How long to wait before colorsanding?

[Anik321]

I searched this forum but maybe i do not have the right search criteria.



I just finished painting (NH1Z, gloss black) and clearcoating (4-5 decently thick coats) my 2005 CBR600RR.



- I would like to know what is the minimum amount of time I should wait before sanding and buffing to get rid of orange peel? Its already been a week for most parts.



- Will polishing too early affect gloss? (like creating haze of any sort)



- Can I sand earlier (like in just 2 days after spraying clear) and simply polish later? The clear appears to be much softer earlier then it is a week later from my experience. If this is ok I would simply be doing this to make my life of sanding a little easier.



Any input in this would be helpful. This forum has already been extremely helpful as it is.



Thank you guys.

[imported_JoshVette]

I`m no expert, but to my knowledge the clear is much softer in the first few days directly after the clear has been shot, unless you`re heat curing it then it hardens immediately.



So if you have any runs I would sand them within the first day or two of painting, but as far as removing orange peel, any time should be good after a week or so.



Buffing and polishing it out is the same.



Again I`m no painter but know a few that have basically told me the same thing I just told you.



Josh

[Envious Eric]

^^^^ i have heard the exact same thing....

[Anik321]

im no expert either but I have heard that the heat generated from buffing/polishing may damage a clearcoats gloss factor if it isnt given time to cure properly first.



sounds reasonable but then again a lot of reasonable things dont end up being true.



Just wanted a pro advice .. thats why I posted here. But yeah I plan on waiting before all parts cross the 1 week mark anyway.

[imported_advs1]

it really depends on a lot of factors, but a week is about average. try and leave it in the sun to help cure it, unless you have heat lights

[the other pc]

You should find out the exact finish and process used on your car and check the manufacturer’s manual for time to sand.



For many finishes it’s a few hours to a day or so (if they baked it) but it varies from finish to finish, manufacturer to manufacturer and with application details.



Chances are that a week is ok but you should look it up.





PC.

[Anik321]

Its a motorcycle and I have painted it myself. Please see first post.



using: Upol clearcoat S2081 and hardner S2034 (standard, not fast)

[JohnKleven]

You can sand and polish a few hours after it was painted IF you used the proper amount of hardener in the paint, and also baked it. Otherwise you`ll be waiting a while before it can be sanded and polished.







John