Keep in mind - I am not a detailer, but I consider myself fairly capable with my Porter Cable buffer on scratches. However, I was tackling a deep scratch around the left/middle section on my driver door today. I filled in the scratch 5 days ago with clear and built it up with intentions of wet sanding it down. I then read and watched videos on what to do before attempting the act. Since the scratch was only 1" long, I decided to use a rubber eraser instead of a standard sanding block which I think led to my problem do to increased pressure capability. I started with 1250 grit and finished with 2500 sandpaper. In no time, I had rubbed through my clear in a spot the size of a nickel! I am totally sick to my stomach as my car is 6 months old AND it is Palladium Silver Metallic which is probably the hardest color to match. Let alone I will probably be $500 poorer when it gets repaired. I am having thoughts on how bad it will match right now.
I can't believe I just sanded through my clear!!!!
- Thread starter bourmb
- Start date
CGdetailing
New member
Sorry about the nightmare you will be envisioning about the body shops. Is there a reason why you started with 1250 grit instead of a finer approach first?
Swanicyouth
New member
I have a policy. I'll wet sand any car out there. As long as it ain't mine.
Nth Degree
New member
Sorry to hear this.
I have a customer who says "Everything looks easy when someone else is doing it." There is also the saying "If you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur".
As a detailer, one of the most important things to know is when to say "when" and knowing the limits of possibility or, even more difficult, limits of reasonable safety.
For future endeavors I recommend testing and practicing on a scrap panel before trying on your own car or hire a pro, especially when a mistake would be devastating.
I have a customer who says "Everything looks easy when someone else is doing it." There is also the saying "If you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur".
As a detailer, one of the most important things to know is when to say "when" and knowing the limits of possibility or, even more difficult, limits of reasonable safety.
For future endeavors I recommend testing and practicing on a scrap panel before trying on your own car or hire a pro, especially when a mistake would be devastating.
Accumulator
Well-known member
bourmb- Sorry to hear this, but unfortunately it's not all that uncommon.
The 1250 didn't help, but I fear that damage was pretty much in the cards anyhow.
Note that merely thinning the clear significantly (removing *FAR* less clearcoat removal than when you actually go through) would have still been enough to precipitate failure.
Hope the paintshop does a good job.
People. Just. Shouldn't. Do. This. It really is in the category of "if you have to [ask/research online/etc.] then you should not try to do it".
The 1250 didn't help, but I fear that damage was pretty much in the cards anyhow.
Note that merely thinning the clear significantly (removing *FAR* less clearcoat removal than when you actually go through) would have still been enough to precipitate failure.
Hope the paintshop does a good job.
People. Just. Shouldn't. Do. This. It really is in the category of "if you have to [ask/research online/etc.] then you should not try to do it".
JohnKleven
New member
Silver may be hard to match, BUT if it's close to the middle of the door they only need to dust a little bit of color and clear the entire door. It may not be a huge deal in the end.