imported_Detailing Technology
03-31-2006, 09:27 AM
Is anyone interested in learning to wet sand paint? It is very easy and something you should not be afraid of if you are a detailer. I have wet sanded thousands of cars with excellent results that would blow your mind. If I get a decent response, Ill set up a doc with the data for everyone to review.
Just an introduction:
“My paint has too much orange peel, can you wet sand it flat like glass?â€
- I can get it pretty close. But you need to know that automotive clear coat has UV protectant in it that rises to the top while curing. Sanding all of the orange peel out of your finish will remove some of those protective qualities. Regular waxing will now be a necessity
“I am afraid I will sand through my clear coat and ruin my car.â€
- You can do this easily! You need to be careful and keep your eye on the sanding progress. Constantly wipe the sanded area with a squeegee and towel as you go. Apply smooth flat pressure to the paper to avoid finger marks. Keep the water clean and add a little soap to it. Don’t let the sanding residue dry on the car.
“How much paper do I need?â€
- I have sanded complete Lexus LS400’s with 3 sheets of 2000 grit 3M paper. I fold the paper in thirds and soak it for 30 minutes prior to sanding. Of course a poor quality paint job or an older finish will require more paper and coarser grit papers like 1500 and 1200. You can also use an air powered D/A with D/A sanding papers. I prefer the old school hand method; you have more control and security.
“What chemicals are involved?â€
- I use only 3M Perfect-it materials and pads for this procedure. You will also need a rotary polisher with variable speed. If you try to do this with a D/A, good luck. The slower the speed, the better the job. After sanding, I use a 3M white foam pad and Perfect-it III compound. This will get the finish free of all sanding marks and shining. You can make your own calls from here on what to use. I use 3M foam pad glaze and a black 3M foam pad for 2 passes to polish the micro scratches out. Then I use a Cyclo or a Porter Cable D/A with black or blue LC pads and some paste wax to add protection and shine.
“Why wet sand?â€
- Wet sanding is like starting over. You will get all of the imperfections out of the paint that are able to be removed. You then will be polishing a smooth even finish that will result in, if done properly, a perfect finish.
“How much do you charge to wet sand a car?â€
- I would charge $500.00 (2006 dollars) to wet sand and polish a mid-size sedan regardless of color. I would expect to take 2 to 3 hrs to sand the car and 2 hrs to polish it. There is a risk involved and you need to be compensated for it. This is a professional’s only job.
Just an introduction:
“My paint has too much orange peel, can you wet sand it flat like glass?â€
- I can get it pretty close. But you need to know that automotive clear coat has UV protectant in it that rises to the top while curing. Sanding all of the orange peel out of your finish will remove some of those protective qualities. Regular waxing will now be a necessity
“I am afraid I will sand through my clear coat and ruin my car.â€
- You can do this easily! You need to be careful and keep your eye on the sanding progress. Constantly wipe the sanded area with a squeegee and towel as you go. Apply smooth flat pressure to the paper to avoid finger marks. Keep the water clean and add a little soap to it. Don’t let the sanding residue dry on the car.
“How much paper do I need?â€
- I have sanded complete Lexus LS400’s with 3 sheets of 2000 grit 3M paper. I fold the paper in thirds and soak it for 30 minutes prior to sanding. Of course a poor quality paint job or an older finish will require more paper and coarser grit papers like 1500 and 1200. You can also use an air powered D/A with D/A sanding papers. I prefer the old school hand method; you have more control and security.
“What chemicals are involved?â€
- I use only 3M Perfect-it materials and pads for this procedure. You will also need a rotary polisher with variable speed. If you try to do this with a D/A, good luck. The slower the speed, the better the job. After sanding, I use a 3M white foam pad and Perfect-it III compound. This will get the finish free of all sanding marks and shining. You can make your own calls from here on what to use. I use 3M foam pad glaze and a black 3M foam pad for 2 passes to polish the micro scratches out. Then I use a Cyclo or a Porter Cable D/A with black or blue LC pads and some paste wax to add protection and shine.
“Why wet sand?â€
- Wet sanding is like starting over. You will get all of the imperfections out of the paint that are able to be removed. You then will be polishing a smooth even finish that will result in, if done properly, a perfect finish.
“How much do you charge to wet sand a car?â€
- I would charge $500.00 (2006 dollars) to wet sand and polish a mid-size sedan regardless of color. I would expect to take 2 to 3 hrs to sand the car and 2 hrs to polish it. There is a risk involved and you need to be compensated for it. This is a professional’s only job.