Wet sanding/buffing etc.
 

Just looking to get some feedback from those experienced in paint detailing. I bought my 03Z this past Memorial day weekend with 20K on the clock and the car has been a complete joy from day one. And even though it has been a GQ it still has some minor imperfections that my better half thanks I am crazy to let bother me :crazy2: So even though I can spin wrenches with no problems I have only dabbled in the fine art of big time paint care. So I am looking at possibly having the car wet sanded, buffed and all that goes with it done on an up coming week of vacation. SO can anyone tell me what I could expect to pay someone/shop that knows their s*** to do this? Just looking into it looks like there would be more "tools" needed to do it right than I want to invest in for a possible one time deal. Just looking for some great CF info here :thumbs: thanks

I doubt the entire car would need to be wet sanded unless it was in really rough shape. A top notch detail should run between $100 and $300. Depends on where you take it.

This is true. Like I said just some minor stuff. Mostly around the rocker panels and the normal chips on the front bumper etc. I was really just hoping to improve on the GM paint job by making it look "wet" when dry if that makes sence ? Like I mentioned I can swap a cam and springs in an afternoon no problem but sorta out of my element here :D

The Clearcoat is quite thin, Unless there is a real issue with the cars paint you better off leaving well enough alone. It can be done but it sounds like the look you want will take more clear.

Of course you can go into Car Care Discussion with this. I can recommend Eric Witt:

http://www.trushinedetailing.com/Det..._Services.html

Did a fantastic job on my car.

Start w/ a claybar treatment,sealer & wax. Its an easy diy.

Yeah I have heard that more than once also. I do know if you go through the clear coat you are fubared :willy:

Thanks, will check it out :thumbs:

Have a good paint correction detail done and then finish it with a nice cermaic coating.

Will run you about $500-700 for everything.

Try this first:

Wash car with dish soap ( will strip old wax)
Clay bar
Cleaner wax- Buff off (1-2 coats)
Shine wax- Buff off (1-2 coats)

Using buffer. Mine turned out nice with that process and I have an 01 Z with 63K on it.
Takes about 3-4 hours total but wow what a difference.


Not the best pic ( From cell phone then uploaded to Photobucket) No pro job but looks great IMO for an 01 with 63k miles. I do have chips which need to be touched up behind front fender that you can see in pic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...2612090145.jpg

Another Cell phone pic. Look wet?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...-42-05_335.jpg

I would not recommend trying to wet sand the whole car. If you want a wet look, I suggest you first try using a product like Meguiar's Quick Detail (I think that is the name). It is a spray glaze product I use. It goes on very easy and gives a wet look. It ony lasts for a week or so if you car is stored indoors. You can do a whole car in less than 10 minutes. I paint my own cars which are finally wet sanded and buffed. This product makes my show finishes look even better.

I think I have tried the Mequires quick detail and had some success but I am just trying to get the best look I possibly can without respraying the car obviously.

I guess my real question is with a clear coated car, other than clay baring etc. is/does buffing with some type of compound really make a difference?

Your car looks great, do you do side work ?:D

Any recomendations on who ?

Yes it will remove all the swirls and make a massive difference.

Thanks! Again im no pro but have done a few cars on side.

With my basic process:

Dish soap strips old wax and cleans surface. Bug and tar remover is also useful here in problem areas such as front bumper.

Next the Clay Bar gets items stuck in clear coat etc out such as over spray and stuff ( if needed)

Cleaner wax with buffer removes swirls ( Adams and other companies also have swirl correction compounds in severe cases)

Top coat wax with buffer deepens shine

Detailer keeps shine fresh :D

Best of luck. Adams who is actually a site sponsor makes some good stuff. Their detailer is best Ive ever used :thumbs:

Also if your car is black those Black detail sprays do work nicely

Where did the swirls come from?

I will add that the selling dealer attempted to remove a scuff above the rear right wheel well by wet sanding, and it was plainly and painfully visible. Eric made it go away (he did not wet sand).

That is what scares me about wet sanding is getting under the clear coat. You watch some of these shows on the Velocity channel and they make it look so easy :D

Thanks for the feedback guys !