Wetsanding

[cvcaelen]

Those who read my review of the BO6040 ( BO6040-review part2 ) know that I have a hood to test things on.
The center part was my test area for wet-sanding.I have never done this before, but learned a lot since then .

The sanding paper = Picture 1:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showp...papass=&sort=1

Picture 2: after sanding:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showp...papass=&sort=1

I let the sanding paper soak in plain water for a half hour.
With a sponge I wet the area to be sanded, as I was sanding, the surface dries, therefor I held a spritz-bottle with a soapy mix(just like claying) to wet the area again.
I folded the sandingpaper around a kitchen sponge to get a better grip and for better distributing the "force".
I think a rubber sanding block would have been better still, for a more even finish.

Picture 3:compounding:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showp...papass=&sort=1

After drying the surface you need to compound to get the sanding marks out: 3M fine cut with wool pad (Makita-wool pad)
As you can see there is a haze left by the compound.
Perfectly normal.

Picture 4: polishing:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showp...papass=&sort=1

To get the compounding haze out you need to polish: 3M machine polish, and Megiuars polishing pad
the apearance improves greatly.

Picture 5:glazing
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showp...papass=&sort=1

Glazed this hood starts to look like something "Autopian", allthough you can clearly see scratches wich go straight through the clear

Picture 6: the result after waxing:
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showp...papass=&sort=1

After Meguiars Gold Class paste wax: shows that imperfections (scratches) are not hidden with waxing
That's about the best I could get that hood


What have I learned?
I have learned that wetsanding isn't something to be afraid off, providing you use the wright steps in the wright order, this is VERRY agressive , and will surely take alot of clear away, but sometimes something as abrasive as this might be nececeary(sp?)

Christiaan

[Lowejackson]

Excellent article

The before and after pics are amazing.

Steven

[cvcaelen]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay OT:
Hi , Lowejackson
Congrats on your 1000th post the night before your wedding
= for tomorrownight?

On topic: thanks for the heads up

Christiaan

[theveed]

Great post dude...

I wetsanded my hood a year and a half ago and I love how it looks now...

[cvcaelen]

Looking mighty good

Christiaan

[green]

cvcaelen: did you use your Makita orbital to conpound, polish and glaze the wetsanded areas? I always thought you needed a rotary to remove sanding marks.

theveed: where'd you get fine grit sandpaper here in the phils?

[theveed]

Green: You can get them in car paint stores. Simex has them as well but of course they overpriced it a little, but it's still cheap at P20 a piece... compared to the outrageous UniGrit papers.

[cvcaelen]

Originally posted by green
cvcaelen: did you use your Makita orbital to conpound, polish and glaze the wetsanded areas? I always thought you needed a rotary to remove sanding marks.

theveed: where'd you get fine grit sandpaper here in the phils?

Yes, I did,

the Makita has not the speed of a rotary, but with it's forced rotation and a 750Watts motor(you can put pressure on the orbital) and some time, it works
Mind you, the hood was BNR(beyond normal repair )but I could get the most of the scratches out.
The sanding marks were completely removed with the compound
Machine polisch could be buffed to a high shine.

If only the freezing would stop so I can give my car "the treatment"

Christiaan

[theveed]

Originally posted by cvcaelen
If only the freezing would stop so I can give my car "the treatment"

Christiaan

Bah Chris... you're hard core enough to treat your car even if the weather is chilly...

[cvcaelen]

Originally posted by theveed
Bah Chris... you're hard core enough to treat your car even if the weather is chilly...

minus 4 centigrade at noon realy is a tat too cold,
this week-end however we'll have a heatwave:8 Centigrade

Christiaan

[ByndCln]

All I can say is wow .
Great step by steps, now I am tempted
Not that good yet though.
maybe on a beater

[MildSeven]

interesting thread!

I have lots of swirls that I couldn't get rid of with DACP,#9+pc.
I wasn't happy with the result of DACP and wondering if I should try wetsanding this time. Do you think it'll work? I'm too scared to use wetsanding