #3, Gold Class wax) i am making the area i am working in just like glass. what's messed up is that now this area is 10x smoother and shinier than rest of car!!! looks like i'll be busy a long time!!! BTW, i did start off with 600 just like my friend told me (he actually left me the sand paper) and it didnt look too good. i thought i was screwwed. luckily i had the brains to start off very light and in one direction with it. it has all polished out with 2000 and i'm turning the area into glass with the orbital and the polishers. i lucked out. i cant imagine what it will look like after a couple coats of the Gold Class. i'm taking my time and doing it right. Thanks a ton for your inputs. you all saved me. this is a great forum
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Reading PA
Re: Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done? (rwj383)
Just my .02...
To just smooth out the factory "orange peel" I would only use 2000 grit wet paper. Just be careful especially around the edges of a panel.
I've done this before on vehicles and it comes out beautiful...
Some tips, soak all your pre-cut wet paper in hot water for at least an hour before use... and use something between your fingers and the paper. 3M makes a rubber pad just for this... :flag
To just smooth out the factory "orange peel" I would only use 2000 grit wet paper. Just be careful especially around the edges of a panel.
I've done this before on vehicles and it comes out beautiful...
Some tips, soak all your pre-cut wet paper in hot water for at least an hour before use... and use something between your fingers and the paper. 3M makes a rubber pad just for this... :flag
Pro
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
Re: Detailing paint. anyone know how this is done? (rwj383)
Some hints... 2000 grit or higher. Soak the paper in water for 20 minutes before you start sanding. Soap will make it more slippery. Use LOTS of water, like a constant slow trickle from a host (cut the metal hose end off). Don't sand the edges. Use a foam sanding pad. Let the paper do the work. If you squeegy the water off with a 3M black rubber squeegy, it will show shiny spots which are the low spots and not sanded yet. Sand gently. There isn't a lot of extra clearcoat there. Tape the opposite edges with a good body shop quality 3M masking tape. Use foam buffing pads. (You might have to start with a wool pad) Buff the edges separately and really grab it tight. Wash off all buffing compound after each panel is complete (the new compounds react chemically with the paint, not just mechanically).