Integra after wetsanding and Megs

[imported_dpeezy415]

This is the SECOND time I had my car repainted since October. I feel lucky, because after the first time I wasn`t completely satisfied (Autopia ruined me!!!). Lots of sanding marks, fish eyes, swirls, etc.



The second repaint was a vast improvement. More gold pearl and overall a more "professional" job. BTW, the painter works out of his garage doing side jobs, but I trusted him to do it through the recommendation of a mutual friend.



Here is a shot of Rosita pre-wetsanding and polishing:



http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20143tn_dsc00056.jpg



Notice the gold `lines` underneath the sun. The pearl POPS, but the look isn`t very glossy or deep or wet. My job was to fix that.



This pic shows the orange peel I was dealing with. It was MUCH worse than the photo suggests:



http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20143tn_dsc00049.jpg



The painter shot an extra coat of clear for me to play with. I wanted to push my detailing skills to the limit so I was wetsanding AND using the rotary for the first time.



But not without some basic education and knowledge first. I read anything I could find on wetsanding and rotary use on different forums and searching google. I also called the Megs hotline to ask for product and pad recommendations to complete the task. I bought the Megs video and watched it a few times. Extremely helpful BTW. I would recommend it to anyone looking to do this kind of work. It is PERFECT.



After practicing a little with the wetsanding and the rotary on an old hood, I felt ready. OK maybe 80% ready. But it was now or never.



Here was my process...

1) Wetsand using 2000 Meguiar`s Unigrit Sandpaper

2) Compound with #84 Compound Power Cleaner via

Dewalt 849 and Megs burgandy pad

3) Polish with #83 DACP and a Megs burgandy pad

4) Remove hazing and swirls from DACP with #9 Swirl Remover and a Propel green pad

5) Finish with #80 Speed Glaze and a Propel Blue via PC (This final polishing did the trick. I was amazed with the look it produced. Now I know why so many here like it)



Very labor intensive work, but the results were worth it.



http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20143v2_3qtrshot2.jpg



Bootie Shot



http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20143v2_bootieshot2.jpg



Orange Peel?



http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20143v2_side_view.jpg



What Orange Peel!!!



http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20143v2_hood__psngrfndr.jpg



My Favorite shot



http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20143v2_reflections_and_wet.jpg



You can see the trees, clouds, my cousin and his yellow shirt, me and our trusty MFs in hand. Just to add, I could not have done it without my cousin`s help. He`s a more diligent worker than I am. I`ll introduce him to Autopia soon enough...



Overall a great experience. For anyone using a rotary or thinking of wetsanding I hope this helps. The rotary isn`t as nutty as most people think (but it can be). Just do your homework and ask questions.



I wanted to add that the job wasn`t without mistakes. I did burn the paint in a couple of spots but luckily they aren`t noticable. Under the sideview mirror and one on the spoiler. I`ll live with it.



I also wish I took pics of the different stages so that you guys could see what it looked like after each step. It would have been nice to do a real photoshoot instead of seeing my freaking house and neighborhood. I`ll plan it better next time for everyone.



I feel like I`ve just stepped into another world of detailing. And I`ve got a great looking car to show off my hard work.



It`s our time to SHINE...

[Project "2"]

Wow, looking good.

[JJ_]

That paint is cool, i love the finished article, did you just sand untill you were through the dimples on the orange peel?



Im tempted to do my spoiler as its bad.

[imported_dpeezy415]

Sand until the dimples are gone. Once you start you`ll see the dimples a lot more visibly.



A couple of tips:

-Sand in one direction and inspect your work frequently.

-use a lot of lube. I put a teaspoon of Gold Class Shampoo in a high volume sprayer with water.

-soak your papers. Some recommend hours before, others represent overnight. I went the safe route and soaked overnight

[SilverLexus]

Great job....paint looks very deep now. :)

[JJ_]

Have you any idea how much clear coat you removed? I really do fancy this for a summer project. I love how it looks now.

[imported_dpeezy415]

No, not sure how much clear I removed. I would need a paint thickness gauge for that type of thing. I did have three coats of clear so I`m not really concerned with it.



Is your paint a repaint or factory paint? Call Meguiar`s and they`ll tell you what grit sandpaper to use for it. They`re really helpful. I used 2000 grit, so if it`s factory then a finer grit would be necessary.

[X-Trail]

Looks Awesome. GREAT JOB

[JJ_]

its factory paint, ill give them a phone and see what they advise. thanks.

[J.J.]

Very impressive! Nice shots



JJ

[hirosh]

nice job. and nice paint job. :xyxthumbs

[vdog0531]

that must feel very rewarding. that hint of gold is very interesting and unique. good looking vehicle you got there. nice work!



Vernon